Revolutionizing Indie Film Sets: A Family-Friendly Approach

Indie film productions are often plagued by numerous challenges, but writer-director Nora Fiffer was determined to create a set for her debut feature film, "Another Happy Day," that prioritized family-friendly practices. Fiffer's personal experiences with the profound identity shift and workload of new motherhood inspired her to craft a raw and unflinching portrayal of postpartum depression and the complexities of parenthood – a narrative rarely seen on the silver screen.

Empowering Mothers in the Creative Realm

Prioritizing Parental Needs

Fiffer recognized the importance of supporting mothers on her set, both as a filmmaker and a new parent herself. She made a conscious effort to structure the shooting schedule to accommodate families, with workdays running from 9 to 5 and providing on-site childcare. This approach was a stark contrast to the industry's typical grueling schedules, which often make it challenging for parents to balance their professional and personal responsibilities.

Budgeting for Accessibility

Fiffer believes that creating a family-friendly set is a matter of prioritizing it in the production budget. "If it's childcare, then it's childcare. If it's eight-hour days, it's eight-hour days," she explains. By allocating resources towards these essential elements, Fiffer demonstrated that it is possible to make indie film sets more accessible and inclusive for parents, without compromising the quality of the final product.

Fostering a Supportive Environment

The accessibility of Fiffer's set extended beyond the shooting schedule, with lead producer Jessie Holder Tourtellotte also able to pump on set while caring for her own child. This level of support and understanding created an environment that allowed the cast and crew to fully immerse themselves in the project without feeling drained or disconnected from their families.

Tapping into Parental Productivity

Fiffer believes that parents bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to the creative process, and that the industry should embrace this asset. "The pressure and preciousness of time for parents is a real asset," she says, noting that her own productivity has increased since becoming a parent. By creating an environment that caters to the needs of parents, Fiffer hopes to send a message that the film industry values the contributions of this often-overlooked demographic.

Challenging Industry Norms

Fiffer's approach to "Another Happy Day" challenges the industry's traditional norms, which often prioritize long hours and grueling schedules over the well-being of the crew. By demonstrating that it is possible to produce high-quality films while also supporting the needs of parents, Fiffer hopes to inspire a broader shift in the industry, making it more accessible and appealing to a diverse range of talent.