Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe – Shifting Gears

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) You are a very talented actress and you’re now stepping into the world of directing with this incredible director mentoring program. How did you come to decide to apply and take part?

A) First of all… thank you! 🥰My first love has and will always be acting. Around 2012, I knew something was missing. I have a tendency to always want to grow as an artist and a human being. So, stepping into the director role terrified me and gave me more excitement and joy than I could ever imagine.

I had heard rumblings about the program for a while, so running into Ashley Williams and chatting with her about it was like the universe was just giving me a loving door to open.

Q) Please tell us the premise for the movie Shifting Gears.

A) Shifting Gearsis about a female mechanic (Kat Barrell) trying to help her father with the fate of his garage. While she herself struggles with being introverted, she’s given an opportunity to compete in a car restoration reality TV show, which she accepts. What she doesn’t know is that her extremely handsome ex-boyfriend (Tyler Hynes) is also in the completion and when they reunite… sparks fly. No matter how hard they try to keep them at bay.

Q) This is your first time directing. What was it about the film that made you want to step behind the camera for this?

A) I was so excited to get a film that highlights a woman in a traditionally male dominated role. As a female director, I understand that all too well. Sometimes it’s daunting, but with the fight support from the men and women in every field, we can all excel.

Q) Kat and Tyler are really great in this film. How hands on were you when it came to casting the movie?

A) I was given my two leads, which as you saw, were fantastic fits! I was very involved with choosing my supporting cast.

Q) Luke and Jess are taking part in a car restoration competition. How much mechanical training did you have Kat and Tyler do before filming began?

A) We shot this film so fast and so furious that there wasn’t a ton of time to train anyone. But my crew and, specifically my picture car team, were awesome and really stepped up assisting them.

Q) One standout scene is the roller rink. Tyler and Kat both told us they were a bit rusty on skates, but watching the movie they seem to catch on well. Talk about filming this moment from the movie.

A) I LOVED that scene! It was my favorite. I did some cross shooting when they were sitting talking, that means shooting both actors at the same time. It’s not always done as it’s incredibly hard to light. But I loved how organic it felt for both of them. My steadycam operator was also SO talented and followed them as they were skating. Kay and Tyler basically choreographed the dancing themselves!

Q) Which scene(s) in the movie challenged you the most or even one you’re extremely proud of in terms of the acting or how well it turned out in editing?

A) The umbrella “Friday Night Lights” scene (that’s what I called it during shooting). It wasn’t supposed to rain, but I actually love that it did.

Q) What do you think it is about Shifting Gearsthat will make it a fast fan favorite Hallmark film?

A) It’s fun to watch, the characters grow within themselves, AND they fall in love! And it’s very pretty…but then again, I’m biased. [laughs]

Q) You are certainly an incredible part of the “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” franchise. What has it meant to you be a part of such an embraced franchise and what can you tease about the upcoming film?

A) Ooooooooooo….nothing!! You know that lol. But I can tell you that I’m so excited for Rita to see Norman (Geoff Gustafson) again. And there is a lot of humor coming soon, which is my favorite!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

A) Thank you really isn’t a big enough thing to say. My gratitude to everyone that supports my work is beyond words. It fuels me. And I appreciate you all so much.