Valerie Weiss is an award-winning filmmaker and scientist. Her directing credits include “A Light Beneath Their Feet,” “Losing Control,” “Chicago Med,” and an upcoming episode of “Suits.” She holds a PhD in X-ray Crystallography from Harvard University.
“The Archer” will premiere at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival on March 11.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
VW: “The Archer” is a feminist coming-of-age action movie reminiscent of “Thelma & Louise” meets “First Blood.” It’s very much in my daringly light style — it’s a commercial action-thriller with a darker message at its heart.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
VW: I was drawn to the excitement of the action sequences and the juxtaposition of two young girls on the run against an unforgiving backdrop of nature pursued by a formidable male antagonist. So often women underestimate their own power and movies like this help give them the courage to fight for what’s right at all costs.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
VW: I want people to grasp that “The Archer” is inspired by the true stories of kids who are put into privately financed prisons not because they belong there but because there is a financial incentive to put them there. Not only is this immoral but it is on the rise again under the Trump administration.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
VW: Our budget only allowed for a 15 day shoot, which for an action film is incredibly tight. I was fortunate to have an extremely dedicated cast and crew, many of whom started prepping several months before we shot so that we maximized every second of every day because everyone knew exactly what I wanted.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
VW: The film was financed by Mar Vista Entertainment. Another female director, Maggie Kiley, had made an introduction for me to their amazing Head of Production, Hannah Pillemer, and after a general meeting, Hannah sent me the script for “The Archer.”
We began developing it further with writer Casey Schroen to a point where it spoke more to the story and themes I wanted to tell. Shortly after, I met Bailey Noble, who was the studio’s top choice for the leading role and Bailey began training with an Olympic Level 3 archery coach to be ready for the shoot.
Once we got Ruth Du on-board to produce this big film with a modest budget, and found the talented DP Adam Santelli, it was a greenlit picture.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at SXSW?
VW: It’s a dream come true. SXSW has launched so many original and fresh voices like Lena Dunham’s “Tiny Furniture” and Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Short Term 12.” Like “The Archer,” these movies were reflective of our culture at the time when they premiered and have an audacity and authenticity that has become synonymous with the SXSW brand.
We always felt that “The Archer” was a SXSW film and are honored to have our world premiere there.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
VW: Worst advice: Play it safe.
Best advice: Follow your dreams.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
VW: While there is no disputing the data that the numbers are just abysmal for female directors working in features and television, concentrate on what you can control. Make a great indie film or web series that shows your talent as a director because people want to hire great directors.
Do everything you can to show that you are a great director and it will happen.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
VW: It’s a tie between “Italian for Beginners” by Lone Scherfig and “Afternoon Delight” by Jill Soloway. Both meld humorous and poignant moments seamlessly and are wonderfully directed start to finish.
W&H: There have been significant conversations over the last couple of years about increasing the amount of opportunities for women directors yet the numbers have not increased. Are you optimistic about the possibilities for change? Share any thoughts you might have on this topic.
VW: I am extremely optimistic about this. In the last year I have seen many of my female director friends book TV directing jobs and enter the DGA. I have worked more this past year than ever before having directed “The Archer,” an “American Girl” special, and “Chicago Med” for NBC.
I am also noticing that when my female director friends start booking TV, they are working non-stop and are very in demand because they are killing it! It may take a moment for the numbers to catch up, but anecdotally I am seeing positive change — and feeling it, too.
