In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Charlotte Hendrickx to talk about producing award-winning films and more…
Welcome to Flickering Myth! Tell us a little bit about our early beginnings. You were born in Belgium. What was it like growing up there?
Belgium is a pretty cool country to grow up in! It’s small but we have really everything one needs. I’ve always known I wanted to travel the world and enjoy the opportunities that cross my path, but I’m always happy to go home too/
How have your family reacted to your career choice and your successes in the entertainment industry?
Honestly, I have the best family! We are just a small gang but without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their support and advise mean so much to me. As an artist, there are moments where you’re thinking to yourself, why? Why am I doing this to myself? This is not an easy business to survive in and you need to keep reminding yourself why you started the journey in the first place, or you lose the hope and the energy to keep going. My family has done that for me on countless occasions. They offered me solution, opportunities and support when I needed it most. It’s something I’ll forever be grateful for. I hope one day I’ll be able to give back as much, at least in some way.
What was that moment in your life when you thought, I want to produce entertainment?
Frankly, there wasn’t really a particular realization or moment that made it click. I sort of just stumbled into it. I started helping some of my friends behind the scenes and it turned out I was somehow good at it, so more and more people asked for my help. My name was doing the rounds and now I’m working with friends, friends of friends but also professional people I met on sets that I worked on before. I still love acting and I will continue to do so, but for now it looks like producing is the path to walk. And since I love doing it, why change route?
I understand you have trained at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and also with some notable acting instructors. How important is honing your skills?
I did indeed. Attending AADA was the best choice I have ever made! While studying I fell in love with the business even more than I thought possible. I learned so much at the Academy! I was able to grow so much as an actor and dip my toe in the behind-the-scenes-process of making a movie- or theatre show. And the best part is I had fun every minute while doing it!
Your job consists of showing up and honing your talent, so I would say it’s very important. Showing up is the easy part. I’ve met some people believing you don’t have to study to survive in this business and maybe they’re right. You don’t “have” to, but it does set you apart if you do. There are numerous things I only know thanks to the fact someone taught or explained them to me. Yes, there are exceptional natural talents and yes, you can learn through experience, but which producer, director or filmmaker has the time to include extra training. Time is money, so it often appears. I believe expertise and professional behavior are more appreciated and can get you very far.
Your movie ‘Enough’ has picked up several awards. Can you tell us about the project?
Yes, Enough, was written by Fabrizio Daniele. I took on production. It is a shout-out to all the people out there struggling with self-doubt. The movie is about an actress having a tough time silencing the voices in her head before going on stage. This project surely shines a light on how tough we are on ourselves, and what it can do to us. The message is to be kinder to yourself.
What are some of the highs and lows of producing?
For me it’s all a high, otherwise I wouldn’t enjoy doing it as much as I do. But like in any business, sometimes there are set-backs. A location or crew member that’s no longer available, weather conditions, etc. It’s impossible to control everything so unfortunately there are moments we have to take step back and resolve the situation. I suppose we can see those moments as “loss”, but even then, I see the “high” in it. It’s just part of the process. I genuinely enjoy every step of producing. The frustrating parts just make the fun parts even more fun. I’m born with a positive mindset.
Do you have a particular genre of film you prefer? If so, can you explain.
There are still so many genres I would love to produce. A period-drama, a rom-com. I would love to make an adventure-fantasy one day, just because then the “rules” of the world are what you make them, and you can go crazy with the story. But these kinds of movies need a bigger budget so that project will have to wait a little longer.
Are there any actors or directors you would love to work with in the future?
Yes absolutely! I would love to work with Christopher Nolan (Director), Joe Wright (Director), Nicholas Sparks (Writer), Veerle Baetens (Actress/Director), Matthias Schoenaerts (Actor), Koen De Bouw (Actor). There are so many… how much time do we have left!
Do you get to go to the cinema much? Any films you have enjoyed lately?
As a matter of fact, I don’t go to the cinema that much. I’m not even sure I remember the last movie I saw in the theatre. Everything is so accessible from home now. I do watch a TV show from time to time. I really enjoyed Game of Thrones and Schitt’s Creek.
Finally, any advice you would give any producer who is trying to break into the entertainment industry?
I think if would give any advice I would say never forget who was on your side at the beginning of your journey. The people who help you put your first project together are the ones who believed in you before any success was booked later on. Stay loyal to them and take them to the top with you.
How can people find and follow your journey?
Thank you so much. People can follow me on Instagram.
Thanks to Charlotte Hencrickx for taking the time for this interview.
