INTERVIEW with Laura Boyd Owen and Charles Edwin English

We are interested in learning more about your filmmaking journey and your film tastes.

We would like to request an interview with you to discuss your project and your experiences in the film industry. Your insights and perspectives would be valuable to us and our audience of filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

Thank you so much for the opportunity! We are grateful to your team for allowing us to be a part of this stage of the festival.

My name is Charlie English, I am the executive producer, director and cinematographer for the film. I am also the founder of Loki Productions LLC which produced The Call.

I’m Laura Boyd Owen - director, executive producer and editor on the feature documentary The Call submitted for consideration.

Here are 15 questions we would like to ask you during the interview:

Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?

Laura: This film came to life because two people were on a mission to create something meaningful. Charlie and I met as coworkers and discovered our shared passion for documentary storytelling during a cab ride to Newark after a work trip. A few months later, we said, “Why not go for it?” We tapped into our networks to find powerful stories, and that’s how we met Paul—whose work preventing suicide among first responders became our focus. From there, one thing led to the next. We planned shoots, reviewed footage, identified gaps, shot again, and edited until we had a complete, compelling story to tell.

Charlie: When Laura and I were looking for a topic for this film I pitched the idea of firefighter mental health based on a podcast I had produced several years earlier. We met Paul, had our initial discussion and we were in 100%! Our goal was to ensure we did everything we could to handle this serious topic with integrity and I believe we accomplished that.

What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?

Charlie: Becoming a filmmaker has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid and watched The Empire Strikes Back! But you grow up, have a family, career and life goes on. Then, one day you realize you still have that dream and make the commitment to go for it at least once. You need the right people around you and Laura was the perfect partner for me on this film.

Laura: I’ve always been in awe of storytelling. As a kid, I wrote short stories, then scripts, and eventually followed that passion to Columbia College Chicago, where I earned my BA in Film and Video. Storytelling isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. I never really questioned it; nothing else ever felt right.

What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?

Laura: The biggest challenge was budget—because we didn’t have one. Charlie was a huge help in figuring out how to make the most of what we had. We wore a lot of hats and took on the work that’s usually done by an entire crew—all while balancing full-time jobs, family, and life in general. It was exhausting but also incredibly fulfilling, because we believed so deeply in the story we were telling.

Charlie: Outside of our miniscule budget, I had to navigate the nuances of working with the firefighter community. Building trust with Paul and having him vouch for the project and introduce us to key people along the way, was so critical. Knowing the little things like bringing cookies to the firehouse for the ride along went a long way to getting the moments we needed to tell this story.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film? Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the making of your film?

Charlie: There are so many. But, the most memorable was when a fire chief came out to watch while we were recording an interview. He listened and watched the process, then began to talk while the cameras were still going. It was an incredible moment, because the conversation was so raw and is one of the most important scenes in the film.

Laura: The most memorable moment was seeing my first sequence cut together. Watching the pieces come together into something emotional and real gave me a feeling I can’t quite describe—pure joy and adrenaline. That’s when I knew we had something powerful.

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?

Laura: I believe every story needs a transformation—your subject, and your audience, should be in a different place by the end. In this film, we started in the dark: why suicide is so prevalent among first responders. Then we moved into hope: who’s taking action, what’s changing, and how we can all be part of the solution. The core message is this—there is hope, and change is possible when we talk about the hard things.

Charlie: Being curious. With The Call I was able to go back to my journalism roots and work with people that wanted to share their story with us. Stories are compelling because there is someone or something that you can connect with. Laura and I were very lucky to work with these amazing individuals who allowed us to share their lives with anyone watching the film.

What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work?

Laura: I’m drawn to the hero’s journey, whether it’s documentary or narrative. I love big, thought-provoking stories—directors like Christopher Nolan and James Cameron inspire me with their ability to blend emotional depth with visual spectacle. That’s the dream.

Charlie: I am a documentary nerd and I can watch them endlessly. But, I grew up watching Spielberg, Tarantino and Cameron and am eternally grateful for the experiences I had while watching their films my entire life.

How do you select your cast and crew for your film projects? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?

