Filmmaker Interview: Kevin Douglas, Writer/Director of Is This True Love?

Our MA alumni are not only shaping their fields — they’re redefining them.

In this feature, we catch up with our MA in Screenwriting Alumni, Kevin Douglas, to hear how the tools and training from the MA helped shape his voice, and how that voice is now resonating with live audiences.

Why did you choose to study film in London?

I was surprised how “laissez-faire” the approach was, especially near the end of the masters when we were mostly working independently on our final portfolio projects. In the US, educators kind of “hold your hand” along the way, with various smaller projects and deadlines throughout the term keeping you accountable. I liked that this film education gave me the freedom to explore the subjects I wanted to explore, rather than prescribing me something narrow and specific for every project.

What’s been your most memorable film school project so far? Any fun stories to share?

My first term at Raindance, I wrote a short film called Is This True Love. Through the connections I made at Raindance, I managed to find the perfect cast for the film -- it was like the characters I wrote in the screenplay walked off the page and into my life! At the same time, my peers in film school had complementary skill sets to my own to complete the creative team: my co-director (Lauren Dunlop), 1st, 2nd & 3rd ADs (Elizabeth Leffing, Josh Armstrong & Harvey John), 2nd DOP & AC (Sofia Soto & Sahar Maurer), and Runners (Henry Carson & Emeka Egbuonu) were all students at Raindance at the same time as me. Even though it was not part of the MA Screenwriting to produce my screenplay, I thought to myself: when in my life will I have immediate access to all these amazing, talented human beings? So even though it was a quick turnaround and a lot of long days and nights, we filmed the damn thing. We had too many fun stories on set to narrow it down, but I look back on the film as a time capsule of my time in London. I am so proud of all the people that film brought together, and so grateful that my talented friends rallied around my dream.

The moving experience:

What was the hardest part about relocating to London from the U.S.?

The hardest part of moving to London was definitely being away from my family. They are so important to me -- when I lived in Denver, I was just a short drive from my family. I would have spaghetti dinner with my siblings and grandparents pretty much every Sunday. When I was in London, it was a seven hour time difference, so even arranging a catch-up over the phone was a huge challenge! Even though it got lonely, I took refuge in the amazing community of friends I made in London.

Career and Connections

Your accomplishments since you’ve left film school?

I’ve started working full-time for Telluride Theatre, deep in the San Juan Mountains in a town of just 2,500 people. I’m their Operations Manager, but I also produce all our shows and I even get to write and direct smaller plays and pop-up performances throughout the year. This job even gave me the chance to act again, playing the lead role in their “Shakespeare in the Park” production last summer!

Telluride is a magnet for filmmakers, especially documentary filmmakers. I have several projects in development, including a feature documentary about “Mountain Town Burlesque.” I have also expanded my Denver-based theatre and film production company called Two Cent Lion. Last summer, I flew to the UK and Finland for a short documentary that is in final rounds of editing as we speak. The subject is Competitive Hobbyhorsing in Finland. It is as awesome as it sounds.

Personal Reflections

Did you find a favourite bar, comedy club or venue while you were here?

I worked at the City of Quebec pub, which was kinda the best job ever. It’s the oldest gay pub in London, and two or three nights a week, they had free drag shows. One time I ditched my shift to get onstage and partake in one of the acts. It was legendary. I was on great terms with the managers, and we actually got to use the upstairs and downstairs areas as two filming locations for Is This True Love.

I do miss post-class hangouts at The Sherlock Holmes with everyone from the MA Screenwriting. The pub was fine -- it was the company that made it so great. I miss you all so much!!

Something you regret not doing?

Spending more time in the parks. Especially Regent’s Park. -- Oh, and watching weird, independent theatre. I saw a few shows that blew my mind, I probably could have seen amazing theatre every day if I sought it out.

Watch Kevin’s Short film: HERE