We’ve all experienced those moments in life where aimless, late night walks with friends or dates turn into long hours of laughing and discussing the most random of topics. These are the moments that indie filmmaker Spencer Jamison finds the beauty in, seeing connection through our shared serendipity.
In our insightful interview, indie filmmaker Spencer Jamison discusses her short film At Capacity which had its premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Festival. Spencer recounts how she drew from her experiences as an overwhelmed artist seeking hope and authenticity as inspiration for the film, along with challenges faced during production (managing multiple roles and a gas leak on set). Spencer emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking in the film industry, and gave invaluable advice for aspiring indie filmmakers. Read on for our exclusive interview with this bright, upcoming talent to keep your eye on.
Cinemacy: Hi Spencer, it’s nice to meet you! Congratulations on the world premiere of your short film, At Capacity, at the LA Shorts International Film Festival! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?
Spencer Jamison: It’s great to meet you as well, Ryan! And thank you, it’s a pleasure to be interviewed by Cinemacy. Also, shoutout to LA Shorts for supporting the film… it was a bit surreal getting to celebrate with the cast and crew this past weekend… some of whom have known me my whole life.
I wrote At Capacity at a moment in time where I was extremely overwhelmed with the state of the world and trying to figure out my place in it as an artist and woman. I wanted to create something with hope, something a bit sweet. But also a film that would spark a dialogue about how we can be better to one another… leading with tenderness and authenticity. It’s very inspired by those character driven 90s rom-coms, my appreciation for The West Wing, and the whimsical heart of Korean Dramas. Fortunately, my big brother and fellow filmmaker, Jai Jamison, and a close family friend, Ron Forbes, believed in the script so much they came on board as Executive Producers to help bring it to fruition!
Cinemacy: As an indie filmmaker, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the production of this film, and how did you overcome them?
Spencer Jamison: Production was fairly smooth (thank goodness!) once we brought on the help of Macy West and her production company, Mad Box Made. I’m currently based in Los Angeles and we were planning to film in my hometown, Richmond, VA. Macy was incredible because she was there on the ground making sure we assembled a really generous and skilled crew. With that taken care of, the most challenging aspect of production was wearing multiple hats and splitting my focus.
I’d written these dialogue heavy scenes in multiple languages, was also discussing blocking, camera setups, in and out of hair and makeup, doing collaborative revisions with my cast… it was a lot, but I honestly loved it and want to do it again. My main goal at every step of production was I wanted the world of At Capacity to feel warm and lived-in. This meant truly trusting that the cast and crew had my back and allowing folks to expand into their individual roles.
Cinemacy: One of the things that I was so taken by while watching was how the story explores themes of connection and serendipity. How did you translate these abstract concepts into visual moments in the film?
Spencer Jamison: There’s a specific visual moment at dinner where the camera slowly zooms in on Mia as she reveals to Ari that she feels like she’s stuck in a corner sparring with fear, anxiety, and rage. The camera lingers on her until Ari says, “Would you rather be pushed off a cliff, or with your own parachute in tow, choose to jump?” She doesn’t answer the question… but the question does give Mia some reprieve. She starts to breathe.
This is when we’re catapulted away from the restaurant into a more liberating and whimsical moment walking the canal in Shockoe Bottom. Having grown up in Richmond, I already knew it would be one of the main locations. I wanted to capture those serendipitous late night walks with friends or dates, where you spend hours laughing and discussing the most random topics.
Cinemacy: Were there any unique or memorable moments from the filming process that unexpectedly impacted the film’s final cut?
Spencer Jamison: On our last day of filming… we had a gas leak… *insert yikes emoji* *sideways laugh-crying emoji* *upside down smiley face* Luckily, we caught it early, were able to air the location out, made sure everyone was okay, and had already created a plan to get the coverage we needed for the rest of the day. But it did mean we had to be really precise and ditch a couple of our setups.
We approached the restaurant scenes with an urgency that I actually believe aided in the acting for both me and Jake (Ari). Also I have to say… Jake is brilliant and hilarious and had some great adlibs and dialogue changes that elevated the film and 100% made it into the final edit.
Cinemacy: Working with a limited budget is a common constraint for indie filmmakers. What strategies did you use to ensure high production quality without breaking the bank?
Spencer Jamison: Again, I cannot thank my line producer, Macy, enough… She was so thoughtful in her budget and hiring that I knew going into filming we would be in great shape. Also fortunately, my brother was one of the editors, so we both deferred our payments for the various roles we took on in this production to make sure cast and crew were taken care of first. Which I mean is pretty common for filmmakers who really want to get their films made! I’m just very grateful for the crew in Richmond who have worked on a ton of big projects and took the time to contribute/work on At Capacity.
