Hannah Free is making its way to film festivals in major cities across the U.S. as well as overseas and the cast and crew of this highly-acclaimed feature film are picking up awards all along the way. Hannah Free stars Sharon Gless, Maureen Gallagher, Kelli Strickland, Ann Hagemann, Taylor Miller, Jacqui Jackson, Pat Kane, Meg Thalken, Les Hinderyckx, Elaine Carlson, Casey Tutton and Elita Ernsteen.
Yes, Kelli Strickland really is a good kisser (or, so we’ve been told). Executive Producer Tracy Baim and actress Ann Hageman were gracious enough to talk with The Examiner about their experiences while filming Hannah Free.
1. What has been the most difficult part about bringing this film (Hannah Free) to fruition?
Tracy Baim (Executive Producer of Hannah Free): With a lot of first-time feature film people, just juggling all of the learning with raising funds, managing timelines, etc. was a monumental task.
2. How did you manage to make the film in such a short amount of time?
TB: We had a budget we had to stick to so we did not have much choice. We had professional people with as much experience as we could muster on our budgets and a lot of people who donated their time. We had limited time with certain cast and crew members as well.
3. Was there a conscious decision to bring Hannah Free to the masses in different cities as opposed to a nationwide release in theaters at the same time?
TB: We knew that most LGBT films do not get wide release, especially one about older people, so the plan was always to "do it ourselves" through festivals and mini-theatricals. If Hollywood had come knocking with a low offer, it may not have been worth it for the film to possibly be shelved due to its niche audience. Our goal is to get it to as many people as we can through the most effective and low-cost means as possible.
4. Did any of the actors need convincing to participate in Hannah Free?
TB: None at all that we ended up using – all of them were just terrific.
Ann Hagemann (Young Rachel): Not me. I was familiar with Claudia Allen’s writing and knew it would be a strong screenplay. Every great film starts with even greater writing. I also knew that if I was cast it would be a wonderful tribute to my sister, who is a lesbian and chooses to live in a small community.
5. How were you able to get Sharon to play the role of Hannah?
TB: She and Claudia Allen had worked together twice in the past on Allen plays, so when Claudia asked, Sharon said yes with no reservations and without even seeing the script.
6. What was the best thing about the screening in Seattle at the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival?
TB: Since some of our crew, including Director and Director of Photography, had lived in Seattle for the larger part of their lives, it was "old home" week for them and a nice homecoming. Of course, Seattle also has an awesome LGBT community.
7. What is the one question you wish you’d never have to answer again for the press regarding Hannah Free?
TB: I think all questions can be good!
AH: “Being a straight woman, was it difficult to play those love scenes?” My answer: OMG! NO! Love is Love – it doesn’t know age or gender or color. Besides, Kelli is a really good kisser!
8. Tell us a secret or two from the set…we won’t tell…
TB: Taylor Miller's hair is actually her own hair made up and transformed, it's not a wig.
AH: It’s not really a secret, but I often felt the presence of Tracy’s Mom in the house on Prairie Ave. while filming. Since I play a spirit for a good portion of the film, I guess she felt it was appropriate to let me know she was there and very much approved of what we were doing in her house!
9. Is Hannah Free headed for Hollywood or will it be distributed locally?
TB: It will not have a traditional theatrical run, but will end up being in more than 60 U.S. cities and more overseas due to film festival and limited theatrical.
10. Taylor Miller looks familiar. Where else have we seen her?
TB: She was Nina in All My Children.
AH: She played Nina Cortland on All My Children for a long time!
11. Hannah Free is going to have a huge impact on the LGBT community. How does the cast feel about being part of such a life-altering community project?
TB: We hope it will, and that may happen more as we get to the VOD and DVD stage, as more people can see it, and it works its way through educational, non-profit and healthcare partnerships.
AH: VERY PROUD! I went into this looking for my next acting job and came out knowing that I had just had a life altering experience!
12. What is next for the producers of Hannah Free?
TB: For me, I want to see Hannah Free all the way through to profitability for our investors before I consider anything else. Although in my day job I am publisher of Windy City Times.
Read more about the cast and crew of Hannah Free by visiting the film's official website Hannah Free and also on The Examiner.
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