COMEDY Breaking And Exiting is the perfect way to spend a cosy night in.
Directed by Peter Facinelli, it tells the story of a charming burglar who finds an unlikely connection with the suicidal woman he was about to steal from. This is a refreshingly original comedy that thrives on an endearingly funny script and authentic performances.
Writer and lead actress Jordan Hinson stops by on Close-up Culture to tell us more about Breaking And Exiting, working with Milo Gibson and her passion for storytelling.
Q: Breaking and Exiting – out on VOD from 17 August – is the story to two messed up but loveable people. Can you tell us a bit more about the story and where the idea for it came from?
A: I THINK we’re all a little messed up, at least I know I am. It’s the reason I chose the profession I did. I can tell stories outside of myself, and feel fulfilled at the end of the day.
The idea came to me originally in the form of a stage play, actually. But I have such a passion for filmmaking, I thought why not film two people alone in a house, and they can’t leave, regardless of their dismay towards each other? Human relationships have always been the most interesting to me, and Harry and Daisy couldn’t be more different in their approach to how they view life. And for me, I wanted to see where they’d end up at the end. So I just kept writing.
Q: Did you always see yourself playing Daisy when you were writing the screenplay?
A: ABSOLUTELY. This industry has become exceptionally tough for actors. The competition is greater than ever. And I wasn’t feeling fulfilled auditioning for parts that I knew weren’t me. So I wanted to write something near and dear to myself. Enter Daisy.
Q: On a similar note, what is it like to act in a story you have written? I imagine it gives you a more intimate and immediate understanding of the characters.
A: IT was definitely an unreal experience. One day, you’re sitting in your room, writing these words for yourself, not knowing if anything will come of it, and the next you’re on a set saying them to another actor. Obviously if I didn’t know my lines, I’d deserve a swift kick in the ass. But on a deeper level, I was able to use dialogue that I related to, and that was nothing short of an incredible experience.
Q: The film is directed by Peter Facinelli. We obviously know him from numerous acting roles, but what was he like to work with as a director?
A: I WISH I could work for actors-turned-directors more. Peter had such an eloquent way of communicating his direction. As an actor himself, he has spent years being directed. I think that gave him an optimal advantage when it came to translating to us what he wanted out of a scene. It inspired me and the other actors to get there.
Q: Milo Gibson plays Harry. Funnily enough, he reminds me more of Brendan Fraser than his dad! How was your experience working with Milo?
A: MILO has the rare ability to be really goofy and personable, and also very introspective and intellectual. I think that’s very important in an actor. And I frickin’ love Brendan Fraser so that reference is nothing but gold. Milo was a joy to work with, nothing less.
Q: Can you tell us more about your love for writing and storytelling?
A: I HAVE been writing since I was little. I finished my first full length screenplay when I was 12 or 13. I’ve been obsessed with storytelling and make believe as long as I can remember. I have never stopped and I don’t intend to.
Q: What kind of stories do you want to tell in the future?
A: MORE comedy! More heart-warming feels! I want to reach so many people in a relatable way. I want every story I tell, at its core, to face a very important issue or subject matter that I’m passionate about.
Q: You had your breakout role in 2005 with Disney’s Go Figure. What was it like working under the Disney umbrella and what kind of grounding did that give you?
A: IT was wild. I had never worked on anything, so I didn’t know what to expect. But it was my first role and I trained for months and worked all day everyday, which was definitely a much needed crash course in being an actor.
Q: What is next for you?
A: I WANT to keep writing and making opportunities for myself and others. There’s something so much more fulfilling about making your own content and I want to keep chasing that childhood dream.