MIDDELBURG - Emerging director Charlotte Verminck (24) from Middelburg started shooting her short film 'Mind of thoughts' this week, an international film production about the strong influence of our thoughts on our daily lives. The Maldegem borough already plays a nice supporting role.
Erwin Mynsberghe
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 14:41
Maldegem's smallest borough will be used as a film set in the near future. This week filming will take place at Charlotte's home - on Langeweg - and next Saturday a helicopter scene will take place just outside the village center. Her neighbors are already very curious. "I so enjoy filming in the village where I live. Especially the scene with the helicopter will capture the natural beauty around Middelburg. When I'm walking my dog, you can hear the enthusiasm in all the neighbors and it creates a special bond," she says.
International company
For the production, Charlotte brought together a team of more than 50 professional cast and crew members. From about 150 candidates for the lead roles, American actress Brienne Mizell and Belgian-Cameroonian actress Berthe Tanwo Njole were chosen. American cinematographer Giancarlo Stigliano will come to Belgium with his team from New Jersey for the filming. "There are also team members from Korea, Congo, China, the Philippines and the Netherlands. I am thrilled to bring together different nationalities both in front of and behind the camera and to be able to share our perspectives on equal ground," Charlotte says.
Her film is about an artist struggling with the recurring blank canvas in front of her. “It’s a psychological drama about the power of our thoughts. The artist seeks help from a successful colleague, who despite that success also struggles with the same problems. I want the film to start a conversation that it’s okay to fail and how to deal with anything unhappy in your life,” Charlotte said.
Private investors
A team of 50 people is not a cheap affair. “I knocked on the door of the government, but they proved unenthusiastic. However, I didn’t give up and in addition to a public crowdfunding, I found several private investors who shared my vision,” it sounds.
The Middelburg native started making film montages starring her classmates at the age of 10. At 17, she worked as a video artist and creative director for Belgian artist Ozark Henry, before moving to Los Angeles to intern at a production company.