We interviewed Olivia Haller (Screenwriter) and Erin Thomas (Director) of [Subtext] short, because of the American Pavilion "Emerging Filmmakers" program at Cannes 2024.
What is about?
[Subtext] is a short film. That is about two people on a first date who speak their subtext, their thoughts out loud. But the other character doesn't hear it. Only the audience hears it. Then there's an event that happens in the middle of the date that makes them say what they're really thinking, but I won't tell you what it is.
The Interview
Hi, Olivia, Erin, I am Fran from Spanglish Cinema, nice to meet you. Which was the inspiration for this story?
It came from a time in my life when I was new to Los Angeles (California), and I was meeting a lot of new people and trying to sort of put on this front, like, why am I impressed to talk to you? Like, why would you care about me? And like, thinking of all these reasons, like these good things about myself. But then I found that the more that I was open honest and vulnerable with people, that's when I made genuine connections. And I was like when at the times when I was like, oh, I'm actually really stressed about this or I'm anxious about this, people will be like, me too. And so, that is I think like by we're all going through something. So, opening up about what we're going through helps us to heal and move on and connect.
How did you find the director for your story?
Well, we met in a writer's group. I was new to LA, so I had gotten connected to this really great writer's group, and Aaron had co-written this feature script that I really liked. I was just like, I need to meet this person. Like, she seems cool. And then when we met up, she told me that she wanted, um, to direct something new and did I write any short films? And I was like, no, but I would like to write one. I would like to make a short film. So, we just started, I showed her a script and we started collaborating and workshopped it. The rest is history.
How was it for you to receive this story?
I'm just thinking now as I hear this, like how crazy it is, how one lunch can kind of like change your life, right? And, just like, I'm like, how important it is to just kind of say what you're looking for, because if I had not said that we might not be here right now. with, the script itself, I resonated. I resonated with the deeper themes of it.
[Subtext], has a really big twist in it where the film starts in a certain sort of pattern that you feel like, oh, I've seen this film before. This is a fun, cute kind of gimmick, but it's but I'm having a good time. But then Olivia was just such a brilliant writer and subverts that with this sort of twist that takes you into deeper meaning. And, I was attracted to that aspect of the film, and then I knew that the first part of the film would just be really fun. I was attracted to the challenge of this film from an execution standpoint, and I was also attracted to the deeper meanings and the surprise, the deeper meanings, the things that you don't think are going to come out.
And how do you receive the news that you're going to be at Cannes?
I was at work, and we got a call. The call from Monica or we got an email from Monica, and Aaron was like, we got to call her. So, then we like, get on the phone and I'm like, at my desk at work. Like, I'm going to go to can everybody like, sorry. Everybody is like, yeah, you are.
And how important has been the program of the American Pavilion also in this kind of visualization of your work?
I'm grateful for the American pavilion. For one, this is my second time screening here, and so it feels good to be supported by them. I think that the one-second. Sorry. Crazy. I mean, I'm grateful for the American Pavilion and what they're doing here. I am an alumnus. I benefit from the fact that there is an alumni program, which is wonderful because it allows me to come back and build upon the connections that I made the previous time I was here. I also know that you know can while it shows so many wonderful films, it is a bit of an insider club. And the American Pavilion is creating opportunities for Americans, particularly people that have somewhat commercial, like commercially viable pieces to come to France and have, to come with an actual screening, which elevates your networking, which makes the whole experience of being here more fruitful. So, I'm very grateful. I also last year and this year I'm seeing wonderful films here. It's lovely to connect with someone and then see their film and say like, wow, I'm you're amazing. Let's like, let's do something together.
And what are your hopes for your movie for [Subtext]
My hope for subtext is that people would first enjoy it, just view it as an audience member, and fully engage in it as a viewer. I hope that as they reflect upon it afterward, they recognize that it's quite a difficult movie to put together. You have actors responding because the acting is reacting, but these actors are reacting to lines that wouldn’t make sense for their character. And I think when you break the movie down, it took a like, I couldn't have made this movie ten years ago, probably not even five years ago, to the level of success it's been now. So, for me, what I'm hoping is that people recognize the excellence in it, which could open up opportunities for my next projects. I have projects I've written that I'm looking for money for. I'm also looking to board other people's projects as a director for hire. So yeah, it's just helping me have the next thing happen.
And that's great. And in that context, what do you learn from each other doing this?
That's great. No one's asked us that before. That's a great question. You're good at this. This is good, like, working with Aaron, like on set, but also then having the journey of going to the film festivals afterwards. Like, I respect you for just, like, being a go-getter and, like, not like you say you will do something and then you go ahead, and do it and you like will not stop until you do it. Um, but also, you're not afraid to advocate for yourself. And it's like there's always a balance. I think also as a lady. But like walking that line between being like, I like because I don't, I don't like to be to brag about myself. But it's also important to say, like, this is what I've done. Like, this is what I'm interested in doing. Like I have capabilities and strengths and like you're someone who does not shy away from that. So, I think I’ve learned a lot about that from you.
Yeah. I mean it's so funny. I would say similar things about Olivia. I think we kind of were talking the other day about how to be genuine and realize authenticity, sorry.
I recognize, like, similar things to what Olivia said about me in her. We were talking the other day about how we both really want to be genuine people and can kind of recognize authenticity and authenticity in others, and that's something I've seen on the festival circuit. Is she? She's really like, I had no idea how like, extroverted you could be when we first met, but you're it. I mean, it shouldn't surprise me because you were the one that was like, let's connect. Let's. But I know that you're also a person who likes your own time and space. But when we're out and about on the festival circuit, you're really. She's gregarious. She knows how to meet people; she knows how to make a great impression. And I think people are just attracted to, like, how real she is, how like, you know, she doesn't put up a lot of facades, which is refreshing. It’s just really refreshing, you know. Um, so that's wonderful. But then also on just like the, the business side of things, like I also feel like when you say you're going to do something, you do it like, and you're I think we both joke how like we are always like taking on too much. But I also think you are kind of teaching me how to say like, oh wait, maybe I shouldn't take on more now. Like, I think we’re growing in our ability to have like, boundaries for ourselves and decide like what to say yes to because it's hard to say no sometimes when opportunities come. And so, I think we're like learning from each other. Like what are the opportunities to say yes to? Where do I save my time and energy? Where do I invest? And that's just like something that you learn over time, but you can learn it by observing other people.
That's a big thing I've learned lately saying no to one thing is just saying yes to something else that is more aligned. So hard. It is hard. I, you know, I still it's a daily struggle. It's I return repeatedly to the same lesson.
There's something that I didn't ask you, but you, it's really important to say about the film?
We're planning on releasing the movie soon. I don't have an exact date yet, but I think if you're interested in seeing this movie, the best thing to do is follow subtext short on Instagram, subtext short. There you can find any of the people who worked on the movie that were constantly tagging at @subtextshirtfilm.