We recently connected with Hassan Said and have shared our conversation below.
What inspired the concept and story behind “THIS IS YOUR SONG”?
The inception of this cinematic journey was ignited by a profound catalyst in my personal narrative. Amidst the tumultuous aftermath of a divorce, a profound sense of disarray permeated my being. How could two souls, bound by love and commitment, diverge on separate paths, unable to evolve together? This existential question reverberated incessantly, urging me to ponder: is love alone sufficient to transcend all obstacles? As I grappled with this existential quandary, amidst a sea of other screenplays awaiting fruition, the genesis of “This Is Your Song” emerged organically, beckoning to be transcribed from the depths of my soul. Confronting this thematic inquiry became imperative, a means to navigate the labyrinthine depths of grief and introspection. In the throes of my darkest hour, amidst the debris of shattered dreams, I found solace in the transformative power of storytelling.
Moreover, my cinematic influences, drawn from the oeuvres of luminaries such as Ingmar Bergman, John Cassavetes, and Stanley Kubrick, imbued my creative canvas with a profound reverence for the human condition. Their poignant explorations of raw emotion and existential truth provided an indelible framework upon which to scaffold my narrative. Through their masterful lens, I gleaned insights into the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of love, and the innate veracity of our shared human experience. Thus, “This Is Your Song” became not merely a cinematic endeavor, but a profound excavation of the human soul, illuminated by the flickering light of truth and redemption.
Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes moments from the filming process?
Embarking on this cinematic odyssey, I found myself in the crucible of adversity—devoid of financial stability and a place to call home. Every facet of my existence was suspended as I channeled all resources into realizing the profound purpose encapsulated in the creation of this film. Stranded between the contrasting landscapes of Los Angeles and San Francisco, I traversed a precarious journey to ascertain the feasibility of transforming a conceptual dream into a tangible reality.
The linchpin of my vision rested on the aspiration to unfold the narrative of “This Is Your Song” in an unbroken, continuous take—an audacious endeavor aimed at crafting an immersive, claustrophobic, and visceral experience for the audience. This ambition, seemingly implausible for an indie production, unfolded in the most economically demanding city in the United States. Yet, resolute in my conviction, I summoned a team of steadfast collaborators—former associates and confidants who shared my unwavering belief in the transformative power of this vision.
The journey to realization demanded an arduous six weeks of in-person rehearsals and an additional two weeks conducted remotely. The objective: to intricately weave the dialogue, character arcs, emotions, and narrative beats into a seamless tapestry. Simultaneously, the entire crew undertook a meticulous dance, honing their movements to execute the continuous take with precision, preserving both choreography and emotional resonance.
Against all odds, and with a symphony of blood, sweat, and tears, we achieved the unprecedented. Breaking records, we etched our place in cinematic history, boasting the longest single take shot in American film—an achievement accomplished with minimal resources and buoyed by the unwavering support of the Bay Area community. Their collective desire to bring forth this delicate and pivotal narrative propelled us forward, transcending the limitations of circumstance to birth a testament to resilience and artistic determination.
How did you approach casting for the film, and what qualities were you looking for in your actors?
The casting process for this film diverged significantly from my prior endeavors, reflecting a deliberate pursuit of uniqueness and depth. Entrusting Jacob Hayman with his inaugural role as casting director, we embarked on a quest to unearth performers possessing not only thespian prowess but also the endurance requisite for the dialogue-heavy script. Despite the financial constraints that typically bedevil indie productions, our call for talent reverberated far and wide, eliciting an overwhelming response of over 800 submissions from across the globe. It was heartening to witness the resonant power of our narrative, igniting a personal resonance that compelled actors from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, the UK, and beyond to converge on our auditions, self-funded and impassioned by the screenplay’s profundity. The audition process was meticulously curated, with groups of actors rotating and interacting to gauge the alchemical spark of chemistry and cohesion. This exhaustive exploration spanned three months, punctuated by multiple callbacks, as we painstakingly sought the perfect ensemble to embody the characters and narratives with unyielding vulnerability and dedication. Ultimately, our chosen cast emerged as stalwart guardians, ready to embark on the formidable journey of breathing life into a narrative that lays bare their innermost truths.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during production, and how did you overcome them?
In essence, every aspect of this production posed formidable challenges that demanded intricate navigation on a daily basis. From securing locations and permits to fundraising, casting, rehearsals, and continual rewrites, the multifaceted nature of this endeavor required a delicate balancing act. Amidst this labyrinth of logistical hurdles, my foremost priority was to ensure the well-being and contentment of a cast and crew grappling with their own personal adversities. The landscape of our production was further complicated by external factors, such as delays in location confirmations exacerbated by a government shutdown, stormy and rainy weather conditions. This necessitated constant recalibration of blocking and dialogue timing to synchronize with our limited camera resources and shooting resolution, while meticulously managing the film’s overall runtime. Despite the pervasive doubts and uncertainties that loomed, the unwavering belief in each other and the project fostered an environment of growth and accomplishment. It was a testament to the resilience and dedication of every individual involved that we emerged from the crucible of challenges, united and enriched by the journey. The story had to happen in San Francisco, as its a very dear place for me in my heart— and yet with high costs, extreme weather, and mostly corporate production going on— we managed to make the impossible, possible.
The film features a record-breaking single take. What motivated this creative decision, and what were the logistical challenges of executing it?
