THE INTERVIEW
September, 2023
CHRISTIAN ELLIOT
&
ELLE GINTER
DIRECTORS OF THE SEASIDE
BEST ACTRESS
Christian, tell us a little more about yourself. Where did your desire to be a director come from? What is your route?
I began as a musician, honing my storytelling skills through music and visuals. However, my passion for addressing urgent social issues, particularly ending modern-day slavery, led me to explore various creative avenues. Collaborating with directors like Bruce McDonald, I gained valuable insights into filmmaking. In 2015, I decided to direct myself.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked on projects that entertain and inspire change. I’ve been associated with A21, a global leader in combating modern slavery, for a decade. Learn more at a21.org.
The film is a co-directorial. Can you tell us about your meeting with Elle and this desire to share this project together.
The decision to co-direct this film with Elle was driven by the project’s deeply personal nature. I recognized the importance of capturing a female perspective, and Elle’s talent and insights made her the ideal partner. Collaborating with her has been a joy, as we share a vision and complement each other’s strengths. Elle’s contributions have enriched the project, ensuring it tells a powerful and emotionally resonant story. Our partnership has been both enlightening and fulfilling, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
What is your background ?
Born in London, UK, I embarked on a journey that began with music and evolved into a dynamic career. Along the way, I’ve orchestrated major global campaigns that have touched the lives of billions. My creative endeavours include writing and directing over 25 films, producing numerous shows and events, and earning a track record in creative executive development.
Is it not too hard to work with another director on the same film, what is your working method?
Co-directing can indeed present its challenges, as it involves syncing creative minds. However, Elle and I have a working method that made our collaboration seamless.
Before the shoot, we engaged in extensive conversations, ensuring we were on the same page creatively. We meticulously outlined the shots we aimed to capture together, relying heavily on a well-structured storyboard. This detailed approach left little room for interpretation and provided a solid foundation for our collaboration.
Of course, even with careful planning, slight differences in our approaches were inevitable. Surprisingly, we discovered that these distinctions actually strengthened the overall project. Elle brought unique perspectives and skills to the table that complemented my own, creating a richer and more diverse cinematic experience.
Our collaboration was remarkably smooth, marked by minimal disagreements. In fact, it turned out to be a fabulous and rewarding creative journey.
Angela Nedyalkova won the Best Actress at the RED MOVIE AWARDS what does that symbolize?
Angela’s portrayal of her character, with a deep understanding of the complexities of abuse and torment, was truly outstanding. Throughout the shoot, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering dedication and professionalism. Despite facing challenging conditions, Angela never once complained and consistently delivered a stellar performance.
This award symbolizes not only Angela’s individual achievement but also the collaborative effort and artistic excellence that went into the film. It highlights her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her roles, ultimately enriching the cinematic experience for audiences and earning her well-deserved recognition in the industry. I’m incredibly proud of her accomplishment, and it was undeniably one of the highlights of our project.
The subject of your film is strong, it deals with prostitution, how did you work with the actors?
Working with the actors on this film was a process guided by both professionalism and empathy. We provided them with in-depth research materials on human trafficking to ensure a deep understanding of their characters. Open and honest communication was encouraged throughout, creating a safe space for them to explore the complexities of their roles.
Our film’s primary purpose was to raise awareness about human trafficking in Bulgaria. It is currently being nationally broadcast in various formats and places, with a strong focus on promoting the national trafficking hotline. Within a week of its launch, the hotline received numerous calls, leading to rescues and assistance for those in need. Our hope is that the film will continue to deter potential victims from accepting job offers far from home.
Our film’s primary purpose was to raise awareness about human trafficking in Bulgaria. It is currently being nationally broadcast in various formats and places, with a strong focus on promoting the national trafficking hotline. Within a week of its launch, the hotline received numerous calls, leading to rescues and assistance for those in need. Our hope is that the film will continue to deter potential victims from accepting job offers far from home.
What was the biggest challenge of the film?
The biggest challenges we faced during the production of the film were undoubtedly budget constraints and time limitations. This project was just one of three we were simultaneously working on, including a music video titled “Breath” inspired by “the seaside” and an anthem for the film, written by Troy and Teyanna Miller. We also had another film in progress, “City of Ghosts,” which received the “Best Director” award at RED this year.
Juggling multiple projects simultaneously can be demanding, and we often found ourselves pushing the limits of what we could handle. However, it’s through these challenges and our commitment to pushing ourselves that we discovered the true potential of our work. It’s said that you find gold when you dig deeper, and that’s precisely what we did. Despite the constraints, we managed to create something exceptional and impactful.
Juggling multiple projects simultaneously can be demanding, and we often found ourselves pushing the limits of what we could handle. However, it’s through these challenges and our commitment to pushing ourselves that we discovered the true potential of our work. It’s said that you find gold when you dig deeper, and that’s precisely what we did. Despite the constraints, we managed to create something exceptional and impactful.
What is your next project?
My most recent endeavor took me to Cambodia, where I undertook the challenge of shooting two demanding films back-to-back within a span of just 10 days. The production days were grueling, often lasting 12-19 hours, but necessary as we had an extensive amount of material to capture, employing a multi-cam setup to ensure efficiency.
The subject matter of these films aligns with my commitment to addressing critical issues. The first film, “Promised,” delves into the distressing reality of forced pregnancy among Cambodian girls who are lured to China under the false promise of employment, driven by a significant gender imbalance. The second film, titled “Lost Innocence,” explores the harrowing story of a young girl who becomes a victim of predators on the dark web, as they seek to exploit her by selling her explicit images to participants on a sinister online forum.
Both projects were undertaken in collaboration with A21 and the Government of Cambodia, with the primary goal of raising awareness and sounding the alarm on these pressing issues within Cambodia. It’s been a challenging yet deeply meaningful experience, and I’m eager to see the impact these films will have in shedding light on these critical matters.
The subject matter of these films aligns with my commitment to addressing critical issues. The first film, “Promised,” delves into the distressing reality of forced pregnancy among Cambodian girls who are lured to China under the false promise of employment, driven by a significant gender imbalance. The second film, titled “Lost Innocence,” explores the harrowing story of a young girl who becomes a victim of predators on the dark web, as they seek to exploit her by selling her explicit images to participants on a sinister online forum.
Both projects were undertaken in collaboration with A21 and the Government of Cambodia, with the primary goal of raising awareness and sounding the alarm on these pressing issues within Cambodia. It’s been a challenging yet deeply meaningful experience, and I’m eager to see the impact these films will have in shedding light on these critical matters.
