INTERVIEW with Roxane Dupont

How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?

--> I have been making movies for a few years now, first as an independent producer, and mostly for student films. But that's how you start! I can say that Couples Therapy is my first project as a writer/director/producer, and my previous experience in producing really helped me handle directing better.

I don't think I've ever "decided" to make movies. I just always knew I wanted to tell stories, live different lives, share a part of me with the rest of the world.

Why did you do this project?

--> This project started as a writing exercice. I directed a first version of with absolutely no budget, just to see if I could direct something. As another exercice. Then I thought I could try and make it even better and longer, by turning it into a mini series. That's how I directed the short film you have today, which is also about to become the pilot of this mini series. This project was a way for me to see if I could be a director, if I could bring my script to the screen, and I did. It's only the begining of many more.

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?

--> All I had were my savings. And that wasn't much. Especially since I wanted to make it a series. The total budget - so far - is around $8.000, so about $1.500 for the short film (which is the pilot).

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?

--> It was all self-funded. I didn't have any producing company or investor involved. I managed to raise some money thanks to crowdfunding though.
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?

--> I wrote the first version of the script in April 2024 and I finished the post-production of the pilot in October 2025, so about 1 year and a half!

Are you happy with the result?

--> I am! There are still some flaws, of course. Things that would have been better with more time to prepare everything, with more rehearsals, more budget, a more experienced producer... But overall, considering what I could afford, I'm genuinely proud of myself. I think we all did a great job.
What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?

--> I'm just starting sending it! And I'm still working on other episodes. So, right now, I'm presenting Couples Therapy as a short film, until I'm able to send it as a series.

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?

--> I've had a good experience with festivals overall! I guess some of them, mostly the monthly ones, could improve their communication. But I genuinely doesn't have anything to complain about!

Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?

--> I use FilmFreeway, unless the festivals only accept submissions on their own website.

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references. Your favorite movie? Favorite series?

--> I don't think I was inspired by any specific director. I guess you can find my inspirations more in the story-telling side of the project. I was very inspired by shows like Dexter, You or Killing Eve, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, obviously. In general, I got inspired by any dark comedy out there, anything that's a little different, off, unique.

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

--> Absolutely! In 5 years, I'd love to be showrunning my own show, maybe have one or two features produced as well. Just a writer/filmmaker rocking it in LA!

Do you have any other project in mind?

--> I do! I have a feature that I need to rewrite and send to production companies, and a few other ideas for short films, series and features.

I also have two other projects in post-production at the moment. Enticed, a short film I co-wrote with Azy Intara, and directed by Junda Wu, starring Azy Intara and Mim Kumissara. The second one is called Overflow, another short film I wrote, directed by Jeanne Rethore.

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)

I'm not sure how to answer that. I guess I want to be able to find my voice visually speaking. I already have a specific way of writing, but I'm not always sure how to put everything on the screen.

Your best experience in a movie theater?

Recently, I'd say Wicked! It was amazing.