Key Takeaways:
– Katherine Propper’s directorial debut, “Lost Soulz”, was borne out of an academic assignment at the University of Texas at Austin.
– Actor-rapper, Sauve Sidle, became a recurring collaborator in Propper’s cinematic journey.
– The film is centred around a band composed of musicians discovered mostly via Instagram.
– Propper emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her work and the massive creative input from the cast.
– Despite filmmaking challenges, unwavering faith from the entire cast and crew helps in its successful production.
Katherine Propper, an innovative director from UT Austin, shares the tale of how the band in the hip-hop road trip movie “Lost Soulz” was formed. Much of her directorial debut with “Lost Soulz” can be sourced back to a campus assignment, which ultimately led to the discovery of her lead actor, Sauve Sidle.
A Chance Meeting Leads to a Cinematic Venture
Back in 2016, Propper needed an actor for her cinematography assignment. A Craigslist post led her to Sidle, who shown up for the shooting test with a vibrant presence. The two clicked right away, forming an underlying connection in the pursuit of their respective dreams – Propper’s ambition to become a successful director and Sidle’s aspiration to become a recognized rapper-actor.
Moving forward, Sidle starred in Propper’s pre-thesis short film “Street Flame”, a film inspired by the skate and graffiti community of Austin. The film forged a newfound bond among the cast members, instilling a sense of hope in Propper. Sidle’s hopeful confidence, although seemingly unreal to Propper, inspired her to embrace an optimistic mindset.
From Short Films to a Feature Debut
“Street Flame”, a film about a group of friends forming a makeshift family, served as a stepping stone for Propper’s cinematic journey. It premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, inspiring Propper to create more films. Sidle’s question about a sequel prompted Propper’s decision to transform the short film’s concept into a feature film.
The period between 2019 and 2020 had Propper experimenting with film techniques. She learned to incorporate spontaneity with scripted elements, examining this balance throughout her MFA program. This mixture became the DNA for “Lost Soulz”.
The Making of “Lost Soulz”
By 2020, Propper started writing the script for “Lost Soul,” a film centering on a young rapper journeying through Texas with a band. She desired to create a narrative focused on friendship and home while being a fitting platform for Sidle to showcase his talent.
Propper’s serendipitous meeting with a college friend, Andres Figueredo, led to the formation of the film’s production team. Figueredo and his brother, Juan Carlos, agreed to produce the film, setting the motion for the production phase.
Casting and Authenticity
The ensemble in “Lost Soulz” comprised of various characters, especially a group of believable musical performers. The casting process was supported by Sidle, who suggested various people for the roles. The actors were mostly real musicians discovered through Instagram or referred by friends.
A special “bandcamp” or songwriting session was arranged in New York City in October 2021. This collaboration led to the creation of eight songs for the film in just four days. This contributed significantly to the film’s authenticity, as did the actors’ anecdotes and real-life experiences.
Filming Protocol and Vibes On Set
The filming protocol required a limited number of people in the van during shooting. The team collaborated almost like a family, which reflected positively on screen. For Propper, it was crucial to capture the essence of being on a road trip and the spontaneous interactions that unfurl among the group.
With all cast members being musically talented, their collective abilities created a compelling dynamic for the film. The off-set collaborations among the actors, which led to the creation of more songs, infused even more authenticity into the film.
In conclusion, Propper values authenticity and realness while appreciating the faith and confidence of her team in the filmmaking process. This combination created a unique blend of spontaneity and scripted elements, culminating in the creation of “Lost Soulz”. A film that started as an academic assignment is now set for a release from Kino Lorber.
