Black Aura On An Angel

An Interview with Faith Trimel
Writer/Director/Producer of Blacu Aura On An Angel

Where did you get the idea for this story?
I had to write a short film for my screenwriting class years ago and procrastinated and at the last minute, I was talking to a girlfriend who began telling me about these two women. I actually met one of them through friend years before. I would often see her at a health food store I frequented. I also met the other woman and, though I saw her face many times, don't remember it. I just remembered her wrist, which were inflicted with a bunch of tiny cuts. She had such an eerie energy. When my friend starting talking about the details of the two women, the story made an impression. The mentally unstable woman was just enigmatic. It was her rituals and her past. Since, I wanted to integrate my study and appreciation for what many call the occult with romance, mystery and suspense that's why I picked this story.
Why did you choose to make this movie?
I really just began it to have a sense of closure for the script. I personally don't believe a script should be written just to sit there. Scripts, to me, are blueprints of movies and they're never finished (scripts) until the movie is. Also, I realize that there are so few films about gay, black women and I figured why not? It would be an opportunity to give some Black actresses, me being one, a chance to act. There are really so few parts for us in the Southeast Region, so I decided to create a few.
So what do you define as the central theme of this film?
I would say, codependence, which is found in those who give too much in relationships and sacrifice their well being for others. I guess a better way of saying it is people addicted to a very bad relationship. Those kind of relationships that are emotionally, physically or mentally abusive.
What does the title Black Aura on an Angel mean?
The lead character's name is Angel and her lover, Phaedra, has a black aura, sooo put it all together, and it is symbolic for the possession or influence that one has over another. So Phaedra's influence has taken over Angel and affected her in every way.
What's an aura?
In my study, an aura is like an energy field that surrounds all living things some may call it "life force" or a human energy field. It's said that someone who is hiding something, or is sick or unbalanced usually emits a black aura. It indicates negativity. And on a less profound level, I thought it sounded reallllly cool. Many felt it should be just Black Aura but what's intriguing about that?
Where you afraid of this movie displaying the stereotypical image of psycho lesbians?
Yeah, a little. That psycho dyke or bizarre bisexual theme has been overdone. But I feel the utility of suspense and violence in this movie is real. And there is a twist in this story. And really for me as a writer, there would be no story if there weren't two actual lives that I explored. I don't feel I need to be afraid of dealing with any subject especially if it is something in me calling to create it. The truth of the matter is violence; mentally instability or treachery, not unique to the lesbian community. I think it is far more widespread in the heterosexual community, though, and the perpetrator is often male. I think we would like to believe that a relationship between two women would be free of this but that's not always the case. Also, I think with so few portrayals of gay identified woman, the gay community is rightfully outraged when the rare few are stigmatic and this is too bad…but I believe, I have gone further in backstory for explanation than a lot of films. And this work is not meant to exploit lesbians for scintillating story telling but rather to examine two lives.
What is it about this story that resonated with you?
Well, Angel, the lead, and her attempt to love some one who was so emotionally unavailable. That is been the history of many of my own love affairs. I felt I wasn't alone and I have dealt with issues of codependence and trying to be "savior" to people. And I've been addicted to relationships and paid a real high price. Also, I wanted to shed some light and compassion on the aggressor or abuser and maybe show that they are still a child of God (for lack of a better term). In spite of their illness they are humans trying to find love but expressing this in, sometimes, the most inhumane and self-serving ways. It's tragic.
How long did it take to write the script?
I originally did a 12-page draft of the script slated to be a short in '98 and the final rewrite occurred well into production in 2003. So, you could say five years but really rewrites occurred in steady succession beginning October of 2002. That's when I was working on it weekly and sharing it with people for feedback. I felt it was production ready in March 2003.
So it was slated to be a short?
Yes, originally it was only 12 page then it mushroomed to 20 then 35. And with several scenes added during the production, it became a feature.
Where did you shoot the film?
I really felt "Hollywood" because I had an actual set. My aunt had a vacant home in Stockbridge, Georgia that was used as a set. It doubled as Phaedra's home. We were lucky enough to get some location sets in Atlanta at Charis Books and More in Little Five points as well as Crystal Blue, Sweet Java Brown and Art Farm. We also used Georgia State University and got kicked out. Luckily, it was after we got our shots.
How long did it take to shoot?
The initial shoot schedule was about 5 days with about 3 tentative days/dates for ancillary shots. But, the actual shooting days were about 12 full (10 hours) days and about 1 or 2 short days (3-4 hours)
How did you deal with the long days?
Adrenaline because during production, I didn't eat a thing and barely slept.
How was this to cast?
