#70 - How To Make A Movie

Summary

Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #70 - "How To Make A Movie"

Release Date: November 11, 2024
Host/Author: Smosh (Shayne Topp, Amanda Lehan-Canto)
Guest: Olivia

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Introduction to Olivia and Her Short Film Project

In Episode #70 of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto welcome their special guest, Olivia, to discuss her ambitious journey in filmmaking. Olivia opens up about her passion project—a short film titled "Way Baba"—detailing the intricate process of bringing her vision to life.

Concept and Inspiration Behind "Way Baba"

"Way Baba," translating to "Hi Dad" in Mandarin, explores the strained yet affectionate relationship between Olivia and her father. The film is a semi-autobiographical portrayal of the first meeting between Olivia's father and her boyfriend, Sam, set against the backdrop of a traditional Chinese restaurant.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (08:34): “The short is called Way Baba, which translates to hi dad. Way is how you say hi to someone on the phone in Mandarin... It’s about the first time my dad met Sam, my boyfriend Sam.”

Challenges in Casting and Production

One of the most significant hurdles Olivia faced was casting someone who could authentically portray her father. The search required finding an elderly Chinese actor fluent in Mandarin, mirroring her father's demeanor. After numerous setbacks, including visa issues and unsuitable looks, Olivia found the perfect fit in Jim Lau, an experienced actor who effortlessly transformed into her father.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (20:03): “I did, and it was the most difficult thing. ... I needed someone in their late 60s, early 70s Chinese who can speak Mandarin fluently, who sort of look like my dad.”

Additionally, securing a filming location proved challenging. Olivia sought permission to shoot at Bistro Nas, a highly acclaimed Chinese restaurant known for its Michelin rating. Through persistent negotiation and showcasing her genuine connection to the establishment, she secured a feasible shooting schedule that accommodated both her budget and the restaurant's operational constraints.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (33:03): “I wrote them this email, and I basically felt like I poured everything out there. ... there's a more genuine aspect to it.”

Budgeting and Funding Strategies

Budgeting emerged as a critical learning curve for Olivia. Without prior experience, she navigated the complexities of allocating funds effectively. Olivia utilized personal savings and secured donations from supportive friends to fund her project, emphasizing the importance of community support in independent filmmaking.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (25:08): “I was like, that's so nice. There's no money for short films. Luckily, my friend Dorothy Wang, she’s amazing. We met, she donated.”

Technical Glitches and Crisis Management

During production, Olivia encountered several technical setbacks, including the crashing of both her primary and secondary hard drives. These incidents threatened to derail the project, but with quick thinking and the assistance of recovery experts, she managed to salvage the footage.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (28:03): “Then the other, the secondary one crashed. And I was like, okay, let's just order another hard drive. ... But then it crashes again.”

Post-Production and Overcoming Mental Struggles

In the post-production phase, Olivia dealt with additional stressors, including script adjustments and the pressure to perfect every detail. She candidly shares her struggles with self-doubt and the mental toll of managing such a personal project.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (39:45): “I would wake up in the middle of the night, like just sweating. ... This is me being so vulnerable.”

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Drawing from her experiences, Olivia offers valuable advice for those looking to embark on their filmmaking journeys:

1. Clear Vision and Collaboration:
   Olivia (57:31): “Having a clear idea of what you want to make, but also being collaborative.”

2. Budgeting and Networking:
   Olivia (58:05): “You have to budget things out. ... You know, like how much things cost, how much it'll...”

3. Kindness and Persistence:
   Olivia (58:24): “Being nice to people goes a long way. ... Believe in yourself, have a clear vision, and be nice to people.”

Future Endeavors and Closing Thoughts

Olivia expresses her eagerness to continue creating, hinting at future projects like music videos. She emphasizes the transformative impact of her filmmaking experience, highlighting personal growth and a newfound appreciation for collaborative creativity.

Notable Quote:
Olivia (55:32): “This was the best experience ever. And I now just want to do more things like that.”

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Conclusion

Episode #70 of Smosh Mouth provides an insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking through Olivia's story. Her candid discussions on budgeting, casting, technical issues, and personal growth offer a relatable and inspiring narrative for aspiring filmmakers. Olivia's journey underscores the importance of perseverance, community support, and the courage to share personal stories through the art of cinema.

Follow Olivia’s Journey:
To stay updated on Olivia’s short film "Way Baba," follow her on Instagram at @WayBabaFilm.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and emotions shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.

Transcript

[Amanda]

Okay, I have to tell you, I was just looking on ebay, where I.

[Olivia]

Go for all kinds of things I love. And there it was.

[Shane]

That hologram trading card. One of the rarest. The last one I needed for my set.

[Amanda]

Shiny like the designer handbag of my dreams. One of a kind. Ebay had it. And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you.

[Shane]

Get your windshield wipers? Ebay has all the parts that fit my car. No more annoying, just beautiful.

[Amanda]

Whatever you love, find it on eBay. EBay. Things people love.

[Shane]

So you're getting hungry. Really hungry. Head to Jack in a Box and pick up a smashed Jack. It's a juicy, delicious smashed burger topped with cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and boss sauce. And it's now available on Sourdough, the Smash Jack. Only a Jack in the Box. Order one on the Jack app today. Hi. Welcome to Smosh Mouth. I'm Shane.

[Amanda]

I'm Amanda. And we have a very, very, very special guest with us today. It is Olivia.

[Olivia]

Hello, guys.

[Shane]

Hi, Olivia.

[Amanda]

It's been a minute. It's been a minute since you've been on.

[Shane]

I haven't been on, and you didn't put, like. Cause last time, your makeup, you really went all out.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I know. I know. I had contour all over my face.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

Now it's all blended, baby.

[Shane]

It's the same makeup from last time. You've kept it on.

[Amanda]

She hasn't washed her face.

[Shane]

You let it naturally blend.

[Olivia]

Shane, I know you're a guy, but I don't think you understand how makeup works.

[Shane]

That's true.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Shane]

No, that's. We know that because there's the lost episode from Smosh that never aired where I did your makeup. Wait, do you remember that?

[Olivia]

No.

[Amanda]

I've heard of it.

[Shane]

Do you remember this? It was forever ago where I actually legitimately attempted to do your makeup, and I felt really bad because I did a really bad job, and I realized how hard it is. Like, when I was trying to apply stuff, and I was like, oh, this does not apply how I thought it would apply.

[Amanda]

I will say I think it's very hard to do someone else's makeup when you're doing your own. It's easier to apply it. Doing someone else's is like. You know when you do your makeup and people are like, oh, my God, can you do mine?

[Olivia]

You're like, yeah, you look completely different than me.

[Amanda]

And then you do it, and you're like, like, I try to do my mom's makeup, and I'm like, oh, God, Mom.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Yikes.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

I'll try to do your makeup.

[Shane]

Okay. People have done my makeup, and they do a great job.

[Olivia]

But I would love to see that video.

[Shane]

It's gone.

[Olivia]

What do you mean, it's gone?

[Shane]

It truly disappeared. It was, like, lost in the defy shutdown.

[Amanda]

What do we have to do to find it?

[Shane]

It's gone. It's gone.

[Olivia]

No, I think I have pictures of it on my phone.

[Shane]

Really?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

Do.

[Amanda]

Can we bring it up?

[Shane]

It was really bad. I actually was, like, embarrassed by it.

[Olivia]

No. But I think the memory of it will stay forever in my head.

[Shane]

Olivia, how are you doing today?

