Birthmark: Lindy [rough cut] (6 min. 2016) Directed and produced by Lester Alfonso, shot and edited by Rob Viscardis. A woman with a cat-shaped birthmark.
On Day 47 of publishing my archive, I offer this: an early rough cut of Lindy’s interview for Birthmark. This was just one of the ways I worked with Director of Photography, Co-producer, and Co-editor Rob Viscardis on Birthmark remotely. Technology allowed us to work on the same project from two different physical locations. We could have been miles apart living in different time zones but we were only a few clicks away living in the same small town in Peterborough. Four years ago, he uploaded this to Vimeo for me to have a look at. Here it is in my life again to bring different realizations.
Editing Birthmark took years and there were several different versions of the film made. Part of the reason why it was so difficult to edit was that I couldn’t be impartial when I myself is in the movie. My head often got in the way by my thinking I need to show my best side so I end up rebelling against that and purposefully showing my “bad” side. It’s a complicated thing editing your own film about your most personal stuff starring yourself.
I couldn’t edit it. I’d start and stop many times during the day cringing at myself. Why did I laugh? Why did I say that? I needed an outside (inside) eye. Enter: Rob Viscardis. Without his invaluable help, I couldn’t have done what I had done. I love what Rob was able to do with this scene. The clip here is longer than how it ended up in the final version. It includes my best moment with Lindy which did not make it into the film. I really liked her answer when I asked about how her previous boyfriends treated her birthmark.
Lindy’s cat-shaped birthmark on her arm was explained to her by her Grandmother. She said, while her mom was pregnant with her, she was startled by a cat. At that moment — her mom gripped her arm at the exact same spot where Lindy’s mark is on her arm.
Lindy’s birthmark story is one that goes under the category of “Maternal Impressions.” Many believe that the unborn child is affected by the events surrounding the mother-to-be. Certain cravings for food or specific activities are said to affect the personality of the child yet to be born.
There are so many stories. More soon! — LA
P.S. If you’re liking these daily posts, perhaps you can consider becoming a monthly donor for a year or making a one-time contribution. It would seriously help a lot. Your money goes directly into supporting an artist committed to continually become the best version of himself. Thank you so much! Much love, LA