An Interview with Cailin Leigh Manning Director & Choreographer of the Award Winning Film “Going Down"
Going Down is a lighthearted dance film that won the 2022 Jury Award at the 6th Annual LA Dance Film Festival in November!
Going Down is a whimsical dance film set in the 80s that follows the story of a lonely office clerk who spins a wild fantasy upon a chance encounter in an elevator.
Director, Choreographer & Producer: Cailin Leigh Manning
Co-Producer, Director of Photography & Editor: Tanner Grandstaff
Dancers: Getfone Vongkhamchanh & Lenin Fernandez
“Wow, This was touching and really entertaining! The production design is on point with an amazing performance by the cast. And that elevator shot then cut away to the wide was gold! And then the spotlight shot with the partnering brought it home—really creative filmmaking and storytelling. Awesome work!” - Steven Butler
It was fun to have the film’s producer Tanner Grandstaff attend the film festival and accept the award!
We Had The Pleasure Of Interviewing Director & Choreographer Cailin Leigh Manning!
Cailin Leigh Manning is a choreographer and movement director who has been creating dance films for the past six years. Her film 'Bum One' premiered at the Nashville Film Festival in 2019 as well as her film 'Unveiling' which premiered at 30FPS film festival in Columbus, Ohio, and Jacksonville Film Festival in Florida.
Cailin is currently pursuing a MA in Screendance at London Contemporary Dance School in London, UK.
What was your inspiration for "Going Down”?
I had created a duet with Lenin and Getfone as a part of a surprise proposal performance during the pandemic and I fell in love with working with the both of them. I knew I wanted to use the duet as a bare bones for a film and at that point in my life I wanted to create something light hearted that pulled from my hopeless romantic tendencies. One day as I was riding in an elevator I began thinking about how fleeting the connections made in an elevator can be, but even in that short amount of time, I can spin a story in my head about the strangers I’m riding with. And that’s where the idea really took root in me- that Getfone, my lead, would spin a wildly romantic story about her and this stranger in an elevator and it would play out through movement and dance. Originally the idea was for the film to take place solely in the elevator, but when I went to look at the elevator in the Film House location I fell completely in love with the entire building and its 80’s aesthetic. As I walked through the space the whole story really came together right then and there in my head.
How was the collaborative process?
I’ve learned that having a team I trust to create with makes all the difference in the world. Getfone and Lenin have been good friends and colleagues for years now, on top of being incredible movers, and I knew I could trust them to hold space as I worked through the ‘ography’ in bits and pieces. They are the kind of dancers that will try anything but also offer sound perspective in rehearsal when I’ve become pigeon holed on an idea that just isn’t working, and for that I am grateful. Tanner Grandstaff, my cinematographer, editor, and producer among other roles, was an absolute gem of a human for me to connect with and a dream to collaborate with. His investment from the moment I pitched him the idea with rehearsal footage made me believe we could really make this happen, and his passion for the project pulled me through. This being the first project we’ve worked on together I was weary because I can be quite protective of my creative babies, but as I walked him through the shots and scenes I saw and how I was choreographing the storyline he was completely supportive. And, because I knew he was one hundred percent on my side, when he questioned certain shots I had listed or suggested a change or addition to what I already had I was fully open to making the changes. When trust is there and a genuine investment from each member of the team, then the collaborative process is *chefs kiss*
Can you offer a piece of advice for choreographers/dancers who would like to make their first screendance?
Just do it. I’ve said it to many people, but the fear of making a “bad” dance film has kept me from making work that I regret dearly. It helps to have a team that can help bring it to life as it can be daunting to wear the hats of choreographer, director, cinematographer, editor, producer, etc.. It’s a lot of work. But, you have to start somewhere, and it starts with just making and making again and making more- even if it's by yourself with an iPhone. I still have to remind myself of that. But it all starts with an idea, and if you can clearly create from that intention and convey that to your audience, then you will be doing what you need to do. Highly technical productions or big budgets can be helpful, but it’s not necessary as long as you have a strong idea that engages, ignites, intrigues, or comforts and the will to see it through. "Make your shit. Get really good at it and the right people will come to you.”- Marissa Zanoti
Check out this BTS video that Tanner Grandstaff/Aberration Media made featuring Cailin Leigh Manning!
Learn more about Cailin Leigh Manning:
Website www.cailinleigh.com
Instagram @cailinleighmanning
Images, film synopsis & bio provided by Cailin Leigh Manning.
A huge thank you to our 2022 Film Festival Award Jury: Steven Butler, Kailee McMurran & Fu LE
Curatorial Team: Nicole Manoochehri, Olivia Mia Orozco & Nadav Heyman