[Olivia]

I am, like, for real asking me how I'm doing.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Shane]

No, as a joke. Well, no, for real.

[Olivia]

As a joke. I'm doing great. For real. No, I'm kidding. No, for real, for real, for real. Well, I feel a little bit rushed because I rush myself because I don't give myself enough time to do things. So that is why, when I sat down, I was like, oh, God, I need, like, something in my body because my stomach will be making all sorts of crazy sounds.

[Amanda]

And how you give yourself enough time.

[Olivia]

You know what, Amanda?

[Amanda]

I don't therapist here.

[Olivia]

No.

[Shane]

Whoa.

[Amanda]

I kind of agree with you, though. Sometimes when you have more time, you, like, push it to the end and then you're like, yeah, I have to get in the car.

[Olivia]

No, I literally was like, alexina, I'm so sorry. Give me 30 seconds. I have to pee.

[Shane]

I'm so sorry.

[Olivia]

I almost peed with the door open, but then I realized we're at work and that would, like, not be okay.

[Amanda]

That would be so funny.

[Olivia]

I was about to take off my pants as I was running through our main lobby.

[Shane]

Can I tell you, it's actually crazy you say that that is a irrational fear of mine that I'll forget that I'm at work. I shut the door behind me at you. Do I use the bathroom?

[Olivia]

I never, but I just have this.

[Shane]

Fear of, like, what if I forget? And then it's, like, horrible, you know? But. But no, I make sure every time I enter the bathroom, I like, you close the door.

[Amanda]

Close the door at home. I knew. I knew that.

[Shane]

Close the door at home.

[Olivia]

I don't.

[Amanda]

I keep it wide.

[Olivia]

I keep it wide open. Like, my legs. I mean, like, when I pee.

[Amanda]

No, no, no, no.

[Olivia]

Like, no, no. I keep it wide open, like when I'm peeing, you know, like. No, that's not what I meant.

[Amanda]

Huh?

[Olivia]

No, that's not what I meant. I could mean that, but it's not what I meant.

[Amanda]

That's okay.

[Olivia]

Sorry.

[Shane]

Wow.

[Amanda]

You're not the weird one here.

[Olivia]

Yeah. You close your door.

[Shane]

I'm the weird one for closing your door.

[Amanda]

Do you lock it? Do you lock it when you're home?

[Shane]

I don't know if I always lock it.

[Olivia]

So. You do.

[Shane]

Whoa. Maybe.

[Olivia]

What's gonna happen?

[Shane]

I don't think I lock it. I don't know. Whoa. Look, I did that.

[Amanda]

You are weird.

[Shane]

I will do that. If I am home alone, I will still shut the door just because I like to be enclosed.

[Amanda]

Are you worried someone's going to come and.

[Shane]

I'm not going up.

[Amanda]

You peeing?

[Shane]

I'm not worried about anything. I just. I just like to be in a little tiny room there and be like, okay, like, I'm here.

[Amanda]

Wow.

[Shane]

That's. That's what's going on.

[Amanda]

I don't like to be in a tiny.

[Shane]

Also. Also. Especially if I'm sitting down, my cats will. Will come into the bathroom and they'll be like, can I sit on your lap? And I'm like, absolutely.

[Olivia]

That's so cool. You don't like that?

[Shane]

No, I don't.

[Amanda]

You don't want your cats to see?

[Shane]

I don't. I just don't want them. No, I don't want them to be around in there.

[Amanda]

Why?

[Shane]

I don't know. We learned so much about just leave me alone. But they hate it because if I shut the door, I will be sitting there, and then all of a sudden, a paw will just come from underneath the cat. Oh, cute. And they're like. They're like, let me in. It's truly signs. It's truly, like, signs. No, Cats are little demons.

[Amanda]

I don't have one.

[Olivia]

It's cute how you live your life.

[Amanda]

Anyways, we have Olivia here, and, Olivia, there's something going on in your life that is kind of new. You are in the middle of. No, not that.

[Olivia]

The way you.

[Amanda]

No, not that.

[Shane]

Oh, my.

[Olivia]

What. What's going on in my life?

[Amanda]

Middle of making.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

A film.

[Olivia]

Short film.

[Amanda]

A short film.

[Shane]

Making a short film.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

You're making a short film? Yes. And how long have you been working on this?

[Olivia]

I've been working on it for over a year. We're in post production. We're in, like, the last. Like, I would say I can't put it as percentage because this last bit is so important to the entire thing. But, you know, we're almost done. We're picture locked. There's just, like, a few other things that we need to make it all finished. When is it ever going to be finished? I don't know. Yesterday I was like, something. Something unexpected happened yesterday. I. You know, when you asked me how I'm doing today? Well, a little bit stressed because of the residual stuff from yesterday. So my short film is picture locked. So everything in the edit is, like, done, you know, but we still have to do the sound mix and music and coloring.

[Shane]

Mm.

[Olivia]

But everything else is, like, you know, the picture is locked.

[Shane]

That's nice.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

The edits are done.

[Shane]

When are you hoping. When is your desire for it to be done fully?

[Olivia]

Good question. Hopefully in today.

[Amanda]

What?

[Olivia]

It's October right now. Hopefully.

[Shane]

Hopefully today.

[Olivia]

Hopefully at the end of EOD today. No, I'm just kidding. As soon as possible. But a lot of things can't be rushed, you know, I don't ever want to rush something as important as music.

[Shane]

Totally.

[Olivia]

And coloring, too. It's like, gosh, I have to give notes right after this.

[Amanda]

How do you feel about giving notes on your short film?

[Olivia]

There are some. Like, for example, when I was doing the color session, there's a lot of professional verbiage that I'm learning as I'm doing it. And there are certain things like this looks a little too yellow or this is giving, like, a purple hue. Like, I don't know the actual words to describe things. However, I surround myself with really supportive, helpful, knowledgeable people who will be like, oh, this is what she means, you know? So I'm very fortunate that I have that.

[Shane]

That's great.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

So for people listening and watching, I guess we should explain, like, what's the name of this movie and what's it about?

[Olivia]

So the short is called Wei Papa, which translates to hi dad. Way is how you say hi to someone on the phone in Mandarin, and only specifically on the phone when you answer.

[Shane]

Oh. Oh, interesting.

[Olivia]

So my dad and our relationship is, you know, on the phone all the time because he lives in China, and he just calls me every single day, nonstop. If I don't answer.

[Amanda]

Every day.

[Olivia]

Every day. My dad calls me every single day.

[Shane]

I don't think I knew this.

[Olivia]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Shane]

Wow.

[Olivia]

Like, I know we're not very close, but my dad checks in on me every. Never fails to check, check in on me. And if I don't answer, he will call over and over again. And until I answer.

[Shane]

Oh, my God. Why?

[Olivia]

Yeah, I've gotten like, 20, 30 missed calls from him before. Holy crap.

[Amanda]

Cause he's worried.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I think he's worried, and I think it's like him wanting to Know what? I'm. If I'm okay. Yeah. Maybe because he's worried.

[Shane]

I guess you are on the other side of the planet.

[Olivia]

I am. So.

[Shane]

And what's the time? Time difference is what time is he calling you at?

[Olivia]

So he calls me when he wakes up.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

So around, like, late afternoon.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

All right.

[Amanda]

That's sweet.

[Shane]

I think it's really sweet. Okay, so it's called Way Baba.

