SXSW Spotlight: My Blackberry Ate My Clay Liford Interview

I had a great interview with Earthling director Clay Liford. Only my dog ate it. Or rather, my Blackberry. So I don't have notes or the audio.

What you missed was hearing an unrepentant sci-fi geek talk about "R-Cubed" -- rockets, robots, and ray guns -- and how science fiction is far more than that. Liford's subtle science-fiction film Earthling harkens back to old-school science fiction. The Dallas filmmaker spoke at length about post-WWII science fiction and the power of that period in the genre's history. 

He also went on to talk about early science-fiction films, such as the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood Still, and his dislike for the recent remake.  And how he wanted to create an indie film with science fiction elements that didn't rely on R-Cubed. 

You'll also miss the admiration he has for his lead actress, Rebecca Spence, and not only how much she brought to the role of Judith, and how much she carries on her shoulders within the structure of the film. On top of all that, you don't get to hear how much respect she had for her director, who made a fundamental change in casting that switched gender of a character she had to interact with intimately. 

In the casting process, Liford was unable to find a suitable actor to play the role opposite Judith. In one final effort to cast, Liford was in town and using casting space at Austin-based director Kat Candler's office. Candler (Jumping Off Bridges) apparently is the epitome of a supportive peer, and she lends space to other directors for casting sessions and such. She also suggested that Liford talk to an actress in the office for a different casting session. As a result, Liford hired Amelia Turner in her second role and changed the story to fit a gender change. The result ended up with a stronger story, and hopefully a showcase for a very promising young actor.

We also talked about how collaborative Austin/Texas filmmakers are, and not just Candler, whom he clearly admires. Liford met Barak Epstein, one of the producers of Earthling, on the set of Blood on the Highway, which Epstein directed.  [correction: Epstein and Liford have known each other "for ages."- JAB]

So yeah, you missed a discussion on identity, gender, relationship and home, and that's a shame. Liford is articulate and a great interview. Needless to say, I'm disappointed you didn't get to hear all this. On top of all that, I forgot to get a picture of Liford to go with this spotlight piece. [Editor's note: Check back on Wednesday and I might have a surprise for you.]

But if you're in the Dallas area next month, Earthling is playing the Dallas International Film Festival on April 11 and 14 in the Texas Competition. Right now, there are a couple Slackerwood gals thinking "Roadtrip!?"

We're planning on staying in touch with Liford and seeing how things go with Earthling, but you can also keep up to date with the film through the Earthling Facebook page. 

Since I failed to get audio for you, or a good picture, I'm making up for that by embedding the trailer of Earthling below.