Jules and Ness

In this podcast episode titled "Jules Lovelock and Ness Simons," recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand on August 22, 2013, the interviewees discuss their experiences and viewpoints in the realm of filmmaking, particularly with a focus on queer cinema. Jules Lovelock, who identifies as a filmmaker, has a background that includes varied career paths before gravitating toward the film industry. With a passion for visual storytelling, Lovelock emphasizes the significance of visual elements in films over the written word. Ness Simons, also a filmmaker, values the power and universality of storytelling across different media. Simons highlights the collaborative nature of film, its ability to cross borders, and the introspective nuances of storytelling that film uniquely facilitates.

During the interview, both filmmakers delve into their personal creations. Lovelock describes having worked on mainstream projects, while Simons has produced short films and music videos, as well as developed feature-length films. Interestingly, most of Simons' work embodies a queer perspective, featuring queer main characters. This deliberate creative choice leads Simons to confront questions from others, such as their father, about the recurring presence of queer characters—a confrontation that reinforces Simons' commitment to representing and centering queer narratives in their work.

Lovelock, while identifying as queer, does not find it essential to infuse a queer perspective into their filmmaking endeavors. However, the interviewees explore the complexity of identity and its intersection with creative expression. Simons considers themself to be queer and a filmmaker, acknowledging how various aspects of identity influence their work and perspective.

The discussion includes the acknowledgment that the film industry relies on funding and audience engagement, both of which can pose challenges for queer films due to limited representation and financial constraints. Despite this, Lovelock and Simons are committed to pursuing their projects, even if it requires independent financing or navigating identity-related obstacles.

The conversation also touches upon the role of stereotypes in queer filmmaking. While acknowledging that stereotypes can serve as starting points for character development, both Lovelock and Simons stress the importance of moving beyond these archetypes to create more nuanced and authentic representations. They further expound on the different energies present in queer film screenings and consider how the audience's diversity can impact the reception of a film.

Throughout the interview, the filmmakers reveal their processes, aspirations, and the importance of both individual and collaborative creative contributions in the film industry. They advocate for the backing of one's own creative vision regardless of external validation, emphasizing the filmmaker's responsibility to be true to their perspective while aiming to connect with a broad audience. The podcast showcases Lovelock and Simons' journey of discovery, challenge, and determination in their commitment to filmmaking and the representation of queer narratives.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Jules Lovelock Ness Simons

2010s, alison bechdel, aotearoa new zealand, arts, blue is the warmest colour, creativity, crowd sourcing, film, funding, graeme tetley, identity, jules lovelock, ness simons, new zealand film commission, outtakes: a reel queer film festival, stereotypes, storytelling, television, the film and television school new zealand, tom scott, visibility, visual arts, wellington, women, writing

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