[Olivia]

It's called Way Baba. And the premise of it is the first time my dad met Sam, my boyfriend Sam. And it was three months into us dating, and my dad flew from China to America. We had dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and the first thing he wants me to translate to Sam. By the way, my dad doesn't speak English, so I'm the translator. So the first thing when we sit down he wants me to translate to Sam is ask him when he's going to marry you.

[Amanda]

Oh, my gosh.

[Shane]

First question.

[Amanda]

Also. Three months in.

[Olivia]

Three months in. Scary.

[Shane]

And is your dad an intimidating guy?

[Olivia]

Very.

[Shane]

Okay, okay.

[Olivia]

My dad is very intimidating.

[Shane]

I don't know why. I can only picture your dad, like, in a suit.

[Olivia]

Yeah. He dressed. Shirt. He's in a polo in a dress shirt. My dad is a businessman.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

And he's, you know, he grew up in communist China, so it's like, so very serious guy. Yeah, he's very serious. However, when he turns it on, he turns it on. He's the most. My dad is, like the most charismatic guy. He's, like, full of charisma and, like, will make. And like, he's very charming, you know, but also very serious. And I. Growing up, I always just heard my dad screaming at people and yelling at people.

[Amanda]

On the phone or.

[Olivia]

No, every. On the phone everywhere. Yelling at people. Yeah. Like, he's. He's just. He's just a very complicated man.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

But there's the added layer for Sam that the language barrier makes. That would make any dad so intimidating if you cannot speak to them directly.

[Olivia]

Especially Sam is such a sweetie. So sweet.

[Amanda]

Who's like, giggly and smiley and, like.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

And always trying to make jokes.

[Shane]

Sam's are just like, hey, how's it going, man?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

And, you know, meeting someone's dad for the first time, you want to impress them, but if you don't speak their language, it's really hard. So I was the middleman. I translated. Except for all the things that mattered. I mistranslated most of the conversation.

[Shane]

Oh, whoa.

[Amanda]

Because I Did you know you were going to do that before you Got there. Did you, like, expect your dad to say some shit that you were like, I'm not going to be.

[Olivia]

Yeah, okay, for sure.

[Shane]

So wait, your dad says, ask him when he's going to marry you. Did you translate that question to Sam?

[Olivia]

Hell no.

[Amanda]

What did you say?

[Olivia]

I just. I just made up some lie and that made me seem like to my dad, I was asking him the question, but made it seem like I wasn't to Sam. So. Yeah, it was really. Was it stressful, complicated? Sort of. Was I lying? Yeah, I felt like I had to. And also, like, I, you know, not to go so deep into it. I think I have a, you know, specific view on marriage because of my parents who are divorced. So my dad asking me that question was also just like, who are you to ask me that question when you, you know, did all of these things in your marriage that I don't believe was something, you know, that was.

[Amanda]

Right. So is it traditional, you think with your dad that you should get. You should always get married?

[Olivia]

Yes.

[Amanda]

Okay.

[Olivia]

I think. I think in a way it's also like passing on the responsibility to another man. Like, you're my daughter now. You go marry another man who can take care of you. So my work feels like it's done. And I did the thing. You know, my dad is very traditional. He doesn't. I don't. He doesn't. And also, like, in a way, he doesn't care who I marry. Okay.

[Amanda]

That's what I was asked long ago. So he doesn't care what culture, who you marry, as long as you get married?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

At a certain time. Is there a time limit?

[Olivia]

Yeah, like, as soon as possible. I'm sure he wish I was married by, like, 21. I don't like.

[Amanda]

Got it.

[Olivia]

I also just. Yeah. My. If you watch the film, you can kind of see how dismissive my dad is to Sam, who also is in the film.

[Shane]

So Sam. Sam played himself.

[Olivia]

Yeah, Sam played himself.

[Shane]

Now, how much of a one to one recreation of this conversation is the film?

[Olivia]

It's pretty accurate, but there are little improvised lines that were added. It's not, you know, foundationally. Yes. Very similar there. I mean, it's a short. Whereas the actual dinner lasted an hour and a half or as short as 7.

[Amanda]

Not like an hour and a half. You were basically like a tennis ball. You were like going back and forth.

[Olivia]

Yeah, totally. Yeah.

[Shane]

That is so awful to think about because I feel like everyone's parents say or ask embarrassing questions. Right. Like, especially meeting a significant other. So to have to say Their words yourself to your partner. That's a nightmare.

[Amanda]

Well, it sounds like.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I actually.

[Shane]

I don't think I would either. I think I would be like, I.

[Olivia]

Think it's better this way.

[Shane]

You do?

[Olivia]

Yeah, because I'm in total control of what I want.

[Shane]

See, I would hate that. I would hate that.

[Amanda]

I kind of love that. So does your dad think. He thinks that the dinner went the way he wanted it to go.

[Olivia]

I mean, he's still asking me the question. And, you know, so.

[Shane]

So wait, years ago, your dad says. And maybe if you remember, because this was years ago, but your dad says, when is he going to marry you? You ask Sam, like, what do you think of the food? Oh, it's great. And then you go back to your dad. Do you tell your dad that he said yes?

[Olivia]

Yeah. Oh, yeah, of course. Like, I'm amazing. He should want to marry me. Like. And you're asking, like, you're going back to the question of how, one on one, how. You know, how similar was it? Well, we actually shot at the restaurant. They met.

[Shane]

That's crazy.

[Amanda]

No.

[Olivia]

Yeah. So Shout Out, Bistro Nas and Temple City.

[Amanda]

That's incredible. Wait a second. So you're not in this short film?

[Olivia]

I am.

[Amanda]

You are?

[Olivia]

Yes.

[Amanda]

Are you playing yourself?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

So you and Sam are playing. You and Sam are reliving this?

[Olivia]

Yes.

[Shane]

Was it weird for Sam to go back? When did you tell Sam that you lied to him?

[Olivia]

I think when he read the script.

[Shane]

Years later, he's like, hey, Olivia, what's. What's the deal here?

[Olivia]

Yeah. Yeah. And now again, when he listens and watches this podcast.

[Shane]

So he probably walked away that day thinking, oh, Olivia's dad is awesome. We get along great.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

And then he learns later, like, oh, I.

[Olivia]

He literally said. He's like, dude, your dad is, like, really nice. Like, and he's. He loves you, and he's just like. He's not. You know what? You said he was gonna be like, I'm like, of course.

[Shane]

Oh, my God.

[Olivia]

I shielded you.

[Amanda]

Oh, my God, that's crazy.

[Shane]

So, okay, that happened. That happened years ago. At what point did you decide, oh, I'm gonna make a movie out of that. That memory, that conversation?

[Olivia]

I was itching to make something, and I was really trying to find, you know, what I wanted to make. And I think something was in my brain saying, you should just, like, make something from your experience. And so I was like, all right, what's a funny experience that I had? And that can reflect who I am as a person? And I think I was like, okay. Like, I think it's this, you know, story. And I think even though my dad is not physically present in my day to day life, he has such a deep impact on me and, like, who I am. And I just wanted to preserve this experience, this event that happened to me. It's almost like this was like made for me and my dad in a way and like showcasing our flawed relationship.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

And. Yeah. And it's like quite vulnerable, I think in the beginning when I was writing and I was like, this is funny. I'll add jokes in here. But then I'm like realizing, wait, like, this is. My dad is getting older. You know, like, I'm getting older and like, I'm really glad I made this because even if no one sees it, it's just like the whole experience of it all. That's that just worth it. It's like the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.

[Shane]

No, this sounds. This sounds so vulnerable. Like it's one of those projects. And I think this is how you kind of know something's going to be good is when you watch it and you go, oh my God, I can't believe they made Wait.

