"Working with a child actor: the challenges" An interview with director Xiao Jiao - #3099

Indie-Clips Original Interview

 Xiao Jiao - #3099

In this insightful interview, we chat with London-based director Xiao Jiao about her short film #3099, which explores the life of a sperm-donor child questioning his identity. Xiao shares her experiences transitioning from production in China to directing in the UK, highlighting the unique challenges of working with child actors.

Key Takeaways

• The differences in regulations for child actors between China and the UK.
• The importance of crowdfunding in film production.
• Tips for aspiring filmmakers to embrace failure and explore their creativity.

The Story Behind #3099

Xiao Jiao's film, #3099, is set in a dystopian society where sperm can be purchased at convenience stores. The story follows a young boy, Rake, who struggles to connect with his mother and seeks to discover the identity of his father, represented only by the number 3099. This dark comedy touches on social issues and reflects Xiao's influences from various filmmakers, including the late Korean director K. Do Kim and the colorful style of Wes Anderson.

Transitioning From Production to Directing

Before studying film at Goldsmiths University in London, Xiao worked as a production assistant in China. She realized her passion lay in creativity rather than just production. This led her to pursue directing, where she could combine her production knowledge with her creative vision.

Working With Child Actors

Interestingly, Xiao has a history of working with child actors. Her first experience was during her graduation film in China, and she continued this trend in her UK projects. However, working with child actors in the UK presents unique challenges. For instance, when filming #3099, the young actor Dylan, who played Rake, could only work three hours a day due to regulations. This limitation made scheduling and shooting quite stressful for Xiao and her team.

The Crowdfunding Journey

To fund #3099, Xiao conducted two separate crowdfunding campaigns—one in China and another in the UK. The total budget for the film was around $13,000, which included contributions from both crowdfunding efforts and support from her university. This strategy allowed her to reach different audiences and secure the necessary funds to bring her vision to life.

Memorable Moments on Set

Despite the stress of filming, Xiao recalls some heartwarming moments. After long shooting days, the cast and crew would often stay together in the same house, sharing meals and stories. One particularly sweet memory was when Dylan interviewed the heads of departments, asking them about their roles and experiences on set. This showed his genuine interest in the filmmaking process.

Overcoming Challenges

Xiao faced several challenges during the production, especially with the limited time she had with Dylan. The tight shooting schedule and the small set of the convenience store added to the pressure. However, she learned a lot about directing children and how to communicate effectively with them, which is different from working with adult actors.

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

When asked for her top tip for new filmmakers, Xiao emphasized the importance of not fearing failure. She believes that exploring different ideas and building a network is crucial for growth in the industry. She also shared an inspiring quote from a female director she met at the Venice Film Festival: "Short films are not the practice for the real thing; they are the real thing." This perspective encourages filmmakers to treat their short films with the same seriousness as feature films.

Future Projects

Looking ahead, Xiao is excited about the possibility of expanding #3099 into a feature film. She also expressed interest in directing theater productions, particularly those that showcase Chinese culture in the UK. With her passion for storytelling and her unique background, Xiao Jiao is definitely a filmmaker to watch in the coming years.

 #3099 is part of the Indie-Clips Short Film Festival Catalogue : "Filmmaking for social change".