Cinemacy: How did you cast the roles of Ari, Maxine, and Audre? What qualities were you looking for in your actors?
Spencer Jamison: From the jump I wanted to work with my classmate from the Yale School of Drama, Jake Ryan Lozano. He was one of my first scene partners and has now become a great friend. We have immense trust in each other and I knew he would bring the wit, charm, and chemistry I needed to make us fall in love with both characters.
Zainab Bari (Maxine) is the sister of one of my best friends (Hey Binta!) and a fellow James Madison University alum. She’s a gifted director, writer, and actor in her own right and I’d been looking for an opportunity for us to work together. Plus, we look like we could be sisters.
We held auditions for the role of Audre. I have to thank our casting director, Anne N. Chapman, for introducing me to the incredibly talented, Joy Hana Park. The minute I saw her tape, I knew she would bring so much fun and nuance to this character in a short time. Now, we’ve become great friends and she’s like a little sister.
Cinemacy: What advice would you give to aspiring indie filmmakers who are just starting out and looking to get their films noticed by festivals, such as the LA Shorts International Film Festival?
Spencer Jamison: The festival circuit is hella unpredictable, so my biggest advice is to be centered in the purpose, intention, audience, and creative process of your film. You’ve got to have a strong “why” first and foremost. That will keep you grounded when rejections come and when those festivals in alignment with your work ultimately say yes!
More technical recommendations… rewrite, revise, and get the script (or treatment/concept if it’s more experimental) solid. It’s your roadmap. Be concise in how much time you need to tell the story you want to tell. Then assemble a team of people you trust to enjoy the process of creation alongside you. There’s no rhyme or reason to the way any of our paths unfold in this industry, but at the end of the day, we all want to be able to look at our work and be proud of the steps we took to birth our projects.
Cinemacy: Can you talk about the importance of networking and building relationships within the film industry, especially as an independent director? Who have you met along the way that has helped you get to where you are today?
Spencer Jamison: I’ve been fortunate to build a foundation of collaborators very organically. I met a fellow filmmaker last year, Caroline Renard, because we’d both recently made shorts. We bonded over our shared southern Black girl nerdom and desire to create opportunities for other Black women. She’s been a great holistic support system this year and now we’re planning a project that I’m going to produce and star in that she’s written and will direct.
Another incredible friend and mentor I have is Kaitlin Fontana whom I met through my brother. I took her screenwriting class and whew… my voice as a writer and skillset as a filmmaker have grown immensely with her trust and encouragement. I was recently the 1st AD on a short film of hers. “Networking” should feel nurturing. For me, it’s more important to genuinely enjoy each other’s presence than to pursue relationships with transactional intent.
Cinemacy: What pivotal moments or projects would you say significantly shaped your path as a filmmaker?
Spencer Jamison: I’ve been extremely driven my whole life and always believed I had a healthy relationship with the pursuit of achievement or success. But when the pandemic happened and we were all forced to pause/take stock, I faced burnout coupled with the brain fog of long Covid. This extended period of time was pivotal because it reminded me that caring for my physical, spiritual, and mental well-being is beyond essential. My approach to creation and collaboration is much more holistic now. It’s why I talk about nurturing one another and encouraging rest so often. It’s why I really want to lead by example on sets, in writers’ rooms, in rehearsals, in life… with a true sense of gratitude, play, and presence. I know now that my dreams as a filmmaker must work in tandem with living a good and full life.
Cinemacy: Are there any upcoming projects or future goals you’re excited to share with us?
Spencer Jamison: I recently finished writing my first feature, a nerdy romantic comedy called Caught in the Middle of June. I’m now working on a second feature, a coming of age film dedicated to my grandmother, Marie. Hopefully one of them will be my feature directorial debut. I also have a sci-fi action short I’d like to direct. I wrote it for two close friends to star in with the need to unpack our relationships to social media and unhealthy trends.
For future goals, I desire to work in multiple capacities as a filmmaker and meet each project in whatever role it requires of me… whether that’s as a director, writer, actor, or producer. I’d also love to work with directors, writers, and showrunners I admire, travel, and create creative opportunities for others. Instead of the visual of climbing a mountain, I see my life and career as navigating waterways… sometimes the water will be still, some days there will be waves, but ultimately I’ll always have a healthy relationship to the changing of tides.