[Olivia]

I never said it was good. I just want to put that on the record that I never said that it was good. But I actually think it might be.

[Shane]

Really close in comparison to. Because I haven't seen. Cause it's not done yet. But when I see other projects where people make really vulnerable things based on their life and their family, and I go, I can't believe they made this. Like, what's their conversation with their family member gonna be? Those are usually the best. Cause it is vulnerable. So it's real and it's raw. And I don't know, I'm scared explaining the premise of it. I'm excited. Whereas I will be completely honest, I've been in this industry a long time. Usually when people tell me about a short film they're doing and they tell me about the premise, I go, oh, cool.

[Amanda]

Like a girl meets a guy. Hear me out.

[Shane]

Hear me out.

[Amanda]

On a date. And they're like, whoa, I've seen you before. And then they go home together.

[Shane]

And basically this girl is not like.

[Amanda]

Anyone she's ever met.

[Olivia]

Like, she turns into a tree.

[Shane]

See, that actually sounds made it interesting again.

[Amanda]

That sounds cool.

[Olivia]

Is that more interesting than what I just made?

[Amanda]

No, definitely.

[Olivia]

I'm doubting myself, guys. This is scary. Talking about my shit is that it's.

[Shane]

Got to suck that you're watching it so many times. Over that. By this point, you're exhausted.

[Amanda]

So. So you wrote and directed this and starred in it. So you are so close to this.

[Olivia]

I am.

[Amanda]

So then, did you decide the casting for the short?

[Olivia]

Yes.

[Shane]

So you had to cast your own dad?

[Olivia]

I did, and it was the most difficult thing. There were moments where I was like, I'm not going to be able to make this. I truly was like, there's no way I'm going to make this because the net is so small. I needed someone in their late 60s, early 70s Chinese who can speak Mandarin fluently, who sort of look like my dad.

[Shane]

Right.

[Amanda]

Oh, my God.

[Shane]

And has the same demeanor and is going to bring the same energy.

[Olivia]

Yes, exactly. And it was so hard because I was watching every single Asian American TV show movie to find a dad. And it's not like I was using a casting director. I reached out to casting directors and people that I knew who made Asian American short films and be like, do you guys know anyone that fits this description? And I would get people back. And a lot of times, like, they didn't. They looked so far off from my dad, so far off from me. People who didn't speak Mandarin, people only speak Cantonese, people who were too young. It was people who didn't even live in la and I would have to fly them. Someone who lived in Taiwan who I really liked. I was. And they're like, no, my dad can't get his visa. A lot of. A lot of things that, you know, were like, roadblocks. And then, then I met Jim Lau and my friend worked with him on, you know, I think it was a short. And then I watched it and I was like, wait, he doesn't really fit the vibe. But then I zoomed with him and he was so prepared, and he literally transformed into my dad. Like, he.

[Shane]

Whoa, whoa.

[Olivia]

Was. He's an incredible actor. His name is Jim Lau. He's been doing this for like 50 years. He's incredible. And even when my. When he was on set the day of, my mom met him and watched him act. And he was. And she. My mom, who was married to my dad for 17 years, was like, holy shit. This guy is literally a mirror of your dad.

[Shane]

Whoa. That's going to be so trippy.

[Amanda]

So chills.

[Olivia]

Yeah. My mom was like, is that my ex husband? Yeah.

[Shane]

So your mom has read the script. She's seen everything up until this point. What does she think of it all?

[Olivia]

I think she's just proud of me that I made it. And she hasn't really. Like, we haven't really discussed, you know.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Shane]

The content of it.

[Olivia]

The content of it. You know, her voice is in it, too. Oh, yeah. It's not just like, as. You know, like, sometimes in divorce situations, at least with me, my mom will call me to ask about how my dad is doing.

[Amanda]

Of course.

[Olivia]

You know. Of course. Trying to, like, see what's good, what's going on in their life, how do they look, how's their new wife? Like, all of those little things. So I added that into.

[Shane]

Interesting.

[Olivia]

The film.

[Amanda]

Why do they. Do they always do that? They always call you to be like, how's your. What's going on with your dad?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Never, like, how are they?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

It's like, what's.

[Olivia]

Yeah. Yeah. What's.

[Amanda]

What's he doing? What is he doing now? Is he. Did he give you money to come back home? Like, what is he doing? And you're like, okay, I am not, like, the middleman here.

[Olivia]

Yeah, that's. But I'm really lucky that I casted someone who is, like, resembles my dad.

[Amanda]

That's amazing.

[Olivia]

Yeah. And then there's, like, another waiter character, Tim, who is an actual person at the restaurant that works there. He's the manager.

[Amanda]

What?

[Olivia]

And his name is Tim. And I begged the real Tim to be in it. And the real Tim was like, no, no, I can't. I can't. I can't. And I was like, please. And he's like, I really can't. Like, I'm really having so much trouble casting this character. Please. And he was like, no. So then I met with someone on Zoom who lived in the Bay Area, who works in tech and just loves to act. And he was like, you know what? Like, I'm gonna fly myself down, put myself up, and.

[Shane]

Wow.

[Olivia]

It was just, like, so nice. Like, I found a lot of fun, great, kind people who were willing to just, like, help me out and do favors for me.

[Amanda]

That's amazing.

[Shane]

I get it. Such a good opportunity to get in.

[Olivia]

Any project right now to work with Sam Lerner.

[Shane]

That's right. That's the highest honor.

[Olivia]

That's true. I really do think, like, Sam Lerner being like, Sam Lerner, he's so funny, you know? And, like, people are gonna do a scene with him, you know?

[Amanda]

Sam.

[Shane]

Yeah, I believe I've worked with Sam before.

[Amanda]

Goldberg's great. So. So you. So casting was, like, a huge push. You did that. Once you had casting, you had already written the script. You started on casting.

[Olivia]

I. I was simultaneously also, like, budgeting. That's a huge factor.

[Shane]

I can't fathom that part of it.

[Amanda]

Do you feel like you should budget before you even reach about this?

[Olivia]

I budgeted, yeah.

[Amanda]

Yeah. So you budgeted to see how much you could even spend?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Did you crowdfund at all or was it just budget from your own self?

[Olivia]

Partially. Myself and I had some really lucky that I had friends who were willing to donate money who were like, that's.

[Shane]

Kind of what you need.

[Olivia]

And I was like, that's so nice.

[Amanda]

There's no money for short films.

[Olivia]

There's no money for short films. Luckily, my friend Dorothy Wang, she's amazing. We met, she donated. And then I told my other really good friend Lily about it, and she goes, do I. Can I have an opportunity? Is there an opportunity for me to donate money? And I was like, yeah. I'm like, but you guys realize this is all just for vanity. There's.

[Shane]

I mean, there's a real investment there. Cause like, look, if it does well and there's more opportunities that come from it, like, to have invested in it means like, I don't know.

[Olivia]

I don't know. Yeah, I'm not really good at selling myself, you know, it's hard. It's really hard because what if this thing sucks? No, it's good.

[Amanda]

But it's regardless, it's your story that you're putting together. So, like, as an objective eye.

[Olivia]

Yes.

[Amanda]

You can look at all the little details. You're like, oh, that's not good. But overall, it's a story that really happened to you, that meant something to you, that you're putting together.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

For you and your family.

