Short Film: The Babysitting Gig That Turned Out To Be for a Grown Man

Allyson Morgan is a performer, producer, actress, Columbus, Ohio native, and screenwriter for the dark comedy short film, Sitting. Starring Louis Ozawa Changchien and Allyson Morgan herself, the short film follows a woman whose week goes from bad to worse when her latest babysitting gig turns out to be for a grown man. We have interviewed Allyson to get a look into her creative process for Sitting and what drove her to enter the film industry.

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

1. How did you come up with the idea for “Sitting” and what was the intention behind the story?

Allyson: There were a few factors at play. First, my theatre company, F*It Club, was producing an annual series of short plays around a central theme, and my producing partner Mara Kassin and I decided to do three films at a central location instead – so all of the films had to utilize the same house. Then, thematically, I wanted to write a story incorporating the idea of memory loss and also a platonic relationship between a man and a woman who help each other without becoming romantically involved.

2. Did you always imagine yourself in the role as Bryn?

Allyson: No! Although it’s easiest to write dialogue in my own voice, I always imagined someone else might play the role. Mara and Max (the co-director) really encouraged me to take it on, although it was terrifying to be vulnerable in that way.

Allyson Morgan and the crew of Sitting on set.

3. As someone with experience acting on set and in theater, what are the biggest differences acting in the two different mediums? Do you prefer one over the other?

Allyson: The cliché of “smaller” is true with film and TV. On a screen, you have to communicate everything with very often just your face, while theatre is a full body endeavor. I think there are pros and cons to both, which is why I enjoy them equally as challenges I continue to learn from.

4. How would you describe your upbringing and what led you to the film industry?

Allyson: I grew up in Columbus, Ohio doing children’s theatre. Film specifically was always interesting to me, although I didn’t go to film school or have formal film training. I started auditioning for student films when I moved to New York and absorbed everything I could from being on set and making friends with young filmmakers. I’ve always approached figuring something out by just doing it, which is how I made my first film with F*It Club in 2011.

5. What was the biggest obstacle to getting “Sitting” made?

Allyson: Money and time. Always money and time. But we had an excellent, supportive cast and crew that pulled together on every level to pull this off in just two days.

Allyson Morgan and Louis Ozawa in ‘Sitting’

6. Were there any lessons learned from writing, producing, and starring in “Sitting” that you have applied to other film projects?

Allyson: I haven’t done another project that used all three of those skills at once, but I look forward to trying it again soon. Next time I think I’m going to add directing, as well, because I love a challenge!

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring filmmakers?

Allyson: I know it’s easy for me to say, but truly, just make the thing. Get your friends together, shoot it on a phone, whatever you need to do to learn, and fail, and do it again better the next time. Once you’re on set, the hardest part is over.

8. If you could inspire one change to the film industry, what change would you want to see?

Allyson: More diversity in stories and storytellers. Let’s present different worldviews, ideologies, love stories, and perspectives.

Watch Sitting for free on Reveel, which is available on iOS devices, Android devices, Macbooks, PCs, Roku, and Fire TV.