A rare mix of Buddy the Elf and Dr. Jo Harding from the classic movie Twister, I’m Alex Bowling a determined and energetic filmmaker and actress from the USA. I am passionate about storytelling. My creative journey started as a pianist and a songwriter, but I discovered the joy of storytelling through film and now I can’t get enough. I have always been obsessed with movies since I was a kid. I forced my sister to watch the Sound of Music with me a thousand times. Now I love telling my own stories! When I am not planning for my next film, I am constantly changing my hair color, memorizing IMDb trivia, or taking pictures of my dog.
The silent short film “La Schema” was brought about by a Film Noir contest to open the Italian Opera Rigoletto. The story line came to mind like most, over a cup of coffee between friends. I was chatting with fellow director and cinematographer Stephen Byrum, and he said, “Tell me a story.” Upon his encouragement, a blend of the Rigoletto themes of death and deception morphed into this modern-day spin on a 1940s version of the story.
“La Schema” is a living art. There is something so magical about it, because we lived it. It was filmed over two nights. The first night, it RAINED! I mean, down-poured. We were not sure we could even film in that kind of rain, but we made it happen. On a cold rainy night, our crew and cast worked without complaint. We held umbrellas over our equipment, our dresses and attire were soaked, we were locked outside without bathrooms or changing rooms, left to change in our cars; but in the end, what a beautiful gift! This film noir came to life in a whole new experience, and I cannot imagine the scenes without the rain and many memories.
“La Schema” is the little film that continues to surprise its audience! It is a zero-budget film because it was a contest. Our audience loves the drama, suspense, and passion of the film. Stephen Byrum has a great eye for beautiful camerawork. Braden Winfree adds to the suspense with his editing, and Kyle Laporte raises the intensity with his brilliant musical composition. Our wonderful actors and entire little team put their all into this project and people can’t believe how we even accomplished it. I’m so excited for more people to see our thrilling film that is told in a universal language, silence.
“There’s a place for us, somewhere a place for us.” There’s a place for all of us in the world of storytelling. The iconic story this quote is from inspires the world, and can change the way we think. I love that about film. I have learned so much in life by enjoying these stories. One thing is for sure, I will continue to climb that film mountain to tell these beautiful stories. Who knows how they may change the world.