[Olivia]

I think the biggest learning thing, I mean, I learned so much. But one of the main ones was budgeting, because I can't budget at all. My personal life and having to like, look line by line at things. Luckily, I also had, you know, my friend Hannah, who's also a filmmaker, help me, like, proof. She's like, okay, we went through line by line what was needed and like, what could be trimmed down. And it was like, really scary because you don't want it to be over budget where it's like you can't pay for it. So then line by line, we had to figure out what we were willing to lose.

[Amanda]

When you say that, you mean getting rid of lines is also lessening the money.

[Olivia]

Oh, no, I meant like line by line on the, on the excel sheet.

[Amanda]

Like, ah, like every little thing. Yeah.

[Olivia]

Like, I was like, okay, costume. Well, let's take that out. Like, and production designer. I was like, ah. I mean, the place I don't know. Do I really need one? Or can people who have really great taste, like Patrick and Angela come and help me out? And they both came.

[Amanda]

They did.

[Olivia]

And they did. They did. Angela wrapped at smosh at like 5:30, rushed over to my house to get all the stuff that she needed to decorate and do everything and then got up at like 4:30 the next day. And like, if people don't know this.

[Amanda]

About Angela, she's incredible at doing that. She does art. She did it for I Live in youn House. She did all the art deck, all the design of it. She's unbelievable.

[Olivia]

Yeah, she's incredible. And Pat was there too. It was like. It was like a lot. But yeah, so like insurance, you know.

[Amanda]

Because you need to insure your short.

[Olivia]

Film, you got to insure like a lot of things. And. And you know, because on the last day, maybe you're production van gets crashed.

[Amanda]

Did your production van get crashed?

[Olivia]

Yeah, our PA drove it to wall, like backed it up.

[Shane]

Well, that happens.

[Olivia]

And then the person who sold us the insurance happened to be a girl that I used to dance with. And she DM'd me. And she was like, hey, like, I saw your name, you know, in this like, insurance thing. Like, I run this insurance company and let me know if you need any help. I was like, wait, wait, wait, wait. I'm like, you could have. You could have helped me cut costs. And she's like, yeah, next time you're making something, just like, let me know. I'm like, wait. And I went to school with you. Like, this is so crazy. So I was like, I'm so sorry. We like, we crashed a van.

[Amanda]

Oh no.

[Olivia]

Like, can you help me out? But anyways, yeah, like a lot of funny things like that. And then like my hard drive, both my hard drives crashing.

[Shane]

That was as it goes.

[Olivia]

And that was like. That was like the scariest thing. That was the scariest thing. Like a week later, we give it to the editor. And the editor is like, oh my God. I don't know what happened. No, actually, even before that, he plugs it in. He's like, the hard drive crashed. And I was like, oh my God. And I was telling my dp. I was like, don't delete anything because we had like a main hard drive. And then we were pulling everything from the main one. But then the other, the secondary one crashed. And I was like, okay, let's just order another hard drive. We order another hard drive, editor works on it for a few hours. We do edits on it. It crashes again.

[Amanda]

No.

[Olivia]

And I was like, oh, God. And then so I was like, trying to find hard drive recovery places and found a really great one. They recovered it. Realize that it was a faulty. That manufacturer just makes really shitty hard drives. Or like, that batch was just bad. I don't know. It's like a trusted company. But some reason these hard drives that we ordered were just all faulty.

[Shane]

Wow.

[Olivia]

And then we got another one that worked. And then just like all these things that were always on the verge of, like, everything collapsing and, you know, and yesterday's situation was something very similar where I was like, oh, what is it going to be?

[Shane]

I feel like just the process of making a movie. I've never heard of one not having multiple catastrophic moments.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Shane]

Feels like that's part of making a movie. Right?

[Olivia]

But then the actual filming of it. Yes.

[Shane]

We only have this episode of Smoshmouth is brought to you by zocdoc. In life, there's a lot of big decisions you got to make, and one of those is booking doctor's appointments. Something I was bad at for a long time because it felt like a complicated process. But I downloaded the ZocDoc app and it made it so much simpler. I was able to find a doctor in my area that suited the needs that I was looking for. I was amazed by it. I finally went to a doctor.

[Amanda]

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[Olivia]

Had a day in this tiny room. It was we shot in a private room at Bistro Nas we had picked up.

[Amanda]

You shot for one day?

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Okay.

[Olivia]

We had pickups for half a day, but we shot for one day trying. Because the thing is, the location they couldn't like. They're a functioning, busy restaurant.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Of course you have to rent out their location.

[Olivia]

I think they have like a Michelin Star, too. So it's like a really popular restaurant, and they have to, like, make money. Oh, and this is another crazy thing. So I'm just, like, saying how hard it is to make a thing, but no, kind of the point we. So no one's ever shot at this restaurant ever.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

And they really made that clear that they didn't let Vogue come. They're like, we. Yeah, they're like, Vogue reached out. They wanted to shoot here. We said no.

[Amanda]

So why did they say yes to you?

[Olivia]

Cause I wrote them. I don't know. I wrote them this email, and I basically felt like I poured everything out there.

[Shane]

I could see why they said yes. I mean, this is a true story that happened at their restaurant. There's kind of a more genuine aspect to it. So.

[Olivia]

And I've been going there a lot. You know, like, I go there and it's like I know Tim, the manager, and, like, I've. I don't know, it feels like we are kind of friends. And. But then I didn't even know they had, like, a social media team at this restaurant. So, you know, I met them and, you know, the. The marketing people were, like, really intimidating. Really, really intimidating. And they quoted me this rate that was like.

[Shane]

There was also 300,000.

[Olivia]

There's, like, no way I could have afforded that. Like, it was. And at first we wanted to do a night shoot because we didn't want, like, customers to be. It was going to be really loud.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

You know, so we were like, let's make this a night shoot. And they were like, impossible. You can't shoot here at night. They only gave us certain dates that we could shoot. So there was just a lot of restrictions. And I was just like, there's no way. Like, first of all, it's so out of my budget. And then the times that they can shoot, we were like, can we shoot for 12 hours? And they're like, what? And you want. And you want the entire backside of the restaurant. I'm like, yeah. And they're like, we need to make money.

[Amanda]

I know.

[Olivia]

And you're not paying us.

[Amanda]

Vacation is so hard, especially if you want to do it in a working location.

[Shane]

12 hours is, like, very modest to ask for.

[Olivia]

For a shoe. I know. And it's like. And they're like, well, we have lunch and dinner and, you know, like, are you going to disrupt our cus. Like, all these people moving around. And then. So that was one of those situations where I was like, there's. There's no way I can pull this off. Like, I have to figure it out. And then we just kept going back and forth, and I was just like. I really. I was like, what if I make content for you guys? I was like, I made. I went on Picmonkey and I made Monkey. It's. It's like you can make decks and posters and stuff.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

So I made a deck of, like, myself, and basically, like, these are all the things I've done. This is how many followers. This is all the brands I've worked with. And then, like, I basically had to pitch myself to them and be like, I will make reels. TikToks stories.

[Amanda]

Wow.

[Shane]

I will do whatever.

[Amanda]

Oh, my God.

[Olivia]

I will literally work here.

[Shane]

And so you became their spokesperson.

[Olivia]

And. And. But they're. But this restaurant is so good, and I recommend it to literally anyone visiting LA or lives here. Like, Bistro Nas, one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in la.

[Shane]

Wow.

[Olivia]

It's incredible.

[Shane]

And you're still doing it.

[Olivia]

I know I am.

[Shane]

So you are doing it now?

[Olivia]

My contract lasts for the next lifetime.