In the landscape of contemporary cinema, the craft of crafting dramas presents a unique challenge, as American audiences often gravitate towards narratives of escapism rather than the introspective confrontation that characterized cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. However, at the heart of cinematic artistry lies the profound ability to reflect upon and elucidate the complexities of the human condition. Amidst the constraints of limited financing and the absence of established star power, our endeavor was to transcend these obstacles by elevating the production value and crafting a distinctive cinematic experience within the realm of relationship drama. Central to this ambition was the decision to push the boundaries of storytelling by unfolding the entirety of our narrative in one continuous take—an approach aimed at capturing the nuances of pauses and intensity akin to being transfixed by an oncoming train. The meticulous execution of this vision necessitated innovative techniques and meticulous preparation, particularly in the realm of cinematography. Cinematographer Peggy Peralta undertook the formidable task of deftly maneuvering the camera amidst the intricacies of choreography, all while balancing the demands of a full-time commitment. For our ensemble cast, the transition from stage to screen required a nuanced understanding of projection, blocking, and mark recognition inherent to the cinematic medium. I endeavored to cultivate a sense of comfort and cohesion among the actors, fostering chemistry through incremental steps despite the myriad challenges and initial hesitancies. Navigating the complexities of transitioning between diverse locations, managing logistical considerations such as extras, food, clothing, and music cues, underscored the meticulous planning required to orchestrate a seamless cinematic experience. Extensive camera and lens tests were conducted to capture the desired aesthetic under practical low lighting conditions, imbuing the environment with a natural yet visually vibrant ambiance to juxtapose the gripping drama unfolding within the confines of our protagonists’ tumultuous relationship.
What themes or messages do you hope audiences take away from “THIS IS YOUR SONG”?
The objective of “This Is Your Song” is to engender a profound sense of resonance among viewers, irrespective of their current relationship status or past struggles. I firmly assert that this microcosmic narrative transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, offering a poignant exploration of universal themes. At its core, the film confronts the harsh reality that love alone is insufficient to overcome all obstacles—a sobering reflection of the contemporary challenges inherent in nurturing relationships amidst the pervasive influence of capitalism. In a society that prioritizes material prosperity over emotional growth, individuals are often impeded in their journey towards mutual development, burdened by the weight of personal traumas and the insidious pressure to conform to societal expectations.
Can you discuss the importance of music and cinematography in conveying the emotional depth of the story?
In the intricate tapestry of “This Is Your Song,” both music and cinematography serve as vital threads, weaving together the emotional landscape of the narrative. Let us begin with the music, a melodic companion echoing the heartbeats of San Francisco’s pulsating streets. Envisioning a fusion of jazz and classical tones to underscore the film’s evocative scenes, I sought the expertise of Allison Lovejoy, a revered pianist whose artistry embodies the soul of the city. With her graceful touch, Lovejoy breathed life into the opening strains of Tchaikovsky’s “June,” imbuing it with a jazz-infused cadence that set the stage for the unfolding drama. For the grand finale, a masterstroke of narrative inversion, Lovejoy’s rendition of Chopin’s Nocturne in E minor cast a haunting veil over the film’s climax, a poignant reflection of the protagonists’ tumultuous journey. Enter Brad Fischer, a maestro of musical alchemy, whose keen ear and visionary spirit resonated deeply with the film’s essence. Drawing inspiration from the hallowed halls of San Francisco’s cinematic legacy, Fischer crafted a symphony of original compositions that reverberated with the characters’ innermost struggles. Each note, a brushstroke of emotional nuance, painted a vivid portrait of the protagonists’ inner turmoil, echoing the haunting melodies of Bernard Herrmann and his ilk. On the canvas of cinematography, Peggy Peralta, a luminary in her own right, embarked on a quest for visual poetry, seeking to capture the essence of the story with unparalleled finesse. After meticulous deliberation, the Arri Alexa emerged as the instrument of choice, its exquisite image sensor and lightweight design embodying the film’s ethos of naturalism tinged with hyperrealism. Guided by a meticulous look book delineating the aesthetic and color palette, Peralta and her team embarked on a voyage of visual discovery, culminating in the selection of the 18mm Master Prime Zeiss lens, with its unparalleled ability to capture intimacy without sacrificing focus. The chromatic tapestry of the film, awash in hues of purple, reds, blues, and yellows, mirrored the emotional ebbs and flows of the narrative, each hue a harbinger of visceral emotion. In a mesmerizing montage, the Cooke SF lenses cast a spectral glow over the passage of time, their anamorphic quality evoking a haunting sense of separation between past and present. In every frame, a symphony of light and shadow, sound and silence, coalesced to evoke the ineffable beauty of human experience, transcending the confines of celluloid to resonate deep within the soul.
“THIS IS YOUR SONG” has received critical acclaim and won several awards. Did you anticipate this level of success, and how does it feel to see the film resonate with audiences?
At the esteemed DTLA Film Festival, we were bestowed with accolades for Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Original Score—a testament to the collective dedication and artistry of our team. As the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life, a hushed anticipation filled the air, punctuated by gasps of astonishment and thunderous applause. Witnessing the film unfurl on the grand canvas of the big screen was a surreal experience, a tapestry of reflection, laughter, tears, and unadulterated joy. Standing on the periphery, I observed with bated breath as the audience journeyed alongside our characters, their emotions mirroring the ebbs and flows of the narrative. Moments of levity elicited harmonious laughter, while poignant scenes evoked a symphony of shared tears—a testament to the film’s transcendent power to elicit visceral reactions. With each beat of the story, tension coalesced into palpable emotion, surpassing all expectations and forging an indelible connection with viewers. After five years of unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of our artistic vision, the culmination of our labor was an unforgettable testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Every soul touched, every conversation sparked, and every emotion felt during this odyssey of Jules and James affirmed the profound impact of our cinematic endeavor. Fortuitously, the partnership with Indie Rights Movies has opened avenues to share our film with audiences worldwide, ensuring its presence on major platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, YouTube, and beyond.
Contact information:
- Website: http://hassansaid.com, Http://thisisyoursongfilm.com
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/theworkofhassansaid
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/hassan_said
- Other: http://imdb.me/hassansaid
