BEHIND THE SCENES
“Beauty is created when someone opens their heart to others, and I have never seen so many hearts beat so strongly for one and the same goal. This project brought together a family of creatives all with the same dream and I can't wait for the world to get to share that dream.”
SOPHIE KIETZMANN
Behind the Scenes Photography
““Working on BLOCK was an amazing experience. To see everyone come together to create Carrie's vision with such enthusiasm was, needless to say, awe-inspiring. Working with Carrie, Monica and the team was such a wonderful experience because they gave me the freedom to get inside the story and really create the look and feel that they conveyed in the script. The goal from the beginning was to create a world where the lighting and camera work was beautiful and real so as to help the story and not draw attention away from the actors.
My favorite scene was the scene between Tori and Carrie by the river at sunset. As this heartfelt moment was being portrayed, hundreds of lightning bugs came out and just supplied the delicate tone to a very heavy scene. The story is one that I think will touch many people and I am honored to be a part of it.”
HILLARY HANAK
Director of Photography
“This was hands down the most fun I've ever had on a shoot. Don't get me wrong - we worked HARD and we had long shoot days, but the vibe of the entire crew was so positive and so supportive. I had cast members helping me with set decoration when I needed extra hands, and at one point, I was running with a boom mic because Heather (our sound wizard) needed extra hands. We all really believe in this film so every single crew member was down to do whatever needed to be done.”
ERIN JOHNSON
Production Design
“My favorite night was the night we shot the karaoke bar scene. I was a little stressed about how it would all come together, but that turned out to be a night I will never forget. Our extras showed OUT with their awesome costumes and the local community turned up to show their support, and I think almost all the crew members ended up jumping in that scene because we just wanted to be a part of the magic. It was such a celebration. The whole shoot was truly a celebration.”
ERIN JOHNSON
Production Design
"Making BLOCK was challenging and exhilarating. It was my first project as an AD, and I'm really grateful that Carrie and Monica felt like they could trust me with the logistics of the production. Looking back, the team that was put together was truly a remarkable mix of talent and passion. Collaborating with a group of people who were wholly committed to telling such a poignant story made every day exciting. The days were long and we faced challenges, but we genuinely had a great time working together! As a filmmaker, every once in a while you come across a team and a project that reminds you of the joy of storytelling; and for me, BLOCK is one of those productions. "
KELLY MURRAY
Assistant Director
“What a freaking cast and crew!! From the very first day, every SINGLE person that show up was incredibly committed, open, and had an energy that was contagious. We all came together to tell a beautiful story about accepting and loving yourself, and I really believe that after six days of filming, we all left loving ourselves just a little bit more. I know I did.”
AMANDA LINDSAY
Assistant to Production Design
“Filming Block was a communal rally of pride and momentum. Every day, no matter the typical indie film road blocks, we were ready and willing!
I have grown from the production, from the script and from the cast and crew. It was an irreplaceable experience.
Fueled by Carrie’s energy we danced, laughed and cried our way through her story, honored to have been a part of it.
”This film has such a personal outlook on a fear that is still so universally shared, every new story and voice added to the well of queer identity and struggles allows space for another one to be shared.”
“Carrie, our cast, and our crew were brave enough to take the step in telling her story and I’m so proud of what we have made.”
“When I was first asked to be part of this production, I was honored. Reading the script, it was a project I knew it would touch so many lives. I was not expecting such a tight knit group of people. There was such a strong family and sense of unity was in place that even the most extreme situations were mild because of how close we were. It was an honor to see and be part of the journey unfolding!”
MATTHEW BRENT
Production Assistant
“I fell into this project by accident. I was dragged to a Queer MeetUp by a friend looking to meet new gays. I had no desire to go. I’d given my heart to a girl who gave it back to me when I wanted her to have it the most. It was hard to sleep at night, or stop thinking of her, let alone breathe knowing that my heart was returned to me. I did not want to go to this MeetUp. So I joked with the circle of strangers, “Yeah, I pick up people outside of the bathroom. Lol jk, I don’t date. Actually, I’m heartbroken and am in a lot of pain hahah.” Man, I was not okay. Then this girl with crazy blonde hair in a long tan shirt that made her look like she wasn’t wearing pants rose her hand, “I’m making a film called, BLOCK. It’s about this girl who carries this invisible cinderblock ... I know it sounds insane. Basically, majority of the story she is trying to tell everyone that being gay is a good thing and that it’s fine, but she’s not accepting the fact that she’s not okay.
“I realized that day that I knew what she was talking about. The BLOCK that kept me up at night. the mental BLOCK I could not get off my mind. The BLOCK so heavy it made it hard to breathe. I cared so much about love for other people that I forgot to love myself. I have such a big heart and endless desire to support the people I love. I never thought once to maybe turn that inwards. To look in the mirror and say, “I love you and I’m here for you always, through and through and through.” By happy accident, I fell in love with a story. Then I fell in love with this crew. Along the way I began to accept my BLOCK, walk alongside it, and learned to fall in love with it too. I fell into this project by accident and I’m pretty sure now that’s how love works anyway.”