Charlie: My amazing wife introduced us to one of her former students who is a co-presenter for The Fire That Burns Within training program. This support program is featured in the film and is where this journey began. We could not have asked for better collaborators on this project and without them, there is no film.

Laura: For this project, we relied on friends and colleagues who believed in the story and were willing to work for free. We were lucky to know talented, kind-hearted people who understood the importance of the subject and shared our passion for telling it right.

How important do you think film festivals are for independent filmmakers, and what has been your experience with film festivals so far?

Laura: Film festivals are essential for indie filmmakers. We make these stories to be seen, and festivals create that platform. I’ve had one experience back in college when a short I worked on made it into a festival—it was thrilling to be in a space filled with storytellers and film lovers. I’m hoping for more of that now with The Call. You need that exposure to create impact and build connections.

Charlie: These types of festivals are critical for anyone that has the desire to tell a story. We are a super small team with a very limited budget and the only real way for us to tell this story and break into the industry is through festivals. We are still waiting for our first acceptance email, but I am confident someone will see the value in our project.

Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received and how they have impacted your career?

Charlie: Since our film has yet to be released, we have not received any awards or recognition. But I am hopeful that any and all recognition will help to shine a light on the subject of first responder’s mental health and the support communities being built around them.

Laura: Not yet—but I’m hopeful! We’re submitting to festivals now, and I’m excited to see where this film can go. Recognition would be wonderful, but it’s really about reaching the right audience.

How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?

Laura: Film is art, and art is interpreted differently by everyone. I genuinely welcome feedback—it helps me see how others are experiencing something I created, and often it shows me perspectives I hadn’t considered. That’s how I grow and improve for the next project.

Charlie: When you create something like a documentary, you leave yourself open to criticism. Being a first time filmmaker, I am certain we will hear some at some point, but I know that Laura and I will support each other along the way. That has been our process so far, so I am confident we will be happy with all of our hard work!

What do you enjoy most about the process of filmmaking? Is there anything you find particularly challenging?

Charlie: I was an executive producer, director and the only cinematographer on this project, so being behind the camera was amazing. Not only did I get to see my work in almost every frame, but I got to develop amazing friendships with those I was filming. It was a lot to do all the cameras, lights and audio while being the producer onsite, but I am grateful for the experience. I learned a lot about the art of cinematography during this process and hope to do it again soon!

Laura: Editing is my favorite part—it’s where the story really comes to life. I get so caught up when things start clicking that I lose all track of time. The challenge is when it’s not clicking—when something just isn’t working after hours of trying. That part can be tough, but I’ve learned to step away, breathe, and come back with fresh eyes.

How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience?

Laura: Right now, we’re submitting to festivals that align with our film’s themes and values. We’re being thoughtful about where to submit, since we don’t have a big budget. We’re also building a social media presence to help the film find its audience and start conversations around the issues it addresses.

Charlie: Being first time filmmakers, there will be a learning curve. We hope to meet like minded people and get to know the struggles and victories they had on their projects. We feel our story is very important and want to make sure wherever this goes, the film finds the best place to reach the largest audience.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?

Charlie: Find a story you feel passionate about, then find those that will support you along the way. Laura and I were incredibly lucky to have colleagues, spouses, Friends and family that were there for us so we could make this film. Your voice is important, so find the ways to make it happen and don’t get too caught up in the reasons not to do it!

Laura: Use what you have and just start. You don’t need a big budget to tell a powerful story. Lean into your strengths, find collaborators who believe in what you’re doing, and make something meaningful. The world needs good storytellers now more tan ever.

Finally, can you share with us your future plans and upcoming projects as a filmmaker?

Laura: I’m excited to keep growing as a filmmaker and creative leader. I hope The Call leads to new collaborations with people who care about telling meaningful stories. I’m especially interested in projects that focus on human resilience and social impact. I’m also looking to join teams where I can contribute my skills in editing, producing, and creative operations. I bring both creative vision and strong production experience—and I thrive in collaborative, fast-moving environments. I’m ready for the next challenge.

Charlie: My hope is that this project opens some doors for me to tell compelling stories in the future. The dream has always been to work on films that matter to people’s lives and I look forward to creating the next one! The Call has been an amazing journey so far and I am looking forward to seeing where it goes.