NewEnglandFilm.com

This series of articles features interviews with established and emerging female filmmakers living and working in New England, as well as prominent industry figures from our region. Filmmaker Catherine Stewart discusses distribution, finding work, making connections, and handling collaborations, along with whatever else comes along. We encourage you to join the conversation here on NewEnglandFilm.com or on Twitter using #femalesinfilm.

“I’m not really a filmmaker, yet. I think I have to earn that title,” Ashley Delucco says with a laugh. And I think that is a view shared by other female filmmakers across the region. Even with the proliferation of digital tools that simplify the process, there is still something to be said for learning the basics of positioning a shot, lighting a scene, and capturing a moment. Not to mention honing those skills through a vast body of work to become a truly competent and innovative filmmaker. “When I think filmmaker,” DeLucco continues, “I’m thinking Scorsese, I’m thinking masters of their art. I’m also thinking of actual film.”

Delucco picked up a DSLR for her most recent project working alongside Elizabeth Rossano to create two films for Vermont Community Access Media (VCAM) in Burlington, and she loved it. “I like the look that we got, and the simplicity of the gear.” It’s definitely still a boys’ club, we agree, when it comes to the technology, the gadgets – the “toys,” as DeLucco puts it. But her confidence is building and, with it, her desire to continue making films.

Delucco was born and raised in Burlington, VT, and for most of her life she pursued a career as a dancer. “I lived in New York City until I was 28, I did the whole dancer thing,” she explains. But, choosing a new path in life, she retrained in Film and Television studies – and she hasn’t looked back. “My course was about experimental work, and studying the psychology of film. I fell in love. We had very few practical classes, but it made me look at film in a new way.”

DeLucco’s practical skills have developed from her work with VCAM, and working as a video editor. “I mainly [see] footage for interviews and other pieces, it’s giving me a great insight into filming.” DeLucco’s portfolio is small at present, but she is looking for more opportunities to develop her skills and find collaborators. She hopes to build upon the two films she created for VCAM, about Vermont Artists for the VT Makers series. One of these films can be seen on NewEnglandFilm.com during the Online New England Film Festival over the next month. Delucco’s first short documentary, Toby McNutt: Body of Work, chronicles McNutt’s practice as a fibre artist and dancer.

DeLucco relished the opportunity to connect her artistic roots to her newfound passion by filming McNutt at work in the studio. “Due to physical limitations, McNutt works with crutches, and being able to watch the language of her dance and trying to capture that on screen was so rewarding.” Delucco speaks with such enthusiasm about capturing something unique and special that she makes me want to grab my camera and head out to film as we speak. “When I filmed with the artists, and as I continue to make work, I realize I am getting a similar feeling as I did from dance. The same energy and the focus that made me want to create.”

Continuing to talk, we again agree that anyone can call themselves a filmmaker, but what really sets it apart for DeLucco is the ability to share an engaging narrative. It’s not just pretty shot after pretty shot. “The challenge is to keep the viewer interested. In order to do that, I guess in the end I was going on my own instincts, my first choices. Trusting those instincts is really important.” And DeLucco seems to have good instincts. For a first foray into filmmaking, she captures the essence of her subjects and makes us want to know more, to buy their jewelry or see a piece of their performance live. For me, DeLucco can and should call herself a filmmaker – her initial work proves it – and it’s only when we believe it ourselves that we can legitimately tell everyone else.