WomenCinemakers vol V WomenCinemakers vol V | Page 8

Up On
The Roof
that dualism on the screen to create a
perceptive• and compelling film that does not
try to be preachy or melodramatic.
Ultimately, I wanted the film to capture
something of the poetry and charm in life
and relationships - striking a balance
between the•
lyrical and the gritty,
interweaving moments of stillness with the
spontaneity and disarray of youth.
The plot of Up on the Roof is simple, yet
the implications of its characters’
emotions are profound. How did you
develop the script of your film?
Throughout development, it was always
about• subtly; i.e. less is more. I believe in
showing not telling. The film’s strength lies
in its inference,• where we load moments
that we’re also• throwing away.• Through
nuanced performances, I wanted the film• to
come alive in the powerful moments• the
characters share with each other.
Michael Matias and Maisie Williams (from
‘Game of Thrones’) were excellent in this
film. Can you explain the director/actor
relationship during the shooting?
I• was extremely blessed to find such
talented young actors to bring the story to
life. I spent a very long time casting the lead
but casting truly is 80% of the process, and
once I found the right actors who understood
their characters we built a relationship of
trust and they nailed it. We had a day of
rehearsals and on set it was just a matter of
small tweaks here and there to ensure I was
getting the emotional beats I was after. They
both took direction so well and we• really just
had a laugh• throughout• shooting -• it was
so much fun working with young people with
so much energy who were also very
professional and committed. It• certainly
helped that we were shooting on a rooftop
in the sunshine, which is rare for the UK!