Episode 6: ‘Unpacking’ Representation on Film
Women are 50.5% of the US population. According to a recent Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film report, women accounted for only 18% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, editors, and cinematographers. If we go deeper into the data, we find that 38% of films employed 0 or 1 woman in the abovementioned roles.
Representation by women both behind and in front of the camera remains an opportunity to ensure a more equitable presentation of stories by women for women. In the latest podcast episode, we talk with two filmmakers, Michal Sinnott and Alexandra Clayton, who made 'Unpacking,' a film that explores the radical transformation and the reality of life.
Michal and Alexandra discuss the making of the film, leveraging a cooperative approach to funding and production, and reflect on their experiences navigating a male-dominated industry. Both voice important issues such as lack of diversity and representation, inherent industry obstacles, and the potential for change. They also share insights from their experiences in filmmaking and life, discussing the importance of courage, resilience, invincibility, and authenticity in the creative process.
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Show Notes
Michal Sinnott is an award-winning, classically trained storyteller. Michal has appeared in dozens of plays and over fifty principal/starring roles for radio, television, and film with companies/institutions as diverse as ABC, Sundance, and The Whitney Museum of American Art. She’s best known as the performance capture artist for Tracey De Santa, one of the main characters in the billion-dollar video game Grand Theft Auto V.
Alexandra Clayton is a writer/director whose work leans into the earnest and awkward experience of being human. She’s directed, written, and creatively produced features, shorts, web series, and branded and documentary content for the last 10 years. Films she's held lead roles in have screened around the world and streamed on Amazon and Kinoscope. A grounded optimist who thrives in creating original work, Alexandra believes the stories we tell create the culture we live in.
'Unpacking,’ their first narrative feature as a co/writer-director-producer-actor is currently on the festival circuit, where it’s screened at 21 festivals across the globe, including Cinequest, and won 15 awards, including Best of the Fest, Best Ensemble, and Audience Choice.
Talking Points in this Episode:
Michal and Alexandra discuss the Importance of authentic representation in film and how stories written and produced for women by women can challenge stereotypes and represent women in ways they are often captured on screen.
Lessons learned from filmmaking that fuel personal growth, including the power of a collective set-up to support and nurture the creative process.
The making of 'Unpacking’ and the importance of representation in all roles to enhance storytelling.
And more…
More About Michal Sinnott & Alexandra Clayton:
Unpacking Trailer: Watch now
Movie Website: http://unpackingmovie.com
Michal’s Website: michalsinnott.com
Alexandra’s Website: www.alexandraclayton.com
Instagram: @michalsinnott | @xanclayton | @unpackingmovie
Transcript
[00:00:00] More Elephant Intro
[00:00:35] Jason Rudman: Welcome to the latest More Elephant podcast. And I'm really excited about this one. I say that every time, that I'm really excited.
I am joined by two filmmakers, Michal Sinnott and Alexandra Clayton, who are makers of a really fascinating film that is called ‘Unpacking.’ The subtitle to the movie is Bring Your Baggage, so you can probably already tell that we're going to have a really, really fascinating conversation.
What I was really intrigued about. when I learned the story of Unpacking and then Michal and Alexandra's personal stories, is this idea of talking about women and representation in film. And, this conversation is about women creating and telling stories for and about women. So, Michal and Alexandra. Welcome. Thrilled that you're here.
[00:01:48] Alexandra: Thank you so much. We're thrilled to be here.
[00:01:52] Michal: I love this topic. It's such an important topic.