[Amanda]

Okay.

[Olivia]

So you hold your soul. But I'm. I'm so happy to, because this place is incredible. And the people, the, like, everyone that works there, they're just so genuinely nice. So I was just really lucky. And so finally going back and forth, I was like, I'll do this, I'll do that. And then they were like, all right. They agreed to, like, a rate that I was able to afford.

[Shane]

Whoa.

[Olivia]

Whoa.

[Amanda]

That's amazing.

[Shane]

Yeah, that's awesome.

[Olivia]

Or else there was no. And then we didn't do the overnight shoot. We actually just shot, but with people. We had to take a long break in between, like, lunch service. So 12 hours. Actually was not 12 hours because we.

[Shane]

Had no 20 hours.

[Olivia]

It was. It was, like, less, like, oh, you.

[Shane]

Had to do it in less time.

[Olivia]

Yeah. And then three days before the shoot, I was like, you know what? Like, I need another camera. Because there was no way that I could also, like, the. There was, like, the DP that I first was working with. He got a bigger gig, so he had to go work on that. Obviously, then I was, like, scrambling, trying to find another DP that I could trust and work closely, who understood what I wanted to make. And then I found my friend Lizzie, introduced me to this DP that was shooting her movie in the summer. And his name is Stephen Brecken. And he's like. He's like, now we're such close, close friends. And, like, it was such a beautiful, fun, collaborative thing that we did together. Like, I Can't see myself. I can't see anyone else shooting this besides Steven. He's just the best and I love him so much. And like. Cause it's like I'm a first time filmmaker. I didn't go to film school. I love movies, but I don't know anything about it. And it's really intimidating because I'm like, okay, these are these cameras, these are these lenses, these are, you know, so many things that I truly did not understand. And I'd be like, Googling, like, and I'd just be asking questions, Googling, what do I do? I'm like, what is this? What does this mean? And like.

[Amanda]

Yeah, because there's so many different lenses for so many different shots.

[Olivia]

Yeah, it's like anamorphic or like, I'm just like, I don't know. And like.

[Shane]

And lighting in itself is such a complicated thing that you don't really realize until you're making something.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

So you had to hire. So you did, you did the casting, you did the budget, you did the location and you also were hiring your crew.

[Olivia]

Yeah. And like Steven, I'm like, Steven's repped at a huge like agency. And I'm like, I'm talking to your agent. I'm like, no. But I also had a really great producer, Tyler Mercer, who was the liaison between a lot of these things because like, I never wanted to blur the lines between, you know, budget and the creative process with my dp, you know, because like him and I, like, we want to preserve that relationship and then all the numbers and like money, because people need to get paid, you know, was dealt with with my producer who was like, you know, amazing throughout this thing. But yeah, there was like a lot of these little things that, you know, we had to figure out. And it was like talking about money just always stresses me out because I want to always like pay everyone a really like I just.

[Amanda]

Right.

[Olivia]

Because you know, it's like I want people to feel happy and like content and you know, like.

[Amanda]

But sometimes when you're doing a short film, people are also there because they know it's a passion project and there's a lot of things that just. I still think that if you are creatively excited about something, you will work for a little amount of money. Yeah.

[Shane]

Whenever I did a short film, money was never even really a reason to do them. You do them because you're just like, I need to get out there, I need to be a part of something.

[Olivia]

Yeah, yeah.

[Amanda]

Or they believe in your story that you were putting together.

[Olivia]

Yeah. I'm just like so grateful for literally every single person involved.

[Shane]

So for the past year, like every day, how many hours of every day from your past year is dedicated to this short film? Do you think? If you had to put an estimate? Because I just feel like. Has this, is this taken over your life?

[Olivia]

Yeah, sort of. I, like, I would wake up in the middle of the night, like just sweating. No, like, like weeks prior, months prior to it. And then even afterwards I would, I would literally wake up and be like, oh my God. Wait, let's, let's remember that. We need to add that in here. And like. Yeah, and, and, and I would wake up and be like, was that okay? Like, I was like, what? Like, like little things would. Big num. Big things would also wake me up. And even now I wake up in the middle of the night, like having really bad self talk to myself. This is me being so vulnerable. Like, you know, it's like when you've been working on something, even a small thing or big thing, whatever it is, like you're so consumed by it. And then like I wake up, I'm like, oh my God, what am I doing? It's like, it's like finding a healthy balance. Yet I'm, I'm still trying to find that.

[Amanda]

I feel like that's always. I feel like that happens when you are in the middle of creating something, whether it is like a short film or a sketch or a wedding or something that you're planning that means something to you. And a lot of people that you care about that you have a high opinion of are going to watch it. Oh, it's so scary, so overwhelming. And it constantly wakes you up. And the bad self talk, it's there because it's your fear trying to protect you.

[Olivia]

Yes.

[Amanda]

Right. It's trying to protect you. And like the more you do it, the more you can be like, thank you so much for protecting me. I'm going to move through this now.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

Because I have to.

[Olivia]

And I also think that like being gentle with criticism, with anything in the creative arts, it's just so helpful. Anyone showing you anything that they've written or made or you're watching anything. And even if you. I just feel like you just have to be gentle with the people, you know who made it because it's fucking hard.

[Shane]

Well, I think it's illuminating for like this process and hearing about it. Even any piece of art that you see is never really one person.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

And it's a bunch of circumstances and events that culminate in A thing. So if something. If something isn't quote, unquote, good, there's a million reasons for why that that could have happened. And it may not be like, oh, well, the person who made it didn't know what they were doing. It's like, you have no idea what occurred. There's a bunch of parts of it.

[Olivia]

But it does fall on, like, the people who have their name and their, like, face.

[Shane]

Sure.

[Olivia]

That's like, yeah. On it, which is so much responsibility and. But, yeah, but no, that's.

[Shane]

It's given you a lot of perspective.

[Olivia]

It's so much perspective and truly the most exhilarating. I have more great things to say about it than. These are just, like, funny. I. Like when these things happen. I'm just like. I'll tell you guys what happened yesterday. The catastrophic thing that happened yesterday was that I was showing my friend the screener link, and then I clicked on the link, and it was somebody else's short film.

[Amanda]

What?

[Olivia]

And this is like, after submitting to festivals. And I was like. I was like, wait, this is not mine. Cause a couple days ago, when I clicked it, it was still mine. So between the couple days, something must have glitched. Something must have happened.

[Shane]

Oh, my God. We submitted Cars two.

[Amanda]

That's someone's short film.

[Shane]

The short film.

[Amanda]

Cars two.

[Shane]

Cars two. Great.

[Olivia]

I was like. I. The. I literally just. I blacked out. I was like, oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Amanda]

I saw you yesterday. You seemed fine.

[Shane]

Did it happen before?

[Olivia]

It happened after?

[Amanda]

Oh, my gosh.

[Olivia]

It happened, like, a few hours after.

[Amanda]

Okay.

[Olivia]

And I was like, oh, my God. Oh, my God. What did you do? Well, I fixed it, and we made sure that it was the right link. And we emailed programmers. We did all of that. And literally, they just got back to me that they have the right link.

[Amanda]

Thank God.

[Shane]

That's terrifying, though.

[Olivia]

Yeah, it was terrifying.

[Shane]

You're already submitting it to Things.

[Olivia]

Yeah, yeah.

[Amanda]

Tell us. Tell us your plan for distribution.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I don't know. I think It'll be like, YouTube.smosh.com.

[Amanda]

No.

