Inside "Mother's Tongue": Radio Interview with Mark Regan
Curtin FM and Jenny Seaton invited me to their radio program to discuss my latest film project, Mother’s Tongue.
The interview was a great opportunity to talk about my experiences as a filmmaker.
During the conversation, we delved into the intricate aspects of filmmaking, from the inspiration behind my stories to the technical challenges faced during production. Jenny's insightful queries allowed me to delve deeper into the thematic essence of Mother’s Tongue, a film that explores the delicate dynamics of language, identity, and family.
Furthermore, we discussed the evolving landscape of the film industry in Mandurah, Western Australia, and my aspirations to contribute to its growth.
Jenny asked some great questions about being a filmmaker, my career aspirations, and specific questions about the short film Mother’s Tongue.
The experience of being interviewed by media offers an opportunity for reflection. After the interview, I review my responses and consider my reasons for pursuing a career as a filmmaker. I know this is the path for me.
Mother’s Tongue is a narrative that holds significant personal value to me, and I can perceive its impact on creatives profoundly.
I look forward to further editing of the film and releasing this film onto a global audience.
If you want me to appear on your podcast, radio, or other media outlet, please contact me.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Or to read the transcript:
Jenny Seaton
I think it's wonderful if you can follow your dreams on your career path. Well, I think my first guest today probably has done that, Mark Regan who is a local film maker, a script writer and director, has just completed filming his third Mandurah short film and he joins us now. Mark, good afternoon.
Mark Regan
Good afternoon. Jenny, how you doing?
Jenny Seaton
I'm doing well. What about you? You're firing, aren't you?
Mark Regan
I've been enjoying the last film project that I've been working on, it is called Mother's Tongue. It is a short drama film, and yes, the third one that I've made in the Mandurah local area, really trying to focus on building a bit of a film industry in Mandurah, WA.
Jenny Seaton
Good on you. I hadn't thought about that. I was wondering why you were focusing on Mandurah.
Mark Regan
We have lived in Mandurah for a decade and have raised three little lovely children, and I've been in film for the last 20 or so years in a variety of roles.
Jenny Seaton
Goodness.
Mark Regan
But during this time, I realised that there's not much of a film industry in Mandurah. So, I've put it upon my shoulders to try to create a film industry down here.
Jenny Seaton
And that only takes someone like yourself to do that.
Mark, you know WA is getting on the map a little bit, you know, with film production that sort of thing for the future. So that is just a great thing that you've done.
Now, the concept of the film Mother's Tongue, what is this about?
Mark Regan
Mother’s Tongue is a drama about an artist caring for her demoralising mother and then during the narrative she must redefine what she considers art to find the freedom to be her true self.
It's very personal for me because it's a journey I've also been on in these last few years; in that I am trying to discover what are the stories I want to share to the world. Like what is my artist intention in my films and what I want to share with the world. The story could potentially inspire other artists to go out there and follow their dreams?
This story is very personal to me because it's about teaching myself - To follow my dream, to be a filmmaker. Hopefully, other artists will see it and resonate with that story.
Jenny Seaton
It's amazing that film can inspire people who have felt suffocated and haven't pursued their dreams from the start.
You're in post-production, so people haven't seen the end results yet, have they?
Mark Regan
Correct, the film is in the editing phase now. Once finished, we will host a premiere party with the cast and crew, and then it goes off for a 12-month Film Festival run. All around world.
If I look at my past two shorts which have been selected for around 20-30 film festivals over that that 12-month period, then my hopes our Mother’s Tongue repeats that success.
After that it will be released online on my YouTube channel and on the social media channels. So that anyone can watch it.
Jenny Seaton
Mark, it's expensive to put the production crew together, let alone the equipment that you would have to have, plus organising a production crew together? Do you hire equipment, or do you have a bit of a selection at home now?
Mark Regan
Having been in the industry for 20 years, I have accumulated some equipment. Currently, I am self-funded.
And in terms of the crew, again it's meeting the other creators that I want to work with and then getting them on board for Mother's Tongue.
Jenny Seaton
What about mainstream movies? Where are you heading?
Mark Regan
The goal is to make feature films. I tend to explore psychological genres. This film is a drama, but I foresee focusing on psychological themes in future feature films.
I would be happy to make films in Australia, as I believe there are many advantages to producing them here. Sharing the Australian story with a larger audience is important.
Jenny Seaton
Well, Mandurah is a beautiful location. Is just no two ways about that. What about the people that performed in the short film for you? And what about the locations that you highlight?
Mark Regan
We have a couple great and experienced actors in Mother’s Tongue - that is Jules to Grove and Celia James and Justin Haryanto.
They played three key roles, focusing on a mother-daughter relationship. Both actresses have extensive acting experience locally and internationally. They vividly portrayed the desperation and drama of the mother-daughter bond. We also have a scene that highlights their dynamic.
An art gallery is where a key character has a major scene in the story. There were 17 different local actors involved as extras in this scene. It was impressive to have so many people participate in the film experience.
We gained support from the City of Mandurah to use their art gallery – CASM.
A local Mandurah business, Mandurah Holiday Rentals, sponsored us by providing a second key location, which is the house where the mother and daughter live.
I'm grateful for their support on the independent project.
Jenny Seaton
Well, from small things they grow very large and Mark you certainly have you. You certainly have the experience behind you, so I can't even imagine what you're going to tackle in the future. Congratulations. It's 12 months away for people to be able to see it, but eventually they will go to your website. Is that right?
Mark Regan
Yes, just some you can head to markregan.com.au
You can see my previous short films. I've got a collection of short films which I have n made over the last 20 years, including those based couple shot in Mandurah.
Jenny Seaton
All the very best to you when your crew and everyone that's been involved. Thank you for joining us, Mark.
Mark Regan
Thank you, Jenny.
Jenny Seaton
Thank you.
Mark Regan
Have a good day.
Jenny Seaton
Thank you indeed.
I am deeply grateful to Curtin FM and Jenny Seaton for the opportunity to discuss my latest film project, Mother’s Tongue, on their radio program.
Click here to listen to the interview.