Funded Filmmaker Showcase: Bridget Barbara
Bridget Barbara has had her work funded by The Film Fund, so we asked her some questions about filmmaking and independent funding.
You can check out her work on Instagram and YouTube at the links below.
Instagram: @thecuriousworld
YouTube: youtube.com/thecuriousworld
If you’re looking to fund your own project, head over to our funding opportunities page.
Why do you write, direct, or produce?
I write, direct and produce because I feel I have an inherent need to create, and I am irrevocably drawn to tales, stories, characters, and everything make-believe, whether it reflects real life or is pure escapism.
Who are some of your favorite auteurs, and which of them inspire you the most? How?
I’ve always been a fan of Sofia Coppola, who inspires me not just as a woman in the industry, or by the many layered portrayals of women in her films, but also in general through the distinct feel her films tend to convey.
What’s your toughest challenge when raising funding for a film project?
Navigating the world of funding, whether it’s investments or grants or something else, is very daunting at first, and it requires a lot of research, effort, and confidence. Confidence, for someone just starting out, can be a bit wobbly at times. But it’s important to remember: The worst they can say is no. And then you just move onto the next!
What are you working on right now?
The beginning of this year marked the end of a short festival run of my latest short film, “The Shadow.” Since then I have been finishing up the script and pre-production stage of my next short film (for which The Film Fund is providing assistance!), as well as writing a pilot and feature. I am also steadily working on videos for my YouTube channel.
What do you like about The Film Fund?
The Film Fund application process took away all of the stresses of applying for funding. In a sea of hurdles and paperwork, this was a breath of fresh air.
What’s your advice for filmmakers who are just starting their careers?
Don’t wait for someone else to give you opportunities. Start creating, no matter how low your budget needs to be. Invaluable experience comes from doing. My first short film taught me as much about what not to do as it did about what to do!
If you need funding so you can start creating—or continue creating—check out The Film Fund’s straightforward funding opportunities.