[Olivia]

Okay, I'm giving it to you guys. Have it. Please post it on Wednesday.

[Amanda]

Great. Post it on Wednesday.

[Olivia]

Posted on Wednesday, please. I don't know, guys.

[Amanda]

Where are you sending it to?

[Olivia]

I've. Honestly, you guys, I don't know. Like, I'm trying to figure that out still.

[Amanda]

Okay.

[Shane]

Is it.

[Amanda]

Do you have any hopes to film?

[Shane]

Do I have any hopes to Sundance?

[Olivia]

No, I.

[Shane]

To.

[Olivia]

I don't think I. This is truly. I don't think I I'm so in it. And I also, like, don't have any expectations for it. Like, truly, I have zero expectations. And I've just sort of done the inner work of thinking that, like, the whole journey was worth it was just the best thing ever.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

And you're just. You're also trying to just get it done.

[Olivia]

Yeah. And I want to just. Just make things, you know, and this was like the first thing, and I'm excited to make other things.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

And do you.

[Shane]

Do you plan on making another short film or a feature or.

[Olivia]

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[Amanda]

Wow, that is so amazing when you're like a creative person, when you go through all this stuff that kept you up all night for a year that you're like, yeah, I want to do it again.

[Olivia]

I want to make a really fun music video.

[Shane]

That's cool.

[Olivia]

Yeah, that seems fun. I don't know. That seems fun.

[Shane]

You want to direct one?

[Olivia]

Yeah. Yeah, I do.

[Shane]

I think that's sick as hell.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I think that's gonna be fun. And I also, like, this is so weird. I keep joking with my dp. I was like, what if we got to shoot a skittles commercial?

[Shane]

Olivia, I will be completely honest. I think if there's anyone out there who's destined to direct a skittles commercial, I think it's you.

[Amanda]

It's you.

[Shane]

You have. You have the ability. You could make the next or. I'm thinking of Starburst.

[Amanda]

I was gonna say starburst berries and cream.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Shane]

You would have made that commercial.

[Olivia]

I love candy.

[Shane]

Do you?

[Olivia]

I. Well, I take little bites of it, but I love it.

[Shane]

That's right. I remember you used to leave like a half eaten skittle on the ground.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I just like, what? Yeah, on the ground. Not on the ground.

[Shane]

That's some Olivia lore right there.

[Olivia]

Like, are there any fun moments in your guys lives that you would want to make into a short film? Or like, do you guys have any ideas of like, writing something and then like, making it?

[Amanda]

I have so many. I have them all written down. I have so many.

[Shane]

But it's just in my dark, twisted.

[Amanda]

My dark twisted journals of my house. I have a lot. I have a lot.

[Olivia]

Well, I am here. Like, use me. I will like literally help you. Like, do anything you want. I would drive around. I will go to places.

[Shane]

Olivia will kill a man.

[Amanda]

I'm. I. Yeah, I. I've gotten very close. I've written stuff. I've gotten very close to, like organizing a team, but I don't know, there's life just Keeps kind of derailing specific things for me. A lot of them are centered around my mom. My mom does crazy shit, and I love her, but she does really. She does really try to teach us, really, life lessons. And they always turn out so chaotic, so funny. And. And when you tell people this story, they're like, what? And I have so many of those different stories, and I guess I just haven't chosen one. And also, like, the thought of kind of organizing my year to focus on it, I'm like, I don't know when I'm going to do that. So that's where I'm at. But, yeah, I have a lot of those chain.

[Shane]

So are most of yours based on real life?

[Amanda]

Most of mine are based on real life. Interesting. And with, like, certain ideas, like, I've always wanted to. It's funny that you brought up tree in your short film because I wrote a whole short film about a girl talking to trees and, like, her connection with the trees, that it's connected to her grandfather. Because that's like a true thing that happened in my life. And I remember we were going to get it going and start shooting it years ago, and I think I got cold feet because I was like, this is crazy because it's very imaginative. It's very young, childlike stuff, but it has deeper meanings. So I don't know. You're really inspiring me right now. The thought of really going through all of that right now. I'm like, okay, I'd have to think.

[Olivia]

About you might not go through this. Like, I don't think you're gonna go through the hard drives. You're gonna go through the van. I don't think you're gonna go through those things.

[Amanda]

Okay.

[Olivia]

You're gonna go through other things, but I don't know if it's gonna be those things. And it's gonna be really exciting.

[Amanda]

You're. You're really inspiring me. I. I really like the idea of a true story and, like, things that you did as a kid and kind of making it into. Not all of it can be true. Like, you can make up different parts of it. So.

[Shane]

Yeah, that's great.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Shane]

See, that's interesting to hear because, you know, I think of. I think like all of us creative people, I think of story ideas all the time, but they're almost never based on my real life. I feel like I look back on my personal life and I feel like my life is too boring to have story ideas from. Like, my childhood, like, my family life. I'm like, ah, it's just boring. That's. There's no story there.

[Amanda]

You've told me stories and I'm like, what?

[Shane]

Yeah, like what?

[Amanda]

I mean, you drown, you almost. You die.

[Shane]

I don't remember that. Right.

[Olivia]

But you're like, I was.

[Shane]

My life was interesting before I was conscious.

[Olivia]

Maybe it could be from the POV of your mom.

[Shane]

That would be terrifying. I mean, that's. That's. I guess I could turn that into a comedy. No, I'm just kidding.

[Amanda]

Olivia's good that Olivia is going to, like, work with every single cast member. We're all going to have a short film in a year.

[Olivia]

I don't know anything about it, but. But I just really appreciated my peers stepping in and being so supportive and, like, helping me.

[Shane]

Yeah, no, it's. That's always like the most fulfilling thing is working with a team. I. I did feel that. So the closest I ever felt. And I felt like I didn't do anything with this. But, you know, we did the. The live sitcom earlier this year and I kind of. It was like my pitch and to bring on Sid and Olivia to, like, kind of like make this pitch of mine into a real thing. It was really cool. And every step of the way, like, to just see everyone make this thing come to life was really awesome. And I think that's really tough for me is I, you know, I don't take ownership of things and I just don't. I don't have the confidence and my perfectionism prevents me from, like, starting things or believing I'm capable of doing things on my own or even with a team. But going back, I think something that I've thought about for a long time that I think would be really fun to do is I really like horror short films, like, when they're done really well. Very subtle ones. Not like bleh kind of horror, but more like. There's that one short film. It's like the Face of God or something. It's a really well done short film. Super subtle, and it's just got a really solid ending to it. There's. There's a bunch that I love. There's that one, I forget the name of it, where this. It's literally like the entire short film is this lady. She's like in this cement. It's kind of the slanted cement thing near a pit. And it's like six minutes of her just like, what stuck there, like, trying not to fall in. And I'm like, that's kind of incredible that they made this into a story, made this Into a gripping tale. And it's so subtle. Yeah, it's a horror, but you know, there's just really creative ways of that. And I'm not someone in a day to day that loves like horror, but something about it is just been always interesting to me.

[Amanda]

I feel like what would be cool is if you, if there was like a pitch session with your closest friends and you were pitching those ideas. Because I feel like that's how in my opinion shorts get made or like come to life. Some people like. Yeah, no, I see exactly how that shot and you're like, yeah, really? I feel like that's how it happens.

[Shane]

So I'm, I'm at my most creative when I'm with other people too, or I have my initial ideas, but I do so well bouncing off of other people. So I guess it's maybe it's embracing that a little bit more. But for my personal life, I can't think of any thing that I'd be like, that's a short film.

