DUPLICITY: Anika Guttormson

Anika Guttormson, a gaffer from Houston, Texas, shares with us her thoughts and experiences while working on the film, Duplicity.

1. Why do you think duplicity is a story that needs to be told?

So much of the art that has been made about the pandemic has been so difficult to engage with. So many people are going through such a hard time and so of course the art that is being made is going to reflect that. For that reason I was so excited when I saw that this project was going to be a comedy! Even though there is so much going on, we should still strive to find moments of happiness and joy. I hope this project can bring comfort to people who need a good laugh.  

2. What were the challenged that you faced when creating this project?

It's always hard to come up with dynamic lighting set ups when you have a limited budget. I was grateful to have so many creative people on this team with me who were able to brainstorm with me when things got tricky. This usually means that there is a lot of tape involved. In one scene we had to tape an umbrella to a light to get the effect we wanted! 

3. What was your favorite moment in the process of creating this project?

There were so many times on set where, when faced with a problem, we would all put our heads together and figure out a solution as a team. I absolutely love when sets can foster this kind of creative and collaborative environment. It's so nice to feel like everyones voices are equally heard and taken into consideration. I've been on so many projects that crumble apart because peoples creative egos butt heads, so it was so refreshing to see that everyone was so committed to listening to each other on this set. 

4. What are the different things you learned after having done this project? 

This set was a great reminder to me of how much I love the process of filmmaking. Since the pandemic started it's been difficult to find consistent film work, and in that time I feel like I lost track of what it is about filmmaking that I love so much. 

5. What's your favorite scene from the script?

My favorite moment (this might be a spoiler) is when Sofia realizes that she has been talking to her sisters boyfriend. She isn't defensive or rude to her sister, but instead immediately decides that she is going to throw her lover aside and help her sister get back at him for what he's done. I love seeing this sisterly dynamic displayed on screen. 

6. Is there any other project that you are currently working on?

This weekend I am gaffing a music video for the artist Caro Juna and the director Eileen Yoon. I have also been writing a short film in my free time that I hope to someday be able to shoot.