Cinequest's CQ Central interviewed How To Be producer Justin Kelly and actor Michael Pearce, who plays Nikki in the film.  They talk about getting the film to screen, distribution, and why people should line up to see it.

Tell us a little about the origins of How To Be, from writing to financing.

Justin Kelly: How To Be was written by Oliver Irving together with the composer Joe Hastings and actors Johnny White (RONNY) and Michael Pearce (NIKKI). It came together through anecdotes and observations about those around them.

Michael Pearce: Started out as a short film, I remember a script being written, about 20 pages but as the project developed Oliver realised it had enough to become a feature.

JK: The financing took about two years, mainly with writing a business plan for the production company and pitching it to private investors. The investment is structured as a UK Enterprise Investment Scheme together with cast and crew accepting some deferred fees.

It appears that the film has been screened at numerous other festivals; how has it been received? Do audiences respond differently at some festivals than they do at others?

JK: Since its premier at Slamdance 2008 where it won the Grand Jury’s Honourable Mention, the film has been well received in particular by young people and fans of Robert Pattinson. 

MP: I’ve only been to one festival but the film was very well received, especially by girls, I think that’s because I’m in the film.

What was your best and/or worst experience while making How To Be?

JK: Best: experiencing all aspects of production from development to distribution. Worst: our only stunt car buckling a wheel on the second take of the day.

MP: Worst experience was having to break into the prop room and drink 5 -7 beers before shooting, it helped calm the nerves but it was a lonely and dangerous time. This happened on a daily basis.

Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalogue descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film?

JK: Because it is an award winning wry comedy staring Robert Pattinson.

MP: Two words: MIKE. PEARCE.

The current market for independent films is fractured, to put it lightly, and existing distribution models grow more ineffective with each passing moment. What are your hopes or plans for distribution?

MP: Over to Justin.

JK: My hopes are that How To Be will be easily available around the world. The plan is to sell the film in collaboration with the sales agent The Little Film Company to as many appropriate distributors as possible during the forthcoming film markets together with us distributing the soundtrack and merchandise throughout the world. Furthermore, we are also planning a tour of the east coast of the US in April 2009 with some of the talent.

Stay tuned for more information about the film's tour.

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Laira   |2009-03-10 05:28:13 Awesome. Thanks for this! Didn't know it started out as a short. Just saw it recently and loved it! Reply

Sandra   |2009-03-10 12:09:04 Bring this film to Canada PLEASE....I really would love to see it with a dozen other people i know Reply

Trish  - Love This Movie   |2009-05-01 20:29:47 I saw this movie in New Orleans at the film fest. It was great. I loved it. Mike Pearse was there. He was great as well. A lot is said about this movie because of Robert Pattinson being in it. I think even without him I would watch How To Be over and over again. Reply

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