Director Charlotte Verminck (24) is currently shooting her short film "Mind of Thoughts. She is not doing this in a studio, but rather in her own home village of Middelburg. This small part of Maldegem is the setting for some key scenes. Verminck is assisted by as many as 50 professional cast and crew members. "My dream is to build my career as a screenwriter-director in the United States."
Arne Blomme 25-04-24, 16:57
Last update: 25-04-24, 18:18
Part of the filming will take place at her home on Langeweg, but next Saturday a helicopter scene is also planned just outside the village center. “During that scene I would like to capture the natural beauty of Middelburg,” Charlotte says. “I love filming in the village where I live. When I walk my dog, I notice that all the neighbors are enthusiastic. That really creates a special bond.”
Ridley Scott
Born in Knokke-Heist, Middelburg-based Charlotte Verminck began making film montages starring her classmates at the age of 10. Although she had no specific film training, by age 17 she was already working as a video artist and creative director for Belgian artist Ozark Henry. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she interned at the Little Minx production company of Rhea Scott, the daughter-in-law of renowned director Ridley Scott.
“Afterwards, I delved into the world of film on my own by watching YouTube videos and analyzing the different storytelling aspects in scenarios,” Charlotte continues. “In 2022, I made my debut with the poetic short film ‘Pathless.’ This film won the ‘Best Poetry Film’ award at the Motion Pictures International Film Festival and was selected for the renowned Poetry Film Festival in Los Angeles and the First-Time Filmmaker Showcase at the world-renowned Pinewood Studios.”
International crew
With her new short film “Mind of Thoughts,” Charlotte hopes to impress again. The film tells the story of an artist struggling with the recurring blank canvas in front of her. “It’s a psychological drama about the power of our thoughts,” Charlotte explains. “The artist seeks help from a successful colleague, who also struggles with the same problems despite her success. With this film, I want to start a conversation about accepting failure and how to deal with it in life.”
For her project, Charlotte calls on a team of more than 50 professional cast and crew members. “The American cinematographer Giancarlo Stigliano is coming to Belgium with his team all the way from New Jersey for the shoot, and we have team members it Korea, Congo, China, the Philippines and the Netherlands,” Charlotte says. This, of course, involves significant costs. “Fortunately, I was able to raise the necessary funding with the help of several private investors, tax shelter and a public crowdfunding.”
American Dream
Charlotte hopes to finish the film this summer. After its Belgian theatrical premiere, she plans to travel to the United States with the film and hopes to be selected for several film festivals. “My dream is to continue building my career as a screenwriter-director there,” she sounds ambitious. “But I still want to continue to embrace my Flemish roots in my films.”