LOVING KATHERINE BROOKS

AOW had the opportunity to interview Katherine Brooks the talented writer/director of the provocative movie everyone is talking about, “ Loving Annabelle”.

For those of you who do not know about the movie, it is one of those you cannot afford to miss. Loving Annabelle explodes with the controversial teacher student relationship. By pairing Diane Guidry (Simone) and Erin Kelly (Annabelle) Katherine makes us believe that we have no right to judge love.

INTERVIEW WITH KATHERINE BROOKS

Q – How old were you when you knew you wanted to be involved in the movie business?

Nine, I was such a ham in front of the camera. I thought for sure I would be an actress, but realized while acting that I was a control freak and decided that I was better suited for being behind the camera.

Q – Why this movie (Loving Annabelle)?

I wanted to see two hot chic's have sex the real way lesbians have sex. No, I'm kidding. Actually, I'm not – but there are deeper reasons behind it – the main being I strongly feel that people are way to judgmental about teacher/student affairs in general. So much heated debate goes into morals, but also this idea that the teacher is a villain in most cases. I chose to have the student be the aggressor so it makes it a challenge for the audience to really post intense judgment on the teacher. These are the core main reasons for making this movie.

Q – I watched the trailer on the Loving Annabelle My Space “Do I make you nervous”. Good stuff, why did you pick that particular scene?

Because I felt it really portrayed the dynamic between the two women…it also was a great way to show the sexual maturity of Annabelle. And she looks smoking hot in this scene.

Q – I read that at the time of your writing the movie, there was a lot of controversy with teacher student stuff. Were you fearful of the rejection of the movie?

I've never feared the film would be rejected. I believed there would be controversy, but who doesn't like a little squirrel under the covers?

Q – Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?

Camp counselors, yes, teachers no. But, then again, I grew up in Louisiana so my choices were pretty bare.

Q – The love scene is racy, beautiful and real. How involved were you in creating that moment?

Oh, I was in there with them I just blue screened myself out. For real, I was very involved and it was one of my biggest scenes. We shot this film in 20 days so most scenes in the film had to be shot in a few hours. I demanded that half the day be spent on the sex scene. And although we had no money to make the movie I also insisted we have rain machines. I sound like an ass; I didn't demand or insist on anything. I begged. I also choreographed the scene with the DP, Erin and Diane in rehearsal and made sure to cover every inch I wanted. Most important to me was the portrayal of a passionate love scene between two women. To show how two women really get down and dirty. No gazing in the eyes. Not touching the side of each others faces. But, push you up against the wall and F*** me kind of sex.

Q – Did you select the soundtrack contributors?

Yes and I am so happy with how the music came out. We have some amazing artist including Taryn Manning, Olivia d'Abo and Sara Barellis.

Q – You made a movie called “Finding Kate” tell us about it.

It was a short film that was part of a series called The Virgin Memoirs. It was about women losing their virginity. My piece was about a girl losing her virginity to her female cousin. The DP of Loving Annabelle, Cynthia Pusheck shot it and Erin starred in it. We call it our practice run for Annabelle.

Q – At the time of this interview the Loving Annabelle My Space had over thirteen thousand friends; that is amazing, how does that make you feel?

It makes me feel so much love and support. We have the BEST fan base ever.

Q – I like what Gaidry said when she was interviewed for the Advocate: “I don't think it is wrong, but I don't think it is right. I think life is very complicated, love is very complicated”. Sounds to me like she was the perfect person to play this part, did you know of her prior to this movie?

I did not know her, but when I met her I knew she would be a person hard to cast judgment on because she is so kind and sweet. I totally went with my gut with both the leads and neither one auditioned for me.

Q – I checked out the My Space for Loving Annabelle and found yours; you have an impressive amount of friends. It looks like you have traveled many places and seen the world. Is there any place you would like to visit again?

I love Asia and would like to travel to Nepal next. I also love the beaches in Thailand so I'll be heading back there again very soon.

Q - Who would you like to meet?

Dead : Einstein

Alive : Charlie Kaufman, Angelina Jolie, and Oprah

Q- Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?

80 movies and my mother

Q – Can we expect to see a movie inspired by your travels?

Yes, the next one. Which was originally titled "Mad World", but is now called "Killing Madison".

Q – What is Killing Madison about?

It is a dark comedy similar to Groundhog Day. It's about a woman who continues to kill herself every night only to find she wakes up in the same day. She lives in the New Orleans French Quarter and is writing her first novel. To support herself while she finishes her dream she works as a writer for Hallmark Cards and is also a dominatrix. Although a comedy, at the heart of the movie it is a woman trying to find herself.

Q – When do you expect it to be released?

Winter of 2007, the plan is to shoot in March.

Q – Who is your main character?

My main character is Madison Walker. She's a trip. She has OCD, works as a sex phone operator, dominatrix and writer for hallmark. She is a weird girl, but you can't help but love her and root for her.

Q – What advice would you give to women interested in entering the film business?

Never take no for an answer if you believe you can do something.

Q – What are the chances of AOW screening your next movie for a select audience in our little town of Sacramento ?

If you get me hooked up at the W when I come to your party in January, there is a strong chance.

Q- Any chance we can get you out to for a Q & A session?

Sure thing.

Q – Do you believe in astrology?

If my horoscope is good.

Q – Life after death?

What is the difference between the two? Yes, of course.

Q – What is the one word you would want people to use to describe you?

Crazy

Q – Inquiring minds want to know, does your heart belong to someone?

The name is tattooed on my neck

Q – Who would you drive for all night just to be next to?

I'd lay down on a bed of roses with one of the five ladies mentioned below or all at the same time.

Angelina Jolie, Maria Bello, Gillian Anderson, Charlize Theron, Naomi Watts

Q - What are you top five movies?

Goonies, Ghostbusters, Sunset Boulevard, Somewhere In Time and Monster

Q - Tell me what comes to mind when you think of these words:

Rain: Cleanse

Family : No

Respect: Demand

The End: Never ending

Loving Annabelle is available for pre-order on DVD; official release date is December 12, 2006 . CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE MOVIE.

For information on “Finding Kate” visit the Finding Kate MY SPACE.

In my eyes Katherine Brooks is a world traveler, inspiring, talented, powerful and did I mention very easy on the eyes? I think everyone should know a powerful woman who makes no excuses and lives life as one should, without boundaries.

Interview by: Belinda Ramirez