So I just have a couple more questions…
Did you enjoy it, Lorry?
Yes! I relate to it. This was something I wanted to bring up but didn’t know how. I’m adopted. So I don’t think I want to have kids but something about being adopted makes me feel like later that I should adopt a kid. It’s kind of like the journey that you had to go through, that’s what I’m going through now myself. I’m not married but I have a long term partner and I think that we both don’t really want to have kids but that’s the thing. It’s just so BIG. So yes, To Kid or Not To Kid really made me think about a lot of things. I appreciated it, I thought it was a really good statement. I know that there are so many people that feel the way that you do so it’s good to have this film as a resource.
You know, my background, I actually came through BBC Comedy years ago and I’m always aware in the back of my mind that it’s gotta be entertainment. There have to be laughs and tears and I don’t want to make those dry documentaries. You know, the best marketing is word of mouth, so if people are saying “Gosh, I giggled and I cried and you should see it.”
“There have to be laughs and tears and I don’t want to make those dry documentaries.”
No there are definitely some funny parts like the vasectomy part was pretty hilarious.
*laughs* Just a note on your personal experience as well, we were commissioned to do The Independent Lens and we’re doing a spin-off web series. This is great because it allows me to include the gay voice, religious aspects, different cultural backgrounds. I really hunted high and low for an adoption story. There are five episodes that are going to be launched at the same time as the theatrical release and we’re going to play one episode as well with the feature in the theater. We’re really hoping to get another series and there are a number of episodes I’ve already worked out that I want to do.
I’m so aware that I’m a straight white woman and that there are so many other stories. So the spinoff series has been great for that. I’m really excited that I was able to get paid to make that as well.
So I have one more question for you. What advice would you give to someone who’s telling their family they’re deciding not to have children? Because, I don’t know how it was off-camera but your family seemed, if somewhat reluctant, pretty accepting in the end. I know there are other people whose families would definitely not respond in kind.
I think there’s an awareness of just being able to meet them somewhere in the middle. Rather than if I’d gone in and staunchly said: “I’m child-free and you must accept that and you must use that term.” There’s got to be some room where people can catch up with you, and I’m aware of that. I think talking, leaving an article open, or sending a link and saying this is something I’m thinking about. I love seeing that there are so many options now. You know articles, I can forward this article to people, too. It really allows an opening of the door whereas years ago there was no opening of doors for people. That’s why it was really on my heart to make this film. I really hated making a personal film and I’m going to use the word hate. I rarely use that but I’ve been having slight panic attacks. The fact I’ve been so vulnerable in this film but also at the same time recognizing there is no other film out there like this, and maybe I was the right person to make it.
I think so or else it wouldn’t have come together. I think that, as cheesy as it sounds, everything happens for a reason. Because the process of making the film helped you, no?
Maxine Trump: Yes!
So I think it’s also going to help other people, which is really fantastic.
