Interview Sam Lasiter & Calyssa Lavery

What People Burn to Stay Warm

Sam Lasiter and Calyssa Lavery are Brooklyn-based artists and filmmakers. While studying film at Pratt Institute, they found each other and discovered a mutual love for writing, directing, and truthful storytelling. Sam is a working DP and AC, Calyssa works as a production designer and a writing assistant. They came together as writers and directors to make What People Burn to Stay Warm.

JK's deception plays a key role in the tension of the film. How did you develop his character to balance the seemingly caring facade with the darker truth behind his intentions?

JK is a complicated character, he's clearly the villain of the story, but has deluded himself into thinking he's the hero. The facade at its core, is purely self-serving, but to save his own ego he's convinced himself he's doing it all for Ophelia's benefit. The deception is on himself almost as much as it's on her. He deflects outward: he's not wrong, Ophelia's mother is wrong, the boss who fired him is wrong, and laws unfairly judging them are wrong.

The car acts as a central location for much of the film's tension. How did you use the confined space of the sedan to create a sense of both safety and danger for Ophelia?

The sedan is first introduced as Ophelia's mode of escape from a dangerous situation; for her it meant freedom to leave her troubled life behind. In the beginning of the film the car is mostly in motion. Once things turn and Ophelia realizes some horrible truths, the car is stagnant- the framing tighter. The freedom and safety of the car turns into entrapment and uncertainty.

Ophelia is only 14, yet she's forced to navigate very adult circumstances. How did you direct the actress to ensure her performance remained both authentic and age-appropriate?

While directing Rebecca through Ophelia's role, we focused on her innocence vs forced maturity. Ophelia wants what a typical 14 year old wants: first time romances, newfound independence. At the same time she is forced to think about survival, being exploited, and avoiding abuse. We directed Rebecca to work on two levels: Portraying the emotion Ophelia was trying to present, and her true feelings simmering under the surface. Rebecca did an amazing job showing what that tightrope walk looks like for children of abuse and neglect.

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@sam.lasiter

Interview Sam Lasiter & Calyssa Lavery

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