A motha'. It took me weeks to cast for this film and I looked at countless actresses. It was, for some reason, difficult finding well trained Black Actresses. I wanted a certain level of professionalism that, unfortunately, I wasn't getting at the auditions. And though I proffered to all auditionees the need be open to female intimacy i.e. caressing, kissing and contact, many showed up unwilling to, so I'm scratching my head because that wasn't a secret. There were a brave few who wanted to try, but when it came time, they just hadn't matured to a place where they could. Then, there was finding just the right types. Phaedra had to be sexy, beautiful, feminine but aggressive- that was important to me. I needed someone that Angel would be taken with immediately and yet, who seemed physically harmless. So, the femininity plus the aggression had to be there. That was why I was so happy to find Sherry. She had it all. For Jennings, I wanted someone earthy, wise and tender that's why, Debra, with her locks, great sense of humor, and radiant smile was perfect. Also, Debra has real healing vibe and it transfers perfectly to the character Jennings. Like for example, on the set she would give us these really great massages that felt great. She's quite a nurturer.
Why did you cast yourself?
Well I hadn't originally planned to be in it. I facilitated back in forth thinking as director and as actress. I have struggled so long to find film parts, and this was my chance- putting aside the fact that I wrote it. Even though I was tempted, I still wanted to do what was best for the movie. I even considered playing Phaedra, but knew immediately, with my other responsibilities, I wouldn't be able to deliver. And honestly, I didn't feel I had the look and stature that I, as the director, had envisioned for Phaedra. But, when I started casting, all the actresses were too "foo foo" for Angel. I wanted Angel to be sensual but not too aggressive in manner and appearance so I needed an actress who could be androgynous but none came through the door, no matter their range and talent. So, I began to feel, maybe me, playing the part was destined. Plus, I really wanted to act so I went with that.
How many films have you done before?
This was my very first.
How much footage was shot?
We shot 14 complete tapes (about 840 minutes) and used about 70 minutes including credits.
What was your budget for Black Aura on an Angel?
The original budget was 10,000.
And what was the final budget?
More (she laughs and looks away).
What was some of the challenges shooting?
Getting the right sound levels. Not being able to have locations extinguish sounds because of business or trying to temporarily reroute customers with out upsetting businesses.
How was it to work with children?
My kids were great but I did learn that the more intensive moments with children should be shot first because they'll get tired or distracted real quick and when that happens, it's all over. Also, you have to really be in tune with them, giving lots of assurance and warm fuzzies.
What were your most difficult scenes to shoot?
The love scene and the bath scene. It's hard to direct when you're naked. Also, the abuse sequences are heartbreaking and to get what you need from the actors you have to trigger some emotions that are tough.
Did you stick to the script or was there improvisation?
There was a good amount of improv in various scenes especially in action sequences it was like, just go for it.
What was the role of music in your film?
It was everything. It moved the story along. It accentuated points I, as director, wanted established. It expressed some other very haunting moments too. I really wanted suspense and sensuality in this film, so the music needed to be sexy, jazzy, most times, and dark, but there were also light moments I wanted emphasized.
How long did it take to edit?
The initial rough-cut took about 3 weeks but the other subsequent cuts took months. I couldn't work on it every day, though I wanted to, but if I were to consolidate the isolated days of work, then it was about 3 months worth. Finally, time in the finishing lab took another week or so.
Where did the music come from?
From my alias singer, songwriter, composer Trymel. She created all the original compositions.
What are some important lessons you learned from this process?
Wow, the list would be shorter if I mentioned what I didn't learn. This entire process was a life lesson. It brought up my personal issues like trust, faith, and courage. I learned to ask for what I want, accept help, be a decisive, and lead. I also learned the technical movie making elements, removed from just theory, i.e., reasons for lighting, continuity, sound monitoring, getting release forms, proper planning. I also learned, and allow an analogy to, let's say a car, that to drive to a certain place, you've got to look ahead at the road to the destination, you've got to look in the rearview, or the past and things you've known, but you must further drive the car with minute detail and precision not over-steering neither going to fast nor too slow.
How do you feel this movie will be received?
Of course, I hope well. I feel it has a wider audience than most would realize. I did my best to tell a story that had action, suspense, romance and depth. I feel we got some really great shots. My DP's were great. This movie is, maybe, controversial but it's a good story that I'm proud of. I like an adventure so I really can't wait to see how it all goes.
What's next for you?
Lots of movies, music. Really the same thing I'm doing now with some "serious" money. That would certainly allow me to create some other works that I'm passionate about. Also, I want to do some comedies too. I don't always take life so seriously.

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