Diane Gaidry – In the Name of Love

Contributing Writing By: Megan Cassidy

Q.  For those unfamiliar with the movie, Loving Annabelle, can you please tell us a bit about the premise and your character?

A.  It’s a very compelling premise because of the innate drama and conflict within the situation. You develop feelings for someone that you aren’t prepared for, and to be drawn to someone in that way, is very heartbreaking in many ways. I play a character who has a lot more conflicts about the situation because she is the adult and is supposed to be responsible.  She doesn’t want to do what she would like to do because she doesn’t want to hurt Annabelle.  She’s aware that this is a very vulnerable age and time in her life and also Simone is grappling with her own sexuality.

Q.  What made you want to be a part of this film?

A.  The first time I read the script, it was the day before I met Katherine (Brooks) and Erin (Kelly), and I really responded to it. If I am connected with the character, or something in the script, I feel it in my chest and my heart will go into my throat.  I felt an affinity for the character and her situation. Then I met Katherine and Erin and they were great, and Katherine asked me to do it and I said yes.

Q.  Whose story is this, Annabelle’s or Simone’s?

A.  I think it’s both of their stories; they both have a very big arc, big journey, and they both change dramatically through their connection with each other.

Q.  You two have great chemistry in the film. Is this something you worked on behind the scenes or was the chemistry always there?

A.  I think chemistry is just a magical thing. I don’t think anything can be done to nurture it or destroy it; we were just lucky. Erin was wonderful to work with and I always felt very supported in our scenes; it was a great working relationship.

Q.  I understand there was a separate ending shot for this film. Which do you prefer?

A.  Love doesn’t get tied up in pretty packages and almost always, in any film, I prefer more of an open-ended, ambivalent ending, because there will always be more to the story unless we are dead (laughs).  And there is every possibility that they will be together and their love will continue for a long time.

Q.  How did you prepare for this role?

A.  I had three days to prepare! Honestly, I just did everything I could to just relax and get out of the way, and just try to be the vessel and let it come through me, and try to learn my lines! It was great, the writing was great. Katherine has a very clear vision and I felt like I was in good hands. She knew what she wanted and ultimately set the tone of the film. The crew was great, the cast was very warm and supportive; it was a great environment to work in.

Q.  Why should viewers take the time to watch Loving Annabelle?

A.  I think it is very much what Erin said.  I think the story speaks to a complexity in life and I would hope that anyone who sees this film would take a moment.  We live in such a polarized time and polarized society and culture, and there are so many detachments and that is such a miserable way to live life. We cannot be open, if our hearts aren’t open, and I hope that this film will open up people’s hearts a little bit more.

Q.  What’s your most memorable moment from the film?

A.  Well, working with Kevin McCarthy was pretty amazing. I am really ignorant when it comes to who people are, and I had seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers, many, many years ago, but just to be in his presence was just amazing.  He has this strength and vulnerability and sweetness, he’s just such a lovely man. Everyone was wonderful to work with, but working with Kevin was a delight.

Q.  Myspace has done a really wonderful job promoting the movie.

A.  Yes, MySpace has been great. It has helped spread the word immensely.

Q.  Do you consider this to be a love story or a lesbian love story?

A.  I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from friends.  My straight and gay friends have just loved the film.  A lot of people have come up to me and thanked me for being a part of this film, and it means a lot to a lot of people.

Q.  I know that the lesbian community is very picky when it comes to lesbian characters, seeing as many films either have the lesbian ending up with a boyfriend at the end, or winding up dead. I have heard many people discussing this film, hoping that the director “gets it right.” What do you think this means?

A.  I suppose, you only have a limited number of films about lesbians and gays. Most films are about straight people; I mean the vast majority. If there is a smaller quantity of films about gays and lesbians, people may be more critical of the film, wanting the director to “get it right,” and wanting to see their lives depicted accurately on screen. I think, and I hope, that this film does just that. It’s a love story above all else, and I hope people will open up their hearts and minds and take in what the film has to offer.

Q.  Diane, you are the co-founder of Filmmaker’s Alliance here in Los Angeles. Could you tell us a bit about the organization?

A.  It is a non-profit collective; an organization that my husband and I started here thirteen years ago, it is a community of two hundred members. When it first started it was more about production, before the whole digital revolution. Now that everyone has a camera, the company has evolved. It is now very much about the support of other talents and visions in developing projects. Film is a collaborative project and other’s opinions help shape your vision.  We hope our organization can help open up each other’s hearts and minds. We have production support, writer’s groups, seminars, screenings, and social activities.  Our office is in Studio City and we meet once a month at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Our website is www.filmmakersalliance.com.

Q.  Diane, I just wanted to mention to our readers that your film The Dogwalker (2002) is set for a theatrical release.

A.  Yes, we are doing a small theatrical release soon, and it should be out on DVD in October.