Sally Aitken is pioneering an exploration of a significant yet often overlooked natural subject in her documentary Every Little Thing. Initially making her mark behind the camera with PBS’s Colonial House, Aitken has since directed various narrative and documentary projects, emphasizing the latter, with notable works including Getting Frank Gehry and Disney+’s Playing with Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story. Her recent credits also feature projects such as Shark Beach hosted by Chris Hemsworth, Australia’s Inconceivable – The Secret Business of Breeding Humans, and Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles.
In Every Little Thing, Aitken continues her documentary journey, highlighting the life of Terry Masear, a Los Angeles-based author and wildlife rehabilitator. The film draws inspiration from Masear’s book, Fastest Things on Wings: Rescuing Hummingbirds in Hollywood, and centers on her dedication to rescuing injured hummingbirds in the city. Through Masear’s story, the film intricately weaves together her life experiences and her lifelong commitment to nature conservation.
The documentary features interviews with Masear alongside captivating footage of her rehabilitation work with birds, making for a heartfelt and uplifting narrative. Following its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Every Little Thing received high praise, achieving a remarkable 94% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
In advance of the film’s wide release, ScreenRant spoke with Sally Aitken about Every Little Thing, her motivations for choosing Masear’s story, her approach to capturing the enchanting movements of hummingbirds, and the surprising journey toward including Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”as the film’s closing note.
Aitken Almost Didn’t Think There Would Be Enough of a Story for a Feature-Length Documentary
Discovery of “Metaphoric Opportunity”Through Reading Masear’s Book
In an enlightening conversation, ScreenRant remarked on the emotional depth of Every Little Thing, noting how moving the film is. Aitken shared her initial skepticism regarding the potential for a feature-length documentary surrounding someone who operates a hotline for hummingbirds. However, after delving into Masear’s book, she recognized a compelling metaphorical opportunity tied to the fragile nature of these small creatures, paralleling human vulnerability.
Sally Aitken: What a great question! Initially, the idea of a hummingbird hotline felt quirky and unusual. I came across a review of Terry’s book — probably in the LA Times or Chicago Tribune — and found her story fascinating, yet I wasn’t convinced it would translate into a feature-length documentary. However, upon reading her book, I saw a grand metaphorical opportunity to depict how Terry views her work with these delicate, magical creatures. This perspective reveals a healing journey highlighting humanity’s fragility, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, rarely seen through the lens of hummingbirds. This sparked my interest and set the stage for the film’s development.
Building Trust with Masear: An Invaluable Experience for Aitken
“An Uncommon Relationship: Allowing Oneself to be Filmed”
Transitioning from birds to the person behind the camera, Aitken discussed the necessity of establishing trust with Masear, a vital component for intimate documentary filmmaking. How did Aitken navigate this connection?
Sally Aitken: Terry is incredibly intelligent and insightful. Our initial connection was marked by friendliness and a strong intellectual rapport. Her extensive knowledge, including four degrees, significantly enriched our dialogues. Establishing trust in a documentary film can be complex; it involves allowing subjects to feel at ease on camera. I approached the project with a transparent mindset, openly communicating my intentions and uncertainties. This process was crucial in fostering the connection necessary for her to share her personal experiences. Terry is selective in whom she trusts, and building that relationship takes time and mutual exchange, yet it was profoundly enriching.
Additionally, Aitken emphasized the film’s dual focus: the intricate balance between Masear’s personal narrative and her compelling work with hummingbirds. This balance became evident through the filmmaking process, revealing an unexpected depth to Masear’s motivations.
Sally Aitken: The viewer’s curiosity naturally leads to questioning who is behind this extraordinary work and their motivations. I was curious about Terry’s drive and asked her directly, but she struggled to articulate her reasons initially. However, as we spent time together, her story gradually unfolded, highlighting the deeper motivations that often lie beneath the surface. It became clear that her journey intertwined with the work she does for these birds, revealing compelling insights into her character that both resonate with the audience and enrich the film’s narrative.
Capturing the “Poetic”Nature of Hummingbirds: Aitken’s Artistic Endeavors
“…It’s Magical…”
Aitken expressed immense admiration for hummingbirds and the artistic potential they presented during filming, particularly during specialized sequences like the training sessions.
Sally Aitken: While I cherish storytelling about our natural world, I consider myself more focused on the human condition, often portrayed through our relationships with other species. When Terry introduced me to her unique methods, such as physiotherapy for the birds, it captivated me. I realized the importance of filming these tiny creatures and their rehabilitation processes closely with specialized equipment. We aimed to showcase the beauty of these birds and their environments through innovative cinematography techniques, including macro lenses and drone footage, creating a juxtaposition that highlights their delicate yet powerful nature within the vastness of California.
Aitken went on to describe how slow-motion photography not only portrayed the rapid flight of hummingbirds but also transformed their movements into a mesmerizing poetic dance. The editing by Tania, Aitken’s trusted collaborator, delicately wove together various visual elements to enhance the overall narrative without overwhelming the viewer.
Bob Marley’s Influence: A Late but Perfect Addition
“…We Were Unsure About the Film’s Title for Quite Some Time.”
Sally Aitken: It’s fascinating how sometimes the right decisions feel obvious in hindsight. For a long period, we struggled to finalize a title for the film. At one point, I toyed with the idea of calling it Terry and The Wild Boys, inspired by the charming characters featured. Fortunately, our producing partner suggested incorporating Bob Marley’s track “Three Little Birds,”which eventually became the lovely closing note for the film. Initially, I considered a variety of commercial music complements, but as my collaboration with composer Caitlin Yeo deepened, it became apparent that her score was ideally suited to the film’s atmosphere.
Exploring the Heart of Every Little Thing
Every Little Thing invites viewers into the heartfelt mission of wildlife rehabilitator Terry Masear, whose dedication to saving every injured hummingbird in Los Angeles reveals a deeper connection between all living creatures. Through mesmerizing slow-motion cinematography and resonant storytelling, this Sundance sensation allows the audience to witness the unique stories of hummingbirds like Cactus, Jimmy, Raisin, and Wasabi as they overcome struggles and achieve small victories in their rehabilitation journey. Masear’s compassion shines through, reminding us that even the smallest creatures can embody significant grace and resilience.
Every Little Thing premiered on January 10 at the IFC Center in NYC, with a subsequent release scheduled for January 17 at the Laemmle Monica in LA, followed by a nationwide expansion.
Source: ScreenRant Plus
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