Interview of Mel Baker
Cult Critic : What was the initial spark that led you to create ‘Say My Name’?
Mel : The initial spark came from a dream I had in 2020 while writing my first book in the trilogy series, Sleeping Under the Bridge. This dream envisioned the book being adapted into a short film to generate interest and empower people. My goal was to offer hope to those who feel hopeless and give a voice to the voiceless. My writing aims to inspire transformation, show that it is possible. Say My Name encapsulates a part of my journey and resonates with universal themes of child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and ultimately hope.
Cult Critic : What were some of the biggest challenges you've faced throughout your career? How did you overcome them?
Mel : Two films that I have been involved in from start to finish as a filmmaker were also part of my journey through trauma. The first, an Australian documentary titled The Healing, involved me finding my own healing through military trauma in my 40s. Reliving those experiences during screenings and Q&As was incredibly challenging yet rewarding. My short film, Say My Name, delves into my childhood trauma, and seeing it acted out as if it were my younger life reflecting back at me was profoundly difficult. I overcame these challenges by focusing on the greater outcome and impact these stories have on viewers. Knowing that lives are being transformed and people are being inspired makes every challenge worth it.
Cult Critic : Did you have any mentors or role models who guided you during your early career?
Mel : I learned about the film industry primarily from working alongside director and producer Nick Barkla on The Healing. He invited me to join as his associate producer in 2019. Our initial shoot was in 2016, and through Nick, I gained insights into filmmaking and the intricacies of releasing a film. For my short film, I learned a great deal about working on set from my Director of Photography, Zachary Peel-McGregor, whom I knew from The Healing, and my first assistant director, Michael Santos. Nick also provided guidance throughout the production as required. These three men have been invaluable to my learning process. I wouldn’t have been able to create my short film without Zachary, as most of my cast and crew were new to the film industry.
Cult Critic : What was the defining moment or project that launched your career? How did it change your life and opportunities?
Mel : After being medically discharged from the Royal Australian Navy due to trauma, part of my healing journey involved writing letters to emotions and creating art pieces. In 2019, I published Painting Beauty with the Ashes and organised a launch event to raise funds for the equine program I was part of, which became the basis for The Healing documentary. When I shared my plans with Nick Barkla, he was amazed by my transformation over three years and decided to film the participants again, forming the documentary’s ending. This event and my work impressed Nick, leading him to bring me on as his associate producer, which launched my career in the film industry. Before this, I was uncertain about my future, having lost a career I loved of twenty years.
Cult Critic : How have you adapted to the changing landscape of the film industry over the years?
Mel : I thrive on innovation and adapting to my environment, regardless of the field I apply my sills to. As long as there’s room for creative growth and storytelling that allows me to live out my purpose of inspiring and empowering adults, I will continually evolve. I’m not someone who blindly follows algorithms or conforms to industry demands that stifle creativity. Adaptation, for me, means ensuring that writers and filmmakers have the freedom to express themselves authentically.
Cult Critic : What strategies did you adapt to connect to your audience and build your fanbase?
Mel : I’ve utilised different pathways for the documentary and short film, as they each have unique visions. For the documentary, we engaged impact producers, created educational materials, leveraged social media, and included Q&As at all screenings.
For my short film, although it hasn’t been released yet, I’ve engaged with hundreds of film festivals worldwide and utilised social media. My strategy includes showcasing Say My Name at book launches and speaking events and offering free viewings on various platforms to connect with individuals. Ultimately, it serves as an advertisement for my next dream: feature films of my trilogy book series that spans five continents.
Cult Critic : How do you plan to adapt your own filmmaking style to the changing landscape of the industry? What are your goals for the future? How do you approach filmmaking on a limited budget?
Mel : After releasing Say My Name and the upcoming book Building the Bridge in 2025, I aim to generate interest in a trilogy of feature films by a production company in Australia or the United States. My focus will adapt to the evolving industry landscape without compromising the integrity of my story. Collaborating closely with a professional team with broader experience is essential for me.
I personally financed Say My Name on a limited budget, which ended up being four times higher than anticipated. Fortunately, the majority of the cast and crew were driven by passion for the project rather than monetary compensation. This experience taught me the important of working with dedicated individuals who believe in the vision.
Cult Critic : How do you see AI and machine learning impacting the film industry? Are there any specific ways in which you believe these technologies can enhance or disrupt the filmmaking process?
Mel : I feel AI is a valuable tool to use alongside filmmaking, or any career, not to replace a person or role, but to enhance writing, visual effects, editing, casting, and marketing. I strongly believe that skills are learned and honed through continual practice. If we allow AI to take over our roles, those skills could be lost.
For example, when computers first introduced automatic spelling correction, I relied on it and soon found my spelling skills had deteriorated. I had to regain my skill and now use the tool only when necessary. Similarly, I think AI technology, both now and in the future, should be utilised as an aid rather than a replacement, ensuring that human creativity and expertise remain at the forefront.
Cult Critic : How do you handle feedback and criticism? Do you find it helpful or challenging? How do you use it to grow as a filmmaker?
Mel : I find that receiving just scores from judges without any words is not helpful. Detailed feedback, whether positive or negative, is incredibly insightful. When you’re deeply involved in the filmmaking process from scriptwriting to post-production, it can become a blur by the end. For instance, my co-writer and director, Rhoyce Nova, and I wanted to change a particular scene but lacked alternative footage. Feedback from other filmmakers confirmed our concerns, and we agreed with their assessment. These experiences, along with other aspects I would change now, serve as valuable learning opportunities that I will not repeat in the future.
Cult Critic : What advice would you give to young filmmakers who are just starting out? What lessons have you learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Mel : Believe in your dream and wait for the synchronicities to fall into place. Allow creativity to form naturally with the right people, places, and equipment, rather than pushing for a specific outcome. By releasing control and staying in tune with your project, everything will naturally come together. I had my dream two years before the pieces started to align for my short film, and then it was completed in months. Enjoy each moment of the process, as you will never experience that time again.
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