An in-depth exclusive interview with writer/director KELSEY EGAN discussing the action-packed dystopian sci-fi thriller, THE FIX.
SYNOPSIS: A toxic compound infects Earth’s atmosphere. Pharmaceutical giant, Aethera, sells immunity… but most can’t afford the daily dose. When a troubled model takes a new drug at a party, she suffers a shocking transformation. Pursued by a dangerous gang and authorities in cahoots with Aethera, she hunts for a “fix” to reverse the drug’s effects, only to discover her mutations may be the key to saving the human race.
Written and Directed by KELSEY EGAN, THE FIX stars Grace Van Dien, Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, Tina Redman, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Nicole Fortuin and Clancy Brown.
For Kelsey, the key to THE FIX was to position is as a work of prescient, thematically rich, and visually striking filmmaking that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. By highlighting its unique origins and Kelsey’s creative approach, the team can engage viewers and showcase the film’s exceptional storytelling.
Bringing THE FIX to life has been a long journey for KELSEY EGAN; one that started with a 2013 script that predicted elements of the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring societal issues through characters like her protagonist Ella, played by Grace Van Dien, who undergoes dramatic mutations, O’Connors who is riveting as head of Aethera, and Keenan Arrison as Solomon, Kelsey gets under the skin literally and figuratively with socio-economic commentary that is brought to life with impactful visuals. Concept artist Daniel Hugo meticulously designed the film’s visual effects with illustrations, particularly the mutations. Another key element in the story structure and visual design of THE FIX is Kelsey’s own experience as a stuntwoman which came into play in crafting action sequences and working with fight choreographer Matthew Van Leeve in collaboration with cinematographer Shaun Harley Lee. Another element that adds more flavor and excitement to THE FIX is the music which is a mix of scoring by Patrick Cannell, Sean Fouric, and Michael Medhurst together with energetic needlecrops, something that is a mainstay in Kelsey’s background; the importance of music.
As you will hear in this interesting and fun conversation, Kelsey and I dug ever deeper into the making of THE FIX, tackling and discussing, among others:
- working closely with South African illustrator and concept artist Daniel Hugo to develop a detailed vision of Ella’s mutations. They shared references and sketches to create a “Bible” that guided the prosthetic makeup and VFX teams throughout production. This collaborative approach allowed them to achieve a seamless marriage of practical and digital effects
- Kelsey’s background as a stunt woman was invaluable. She worked closely with fight coordinators to choreograph the dynamic action sequences. They experimented with different approaches, focusing on capturing the characters’ emotional experiences through physicality. Kelsey emphasized the importance of rehearsal and the “dance-like” nature of coordinating the camera work with the stunt choreography.
- music was a key element for Kelsey as she drew on her experience directing music videos, collaborating with composer Patrick Cannell to develop the score, while also incorporating licensed tracks from South African artists as needledrops.
- cinematography and finding visual tonal balance to complement the emotional beats
- securing music rights which, due to budget constraints, she accomplished by reaching out directly to artists and advocating for the project
- sound design, including using a song from sound designer Geoff Kock’s own band, also played a crucial role in enhancing the film’s energy and tonality
- the highly collaborative nature of bringing the visual, action, and sonic elements of THE FIX to life
- balancing commercial pressures and maintaining artistic integrity; keeping the pacing engaging and the visuals dynamic to satisfy commercial expectations, but without sacrificing the character-driven storytelling that is so central to the film’s identity.
- focusing on the nuanced character development and thematic depth, rather than relying solely on overt exposition or action beats to drive the narrative; creating a world that felt layered and complex, where the audience had to piece together the subtextual commentary on societal issues through the characters’ journeys and interactions
- superb ensemble casting; worked closely with the cast to ensure their performances captured the nuance and emotional depth required to ground the thematic elements
- the film’s themes; using its dystopian premise to explore deeper societal issues around image, corporate greed, and the human condition
- visual effects in collaboration with prosthetics to create Ella’s transformation/mutation
- and more!
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 11/13/2024
THE FIX is now available digitally
