Meet filmmaker Flavia Casa, formely of Paris and New York, currently living in London.
Seeing as you don’t live in Los Angeles how did you end up joining Brits in LA?
I am a mix of American and European: I grew up in NYC, but born in Paris to Italian and Turkish parents. I went to the UK for my masters, and then made my first feature film, Beautiful in the Morning, in London.
After principal photography, I collaborated with producer Gabrielle Kelly who is from the UK but lives in Los Angeles. I met her when I was doing an internship in Cannes 10 years ago. We have a wonderful long-distance Director/Producer relationship, which lends itself perfectly to our international upbringing and work. We embrace both the European and American cultures which is present in our film practice: she is a global educator programmer, and I made a movie about a bilingual young girl having to get used to a new home. Gabrielle is a Brit in LA, and so is our lead actor Jack Loy. So, I am one by association.
Have you ever visited Los Angeles – if so we would love to hear what your impression of LA is?
While London is my home for now, I did have a brief stint in LA and the experience was cut short due to work pulling me back to NYC. I had bought a one-way ticket to LA, and I left it definitely curious for more, and often wonder what would have happened if I’d moved back there, rather than eventually go the other way to the UK. Would I have made my first feature, and how different would it have been to my now quintessentially British production?
Do you think you could ever see yourself moving to LA, if not tell us what keeps you in London?
I do dream about the nature and laidback lifestyle of LA. I would like to return, this time for much longer than a few weeks. London is great, but I grew up in America and I miss the sense of freedom (which is both challenging and exciting) that the US offers. Spending quality time in LA is definitely on my path.
Do you have a hidden gem in London that you want to share with us?
For Londoners it’s not so special, but Hampstead Heath is my favorite place in London. The North London park is so wild, tucked away in a beautiful little village with old pubs, cafés, and shops. It’s a magical place, and English poets and painters used to live there. When (if) I leave London, this little oasis of nature will be sorely missed. Thankfully we shot our film there, and this dramatic & beautiful landscape gave a unique quality to our story.
Why would you recommend other overseas readers joining Brits in LA?
Our world is getting smaller, and more global. Film is about connecting with the world around you, so embracing two cultures/film hubs will only expand your point of view and make you a stronger storyteller.
Tell us more about what you are up to at the moment?
Yes! My first feature film, Beautiful in the Morning, had its world premiere in LA earlier this month. It was the opening film of LA Femme International Film Festival. Coming up next is the UK premiere, so Brits in LA members, tell those back home to come along! It is screening in collaboration with Hackney Picturehouse on October 30th and 7th November at 7pm. Q&As with the filmmakers will follow. You can grab your tickets at www.caritasfilms.com/bitm.
The film has already won 3 Awards: Best UK Actor (Jack Loy), Best UK Actress (Janine Birkett), and Best Supporting Actor (Mark Wingett). It has another 3 Nominations: Best Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Music.
It is a coming-of-age drama about a young girl who reconnects with the women in her family in a British seaside town, only for her loyalties to be tested by the arrival of a stranger. The film explores the inner desires and contradictions that women face today.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Lead by example. I feel like when I made my feature it was really important to treat people the way I’d want to be treated. To do the work as well as delegate. To let your team know that they can rely on you. To be generous whenever possible. To make them feel important and that their ideas matter. And if you’re having a good time, everyone is.
Lastly, how can we find you on the Internet?
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @Caritas_Films
Or on Facebook: facebook.com/caritasfilms
