Writing, Acting, Directing & Producing your First Feature
with Dzifa Mallet
This week on the podcast, we explored the inspiring journey of Dzifa Mallet in Writing, Acting, Directing & Producing Your First Feature. Dzifa made a bold leap into filmmaking, transitioning from a different career to pursue his passion for storytelling. His determination led him to create a short film, which later evolved into his debut feature, Remedy for a Broken Heart. In our conversation, we delved into the highs and lows of this incredible journey and what it took to wear so many creative hats in a single project.
Dzifa’s Route into Filmmaking
Dzifa’s path to filmmaking was marked by courage and creativity. With no formal background in film, he decided to take the plunge into both acting and directing. His determination to tell authentic stories propelled him forward, despite the steep learning curve. We explored the challenges and rewards of writing, acting, directing, and producing a feature, and how this all began with a simple idea that grew into something much bigger.
Remedy for a Broken Heart
Dzifa’s debut feature, Remedy for a Broken Heart, stands as a testament to his perseverance. Taking a deeply personal story and transforming it into a film required not only creativity but also a deep commitment to seeing it through. We discussed how the project came to life and the obstacles Dzifa overcame to bring it to the screen, all while managing a tight budget and minimal resources.
Genre Talk
We explored the film’s place within the broader world of cinema by discussing its genre. Dzifa shared his thoughts on how the film balances familiar tropes with fresh perspectives. This discussion highlighted the importance of understanding genre conventions while still leaving room for creative expression.
Being a Black Filmmaker
Dzifa opened up about the challenges he faced as a Black filmmaker. The conversation touched on the stereotypes and tropes that often hinder filmmakers of color in areas like sales and distribution. Dzifa’s insights underscored the importance of breaking down these barriers and creating space for more diverse stories in the industry.
Directing Yourself in a Lead Role
One of the unique aspects of Dzifa’s journey was directing himself in the lead role. He shared the complexities of managing both performance and direction simultaneously. The experience tested his limits but also provided valuable lessons about multitasking and self-discipline.
Moving from a Short to a Feature
Dzifa’s journey from creating a short film to producing a full-length feature offered plenty of learning moments. We talked about how scaling up presented new challenges, particularly in funding and managing larger production logistics. His experience highlights the determination needed to take the leap into feature filmmaking.
Approaching Sales and Distribution
Sales and distribution are often daunting for independent filmmakers, and Dzifa’s story was no exception. He shared how he navigated this side of filmmaking, including his decision to partner with Indie Rights. His approach offers practical advice for others embarking on the journey of Writing, Acting, Directing & Producing Your First Feature.
Marketing on a $0 Budget
With no marketing budget, Dzifa had to get creative in promoting his film. He shared how he used social media and community engagement to spread the word. His resourceful methods illustrate how passion and persistence can overcome financial constraints.
Other Filmmakers…
A few weeks ago a spoke to Georgia Colan and Martin Hardwick. Their film ‘Charlotte’ recently premiered at the Fright Fest Film Festival and has now been released on Amazon Prime and Tubi both in the UK and the USA. Listen to the full chat
