Molly Haddon is a Sydney based filmmaker who recently completed her first feature film – The Longest Weekend. The film follows three scattered siblings who find themselves living under the same roof when their estranged father comes back into their lives. The film was officially selected in the Sydney Film Festival and Darwin International Film Festival. Molly and I discuss her process, tools on set and the future of Australian filmmaking. Read on for more.
The Longest Weekend
I heard you talk about how covid helped you get the film written. I was just wondering what specifically this writing process and period with Jordan looked like.
“I worked with Jorrden on the story. We went to film school together and had done a couple of short films and had always talked about doing a feature. Jordan had written a few scripts but none that had connected with me (she loves horror films). I took an idea to her that could work for a small budget. The biggest tool we had was Jordan and her tenacity and her ability to sit down and just write. So get yourself a Jordan!”
On set, do you have tools / methods you use to work through problems and keep stress levels low?
“I would say your ability to work with people is your biggest tool. You also need to make sure people know they are being heard. So, if you can’t give them what they want, at least you can listen.”
Is there a specific way / language you use to talk with actors?
“I came from an acting background and have done a fair bit of theatre. You get a sense of what an actor is like, how they work and what they need from you, and I just cater to that.”
Where do you stand on set?
“I was on a shoot last week and it came up a bit. They would put the monitors far away. I need to be able to move between the screen and the actors / artist. I have to be in the room and feel it in the space. Sometimes it’s quicker to not call cut, give a small note and let them keep going.”
Music Videos
How do you work with an artist? Do you like control or is it more of a collaboration?
“It’s a product honestly. Most of the artists I’ve worked with have been independent and using their own money. I don’t want to deliver something that they aren’t happy with. I don’t want them to feel like they are missing something. Although I try and work with people whose vision aligns with my own. So, while I cater the music video to the artist and their music, you can see my themes throughout.”
General
Favourite films and filmmakers
“There are a lot of filmmakers whose work I love. I am not looking to recreate their careers though. I love Wes Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos and directors who have a particular style. Michelle Gondry and Greta Gerwig as well.”
Advice for younger filmmakers?
“The journey is different for different people. Especially different genders and nationalities. Don’t take what somebody else did as the gospel of how to get there. It won’t be like that for anyone else. When you come out of film school there is a big gap between where you are and where you want to be. It just takes time and practice.”
I heard you say that you are sick of bleak and dark Australian films. Do you want the Australian film scene to move in a different direction and what is that?
“There is a certain era of Australian films that I find really bleak and depressing. I wanted The Longest Weekend to leave people with a sense of hope.”
“Cord Jefferson at the Oscars said something that I have felt myself for a while now. Even a $200million film is a risk so why not make 100 $2million films. The Australian film scene is very risk averse. There was a time when Australian cinema was world renowned. They weren’t always the most highbrow films, but they were unique.”
What is next for you?
“I have a few projects in the works at the moment. But in the meantime, I have been back to my roots and working in the theatre. It can make for a nice change as the whole process is often over in six months or less, whereas the making of a film can take years. I prefer to keep working creatively whenever I can.” “I have a few projects in the works at the moment. But in the meantime, I have been back to my roots and working in the theatre. It can make for a nice change as the whole process is often over in six months or less, whereas the making of a film can take years. I prefer to keep working creatively whenever I can.”
Watch The Longest Weekend below!
https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=HBGLugDh40g.P