Olivia is creating a film to share the reality of living a life full of anxiety (and cake). We chat to Olivia to learn why Cake is going to provide excellent food for thought to its viewers.
Why do you think this campaign is important?
I’ve suffered from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (G.A.D) for the past 10 years. It nearly consumed me. There were days where I expected the worse to happen. Even though our lives can be unpredictable – I thrived on making my days as predictable as possible and act as if it would all fall apart. I ended up staying indoors and found my comfort through baking. I found that baking and crafting a cake can take hours. I spent the entire day making these delicious cakes, just to make the day go by.
At the age of 21, I bought a few items at my local supermarket and all I did was have a panic attack. I realised that I couldn’t do this anymore. I couldn’t justify why I needed to stay inside. I needed to get help. Through the help of my psychiatrist, I learned to walk outside again. I joined Rata Studios – led by my amazing teacher/mentor Miranda Harcourt. It took a while, but eventually I walked into her classroom and didn’t feel that sense of dread that nearly consumed me. I gained a passion for acting, and for telling stories through the character’s that I played out.
However, I craved more.
I spent hours online researching about directing. I started making videos for people and gained some knowledge about filming. I wrote my CAKE screenplay in under 5 hours. I already knew the story and I knew that this this would be important for those who are currently feeling like they’re alone. I want them to know that they aren’t.
What motivated you to reach out to your crowd?
There are many types of artform to express an emotion or an idea. For me, I think that’s creating a film. I believe that this story could help bring awareness to those who are suffering from not only anxiety, but for those who are too afraid to ask for help for any issue they may have.
Unfortunately, to create a film can be rather expensive. I have a lovely small crew of Wellingtonians who are able to relate somewhat to the screenplay. We want to make an important film and we want to tell it right. This PledgeMe campaign will enable me to pay my crew and rent the equipment we need to further this project.
What do you have planned for the rest of the campaign – anything for us to look forward to?
Apart from finishing up last-minute documents for filming, I am also currently in the process of reaching out to the local newspaper to cover my story and to help spread awareness. I also intend to add a few more rewards in the last week of the PledgeMe campaign – so keep an eye out!
Also, the crew and I will scream until our voices crack if we reach our target! Thanks in advance for bringing us this joy! We finish filming the night before my birthday, so I think a glass of wine and a few cakes will be in order.
Anything you would like to shout out to your crowd?
I just want to say how amazing these supporters are. It made me cry knowing that there are people out there who have suffered and want this story to get out. This shout out is for them. My other shout out is for my psychiatrist and my acting teacher. You’re both amazing and without you both, I would possibly still be in my house, dreading the day as it goes by. Thank you.
In the mood for some Cake? Head over to Olivia’s campaign page here.
