Texas at SXSW 2012: David Redmon, 'Girl Model'

Filmmakers David Redmon and Ashley Sabin (pictured above) have been collaborating on documentaries for years, including such titles as Kamp Katrina (SXSW 2007), Mardi Gras: Made in China (which earned a Documentary Grand Jury Prize nomination at Sundance 2005) and Intimidad (SXSW 2008). This time Redmon and Sabin tackle the provocative subject of fashion-model scouting, from the perspective of a former model turned scout and a young girl from Siberia pursuing a modelling career to support her family, in Girl Model. Redmon hails from north Texas.  

What’s one thing about Girl Model that is going to make it impossible for people to resist seeing the film?
It's a strange journey into a house of mirrors, a place where you don't know who to trust.   

Is there anything the audience should know about the movie before seeing it?
Girl Model took four years to make. We traveled to Siberia, Tokyo, Paris, NYC and China – several times – to make Girl Model. The most difficult aspects were the personalities. It was our most challenging production to date. 

What are the recognizable Austin/Texas connections people might recognize?
We did not shoot the film in Texas but quite a bit of people worked on the film from Texas. Marcy Garriott and Robert Garriott -- consulting producers, Tom Hammond -- audio post-production, Glenn Dill -- graphics, and Nick Piesco -- web designer are all from or around the Austin area.

I grew up in Mansfield, Texas, right outside of Fort Worth. My connection to Texas is why we return to Austin and Fort Worth for the vibrant film community.  Two years ago, TCU (Texas Christian University) -- Carol Thompson and Jeff Ferrell -- did a work-in-progress screening of Girl Model and so did Edward Tyndall at Texas A&M at Corpus Christi. Supportive communities are important and we’ve definitely come across several of them.

Who from the film will be in attendance at the screenings?
SXSW is the U.S. premiere of Girl Model. After traveling to Europe and screening the film we are excited to see how an audience within the U.S. will respond.  Both Ashley Sabin and myself will be present along with Rachel Blais, one of the characters in Girl Model. 

Where can people go to learn more about Girl Model?
Our production company website, the Girl Model movie website, Twitter and Facebook.

Screenings for Girl Model on SXSW Schedule:

• Saturday, March 10 at 1 pm, Alamo Ritz 1
• Sunday, March 11 at 10:30 pm, Violet Crown 2
• Monday, March 12 at 11:15 am, Alamo Ritz 1
• Thursday, March 15 at 7 pm, Alamo Lamar A

 [Photo credit: Ashley Sabin and David Redmon, courtesy of SXSW.]