Two young runaway hitchhikers encounter a mystery man on their way to Los Angeles in the year 1969.

Interview with Writer/Director/Actor Mackenzie Lauren Taylor

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue acting. Not long after that came the pandemic and the strikes. That made acting feel even more impossible. I was desperately looking for an opportunity to act for a long time. Until last year, when I came to the realization that I didn’t have to get permission from someone else to act. I just want to do what I love and there are many fellow actors out there who want the same. So with that, I decided to write and shoot my film with the film friends I’ve met in LA. I don’t know what I’d do without them, I didn’t know a single thing about making a film until this. My only goal going into this was to actually do it (start to finish) and have fun doing it. We definitely exceeded expectations.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film is something fun and fresh with a nostalgic and campy feel. It’s a super groovy 60’s timepiece!

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Oh my, don’t even ask how many “final drafts” there were. It’s hard not to be a perfectionist when writing but luckily I have Frank as my writing partner. It’s so nice to have a person that understands where you’re going with an idea and can help you get there in different ways you wouldn’t have thought of. Our two cinematographers, Devin and Blaire, were crucial in the filming process. I really had little to no knowledge of filmmaking prior to this so I truly owe it to all of the talented people in the Los Angeles indie film community. Collaboration is so magical.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

A lot of people have told me that they loved it and wished it was longer! A few people also believed we shot on film which is crazy (shoutout to the colorist!) We of course did not as we had a total budget of $2000. The editing and music in the film also received recognition, which all came from the kitchen of my studio apartment.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Hearing good feedback about the film has definitely been a relief. After seeing the material so much I started to hate it. I’d hear it and it was like nails on a chalkboard. I took a break from it and waited to watch it again on the big screen. Seeing a real audience laugh and react to the film felt unreal. Now when I think of the film I can’t stop smiling. This was truly such a great experience for my first.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I just hope that word will reach more people and that it makes “making a movie” look more possible to anyone who wants to do it.

Behind the scenes of Far Out - Mack directing in costume while cinematographer Blaire sets up the shot

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I just want people to enjoy the film, it’s meant for a fun watch.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

“Do you have to have a big budget to do a period piece?” This was a big debate in pre-production.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Right now, I’m writing two projects at the moment while trying to balance my focus back into my acting career. One is a coming-of-age film about two sisters from Sacramento, CA and the other is a Gen Z romcom. I miss a good early 2000’s romcom… let’s bring that back. Plus, we could use some more love energy right now.

Interview: May 2024

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Far Out

Two young runaway hitchhikers encounter a mystery man on their way to Los Angeles in the year 1969.

Length: 10:48

Director: Mackenzie Lauren Taylor

Writer: Mackenzie Lauren Taylor, Frank Gress

About the writer, director and producer:

MACKENZIE LAUREN TAYLOR is an independent filmmaker and actress based in Los Angeles, California. Having been born in Sacramento, one of Taylor's inspirations would have to be fellow female filmmaker Greta Gerwig. When Taylor isn't making films, she's probably watching them in the company of her two cats, Tom and Lily.

Key cast: Henley Gorham (Lisa), Frank Gress (Mystery Man), MLT (Suzy)

Instagram: @mold.media

Made in association with: Mold Media

Funders: GoFundMe

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

To be released online soon.