Filmmaker Profile: Lee Eddy
Lee Eddy
Lee Eddy is an Austin, Texas-based writer, actor, and first-time filmmaker. Her recent acting credits include a lead role in Richard Linklater’s ‘Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood,’ and supporting roles in Mo Amer’s A24/Netflix comedy series ‘Mo,’ Amazon Prime’s series ‘Panic,’ Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ Upcoming credits include featured roles in Macon Blair’s ‘The Toxic Avenger,’ and starring in her directorial debut with the original short film 'You're Invited to Tuscan's 5th Birthday Party!'
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?
I am a mid-40s mother of two kids, ages 10 and 6. (Yay!) After my second child was born, I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety (Boo.) So, I began therapy. (Yay…?) When I learned the term disenfranchisement grief in a session -- it’s “when you feel a loss that is not supported by society as something to publicly grieve” -- I was inspired to tell the story of my own Mom Life Crisis. I sat down and wrote it in a day and a half. It first existed as a 30-minute one-woman show that I performed at a couple of local theater festivals. The response I received from audience members (not just parents) was overwhelming and after ended up in tearful exchanges.... so I knew it was something that resonated with others.
How do you want people to feel after they see your film?
It is meant to be a comedy piece, but writing comedy is a way for me to process Big Life Stuff. My hope is that with the (fingers crossed) laughter, the audience feels like can open up themselves a bit to receive the story. And once they're open to trusting where the story is going, then *the heart* of what's the main character confesses is more easily absorbed because we've been on a roller coaster with her and this is the final drop. But instead of leaving them with a gut punch, there's more comedy at the end so you feel like you got a delicious treat with a hard nut in the middle. (So many metaphors.)
What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?
I'm a first time filmmaker and broke lots of rules that you probably shouldn't do with your first film: work with animals, work with children, write/direct/producer/star in the piece, etc. I cried a bunch during the pre-production because it was a really big risk (emotionally/financially) to put my story into the world and Who The Fuck Did I Think I Was to make it? I got over that as soon as we were in production week and adored the entire process thereafter. (TL/DR: Self Doubt).
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
I've been in front of the camera acting in other people's original works for over two decades. Finally, at my mid-40s, I realized, "Oh. Wait. I can make my own short film."
What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?
Being vulnerable and authentic feels like something I'll always strive for in my future films and scripts.
What’s the last book you read?
Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of AIRPLANE -- an autobiographical telling of how the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams "got away" with making AIRPLANE.
Early bird or night owl?
Afternoon Anteater
Lee Eddy’s Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series.
