Zoe Lister-Jones is an actor, director, writer, and producer who is currently starring in CBS’ “Life in Pieces.” She recently co-starred in “Confirmation” for HBO. As a writer/producer/actor, her previous credits include “Breaking Upwards,” “Lola Versus,” and “Consumed.” “Band Aid” marks Lister-Jones’ directorial debut, which she also wrote, produced, and stars in, under the banner of her production company, Mister Lister Films.
“Band Aid” will premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on January 24.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
ZLJ: “Band Aid” is the story of a couple who, in a last ditch effort to save their marriage, decide to turn all their fights into songs and start a band.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
ZLJ: As a writer, I wanted to explore the power dynamics in a long-term relationship, particularly the way couples fight.
At the same time, I was interested in writing a story with music at its core, so creating a world in which domestic squabbles are explored through song was a perfect intersection of the two.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
ZLJ: I never like to ascribe a particular emotional outcome as the product of a film, as filmgoing is such a personal and subjective experience.
I think the mark of a good film is when you feel invested in the characters’ journey, so I hope audiences do!
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
ZLJ: Actors’ schedules!
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
ZLJ: It’s an independent film, financed by a company called QC Entertainment. My producer gave them the script and they quickly signed on to both finance and executive produce. The script was submitted on Friday and by Monday we were making a deal!
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at Sundance?
ZLJ: It’s truly a dream come true.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
ZLJ: The best advice that I received, as a director, was to communicate to your crew, earnestly and often, that they’re doing a great job. Especially in indie filmmaking, it can be a mad dash to make your days, and those kinds of exchanges are too often lost in the hustle. When people understand they are valued, it’s incredibly meaningful.
Worst advice is tougher! Luckily, I’ve never been steered too off course!
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
ZLJ: As women, I think we have a tendency to second guess ourselves, so I would say first and foremost to stop doing that. Write or find a story that you feel needs to be told, and go tell it. Brave the naysayers. Embrace your instincts.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
ZLJ: I love Miranda July’s “Me and You and Everyone We Know.” I love complex portrayals of women onscreen. I love when a film can move seamlessly between comedy and drama. I love that her voice is so distinctly her own. I love her irreverence and innovation.
W&H: Have you seen opportunities for women filmmakers increase over the last year due to the increased attention paid to the issue? If someone asked you what you thought needed to be done to get women more opportunities to direct, what would be your answer?
ZLJ: I have seen more opportunities, which is really encouraging, especially in the world of TV and indie film.
I think the next step is to create more opportunities for women to direct studio movies and franchises. I think holding studios accountable for a lack of diversity in that arena is part of the solution, because I do think there is a double standard in the risks studios are willing to take when it comes to hiring relatively inexperienced male directors from the independent film world versus their female counterparts.
