- Tell us your backstory. How and why did you get into filmmaking?
I started out as an actor from a pretty young age, and got my first professional theater gig when I was 8. So right from the jump, I knew I wanted to be in entertainment. I was always trying to convince the other kids on my block to put on shows in the backyard. So it’s not surprising that all these years later, I’m essentially doing the same thing – trying to get my friends to help me put on shows. I had the great privilege of working in the Canadian theater industry for a long time, where I learned from some of the very best. But, eventually, my focus shifted to film and away from acting. After moving to LA, I realized my real passion is writing and directing, but my previous career has really helped color my work in film as a collaborator.
- What films have been the most inspiring or influential to you and why?
Oh man, this is a tough question, because in reality the list is super long, but what I will say is there are a few films that no matter where I am, what hotel I’m staying at, what airplane I’m on, what channel they happen to pop up on – you know I’m going to sit down and watch them.
Billy Elliot is the first, and I think that’s because, as a film, it deals with the same question that the majority of my work deals with. Is it worth the risk to be your complete and authentic self? Growing up in the most conservative part of Canada and dealing with being queer, this film deeply touched me. Plus, it does my favorite thing a film can do: it makes you laugh, and then it breaks your heart.
Next is Jurassic Park, because… what can I say, it’s the movie that made me love movies. It’s a perfect film and a perfect story. I love a good popcorn ride!
Little Miss Sunshine is up there, too, because I think it’s always been my north star as a writer and director. My goal as a filmmaker is to make a film as funny, heartfelt, and moving as Little Miss Sunshine. Like Billy Elliot, it makes you laugh out loud and then kicks you in the gut with its great big heart – are you sensing a trend? I’ve always been drawn to films that use humor as a doorway to the heart.
And lastly, I would say 2001: A Space Odyssey. I think this movie broke my brain open. The meticulous vision, the boundless imagination, the stunning cinematic visuals – nothing is more inspiring than this masterpiece.
- How do you know when your story’s finished, when to walk away?
I don’t think a story is ever finished; I just think you have to choose a time to put it down. Funny enough, for Mother Father Sister Brother Frank, I got a couple of great notes on the script, two weeks out from when we were supposed to start shooting. And once I had heard those notes, I couldn’t unhear them, and I knew I had to rewrite the ending. So I hunkered down, and as we were completing the final stretch of pre-production, I worked on rewrites. Similarly, I think I could have worked on editing MFSBF for another month, or two, or twelve! But at a certain point, whether it’s a deadline or for budgetary reasons, you have to step away and let it be what it will be, which doesn’t mean it’s finished; it just means your time with it has come to an end.
- What is your favorite aspect of film production?
Coming from a theater background, where everyone is together working on a show, I have to say my favorite part of film production is the people. There is nothing more satisfying than being in a room full of people who are way smarter than you, who are excellent at their craft, and having the privilege of collaborating with them and getting to know them not just as artists but as people. Film is like capturing lightning in a bottle. It’s impossible, but when you manage to work with a group of people and you are able to do the impossible… nothing in life is more thrilling!
- Why did you choose to submit to the Breckenridge Film Festival? What do you look for in a festival where you hope to show your film?
We submitted Mother Father Sister Brother Frank to the Breckenridge Film Festival because it came highly recommended to us from a few different peers and filmmakers. The festival’s reputation precedes it, and it’s known for being a great place for filmmakers to share their work with enthusiastic audiences. And we are so glad we did! We had a wonderful festival run with Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Frank, and Breckinridge, which was one of the standout festivals. We had an incredible time meeting the audiences, who were passionate and engaged, the other filmmakers, who were so inspiring and wonderful, and all set against a backdrop of the most beautiful setting. It really was a highlight for us!
- What are the next project or projects you are beginning work on?
There are a few projects I have coming up that I’m trying to get off the ground.
The first is a heartfelt comedy called The King and Eileen, which is about Eileen, a crusty 79-year-old cosmetics saleswoman who loses her job, and ends up convincing Reverend Elvis, a preacher and Elvis impersonator, to let her come on the road with him to sell merchandise. But life on the road is more rocky than rock ’n roll, and her tough outer shell cracks, which means she’s finally able to practice what Reverend Elvis preaches – “Let Love In!”
I also have another dark comedy, coming of age, film called American Beef about a queer first generation Mexican American manager of an Arby’s in small town Idaho, who’s torn between getting rid of a die hard old crank named Carl who’s chained himself to protest the restaurant’s closing, and going after what he really wants, his first big love.
And lastly, I’m finishing up a new script for a big-budget action comedy called Third Goon From The Left, which is about a Goon who realizes he’s working for an evil corporation, and with the help of his ragtag group of friends, he has to bring the evil head of the corporation down. It’s a cross between Free Guy and Austin Powers.
CADEN DOUGLAS BIO
Caden grew up in snowy Calgary, Alberta, and after living in Toronto for a decade, he now resides in sunny LA, where he works as a screenwriter, director and producer.
His first feature, the dark comedy Mother Father Sister Brother Frank, has won multiple awards including the Grand Jury Prize – Edmonton International Film Festival, Best Feature – Carmel International Film Festival, Best Feature – It’s Alive Bulgaria, Best Comedy – Vermont International Film Festival, Director’s Choice, Audience Choice & Festival Favorite – Cinema Diverse Film Festival, Audience Choice Award – Dark Bridges Film Festival and is currently available to rent on AppleTV and Amazon Prime.
As a writer and director Caden has partnered with major companies on both feature and episodic projects. Previous select projects include: feature film The King and Eileen optioned by Johnny Depp’s production company Infinitum Nihil / G4C, pilot Tuck, Montana optioned by Dave Hill/Gumption Pictures, feature adaptation of Alex Gino’s award winning novel, George (Scholastic) for Lotus/Racine Films.
He is the winner of the ISA Fast Track Fellowship, as well as the ISA Pitch Challenge. He directed pieces for the Los Angeles LGBT Center 50th Gala produced by the multiple award winning, and Emmy nominated Done + Dusted, and his short film Pop is a multiple award winner, including the Leslie Page Award for Excellence In Short Filmmaking and the LA Shorts Gold Award.
In his previous life as an actor he performed in the National Theater of England’s Tony, and Olivier Award winning play WarHorse, at the internationally renowned Stratford Festival of Canada, and on stages all across North America and the globe. He’s also appeared in several television shows and films.
Caden produced the short form series What the Elf?! starring multiple Emmy nominee, and Cheers alumni, George Wendt. The series was produced by his production company littleBULL, which he founded with his husband, Michael Lomenda in 2016.
Currently, Caden is developing a new feature comedy, American Beef.