[Amanda]

That's okay.

[Olivia]

That's also really great.

[Amanda]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

You know, you have. I wish I had other ideas that were not my personal experiences. It's like literally putting your entire life on display.

[Amanda]

Yeah, I was going to say personal stuff. It makes it even more.

[Olivia]

Yeah, it's really challenging for me to like be having my life being perceived.

[Amanda]

When do you think your short will be done? Sorry, daunting question.

[Olivia]

No, it's okay because you asked. Someone asked already.

[Shane]

But, but I mean you're. You were saying you weren't sure.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I think hopefully in the next like month or two. Okay. Maybe even shorter. You know, I don't know. But I don't want to rush it.

[Shane]

Do you think next. Because next year you'll probably inevitably be showing it to rooms full of people.

[Amanda]

Maybe.

[Shane]

Or, or. Okay, I'm gonna burn it.

[Olivia]

Oh, maybe a smosh. Christmas party. No, I'm just kidding. I don't know. I don't know. I definitely think it'll be done before next year.

[Shane]

When you imagine yourself, you imagine this thing is done. Are you gonna be able to sit in a room full of people and watch it?

[Olivia]

I'm not sure.

[Shane]

Cause even thinking of if I were to be doing this, I would have such a hard time.

[Olivia]

Unless it's never done. So I never have to put myself in.

[Amanda]

No, wait. There is a thing though. There is a thing. When you are doing a project, when you are making a project. Like when I made my one woman show, you kind of don't want the making of it. To end.

[Olivia]

Yeah, I don't really want to.

[Amanda]

Because you're in a comfortable place. You're almost in this torturous, comfortable place.

[Olivia]

Yes, yes.

[Amanda]

Making it. And you don't want it to end because when that ends, you go, what's next? What's next? What else?

[Shane]

It's also never really done. You're probably gonna always.

[Amanda]

I mean, it will be done if it's.

[Shane]

But I mean. But I mean, in the process of making it, there's always gonna be something you feel you could do.

[Olivia]

Yeah. I think it was like, also, like, the day after we wrapped, I was like.

[Shane]

Oh.

[Olivia]

I was like, no one's making me sign documents. Like, my producer isn't calling me to sign things. And I'm not constantly on the phone with my dp. I'm like, what's.

[Amanda]

It's sad.

[Olivia]

Yeah.

[Amanda]

I was like, you're like family.

[Olivia]

But then I realized I didn't expect the rush of other things that were gonna happen.

[Shane]

Oh, yeah. Post is usually the worst part.

[Olivia]

Jesus. I'm like, God, this is so hard.

[Amanda]

The best part is making it, obviously.

[Olivia]

Yeah. Making it and then making it again.

[Amanda]

And then making it again.

[Shane]

But I think it's so cool because, you know, you could have just not done this, but I think it's cool that you are doing this, that you chose to do this. And it's daunting, but it's a risk and it's a project. And oftentimes the scariest, like, most daunting things are the most fulfilling.

[Olivia]

Yeah, it's definitely changed my perspective on, like, how I want to, you know, live my life and what types of things I want to do and what I want to put my energy towards. And like, yeah, this was the best experience ever. And I Now I'm just like, I just want to do more things like that, you know, when you do it.

[Amanda]

Again, what is the thing you're going to remember from this experience when you do it again? You're like, oh, I learned that I.

[Olivia]

Got to make sure that I do that everything. Because I'll tell you a really challenging thing that I was always looking at, which was like, figuring out the shot list with my dp. But I also, oh, you know what? Time. Time is one of those things. I'm like, I really need to get more time. Especially when I was. Because I was in it, I didn't have time to watch playback because that would just take so much time out of the 12, 10, 12 hour day I had. And I think having enough time to.

[Amanda]

See all the A longer shoot day.

[Olivia]

A longer shoot day.

[Amanda]

Not as rushed. Not in the restaurant.

[Olivia]

Yeah. I mean, I learned literally so much. And I'm gonna continue to learn because there's gonna be new things and I'm gonna wanna make new things that are gonna be different. So it's just like an ever forever learning thing, I guess. I don't.

[Amanda]

Wow.

[Shane]

Okay, so before we end this for so many of our listeners, I feel like there's probably definitely a few people who want to make a short film now. Say they're not in California. Say they're, I don't know, in some other state or some other place. What would be your best advice for if they wanted to get this going?

[Olivia]

I think having a clear idea of what you want to make, but also being collaborative.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

And being nice to people.

[Shane]

That's. That's probably the best advice, actually.

[Olivia]

People being, like, nice to people. And I guess it's like, I would. It's so funny. I would never think this, but now I'm like, wait, you have to budget things out.

[Shane]

Yeah.

[Olivia]

You know, like how much things cost, how much it'll. How much the camera it's going to cost and all these little things. But. But I think you'll figure all of that out if you believe in yourself, have a clear vision, and be nice to people.

[Shane]

Yeah, that's legit. That's. That's probably the best advice you can give. No, I mean, it's a creative experience. I guess you have to be creative with what you're capable of, too. Like, on a budget level, like, you're gonna have to change things up.

[Olivia]

Yeah. And things cost money.

[Amanda]

Money.

[Shane]

That's the biggest lesson that we've learned today is that things cost money, things are expensive.

[Amanda]

And being nice to people goes a very, very.

[Olivia]

Being nice to people goes a long.

[Shane]

I'm gonna start doing that.

[Olivia]

Being nice to people. I'm so glad.

[Shane]

I think I'm gonna start being nice to people.

[Amanda]

I'm so happy.

[Olivia]

I know we're all. This. This whole thing was meant for.

[Shane]

It was all for me.

[Amanda]

An intervention.

[Shane]

All right, you guys heard it. I'm going to start being nice to people. So get ready to start seeing that in our content and on this podcast.

[Amanda]

But, Liv, I am so unbelievably proud of you. You guys, thank you for coming on the pod and sharing all your vulnerable experiences.

[Olivia]

Oh, well, thanks for having me share these vulnerable experiences.

[Amanda]

Yeah, you're welcome. Scary as heck experiences.

[Shane]

And I'm sure people will get updates as this moves along.

[Olivia]

Yes, it will. Be finished. Oh, you guys, wait, wait. This is actually really important.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

Okay. If you're listening and you want to be updated on all of this stuff, I have an Instagram.

[Shane]

Oh.

[Olivia]

For this film.

[Shane]

Okay.

[Olivia]

Okay. Called Way Baba Film, I think. No, yeah, it is. I'm gonna put on my Instagram, too.

[Amanda]

We'll link it, too, in the description.

[Olivia]

Yeah. Okay. Right now, there's no photo and it looks like a bot, but it's not and it's mine. And I'm going to be posting updates and fun things, and you guys can see, like, bts little, you know, like, all the cool.

[Shane]

This is perfect.

[Olivia]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Shane]

Okay, great.

[Amanda]

Okay, so guys, follow her on Instagram.

[Olivia]

Follow Weibaba film.

[Amanda]

Weibaba film. But we're gonna put it in the description, so follow along. I will be following.

[Shane]

All right, well, thank you, Olivia.

[Olivia]

Thank you, guys.

[Amanda]

Thank you, Olivia.

[Olivia]

Thank you, Amanda and Chain.

[Amanda]

Thank you so welcome.

[Shane]

Thank you guys for listening and watching.

[Amanda]

Guys, go be nice.

[Shane]

Yeah. Be nice and set a budget. All right, Goodbye.

[Amanda]

Bye.