Filmmaker Minh Collins is the director of the film Rocking the Couch, a timely film about the the #metoo movement. We spoke to him about his film and how he got it made. Here’s what he had to say.
Why Rocking the Couch, Minh?
Minh Collins: The idea behind Rocking the Couch is to shake up the Hollywood establishment. For a long time so many have been getting away with sexual misconduct until the #MeToo movement. Now there’s accountability for that type of behaviour.
The film features a slew of great interviewees – but some stories are downright shocking. Did you know the stories before you started recording the interviews or were you discovering them then and there?
MC: Having so many friends in the industry, I knew that most have “casting couch” stories. I didn’t know what they were about until we turned on the camera. Yes, I was shocked at the stories and didn’t think those kind of things still occur on a regular basis.
What did you learn about ‘the casting couch’ from working on this movie that you didn’t otherwise know?
MC: I was unable to understand why victims didn’t come out right after and tell their stories. Now I’m able to have a better understanding of why after my film. Most victims will blame themselves because they are ashamed of allowing the situation to happen. Some have a hard time processing such a traumatic event and might event forget the entire incident all together. Usually after a passage of time, then victims are able to recall the traumatic event.
Have you had friends who have been victims? How does it affect their careers and lives?
MC: Yes, some of the actors from the documentary are my friends. Fortunately they are strong enough to deal with the situation and continue to thrive in the industry. One actress Alana Crow confessed how she had to leave the industry and moved away from Hollywood. In the documentary, we do give sound advice to victims if something was to happen. We hoped it never happens but at least there are steps to take in order to bring someone to justice.
How well known in Hollywood is it that folks like Weinstein have been operating like this – and why do you think it’s taken so long for people to speak up?
MC: The inner circle have known about Weinstein for quite awhile. It’s hard to be a whistleblower and it takes immense courage to come out to talk about it. There needs to be a movement like #MeToo to spur a trend and motivate people to talk. It’s not easy nor glamorous to be in the news for sexual assault. In Rocking The Couch, the movement could of taken place back in 1992 but that never took hold until 25 years later. The courageous victims that came out back then were true heroes and pioneers.
What do you think might happen to Weinstein, Cosby… folks like that? Are they finished?
MC: I don’t know about Weinstein because he’s still working through the legal process. As for Cosby, it’s going to be very hard to make a comeback at his age. I’m guessing that only time will tell.
Having met with many victims now, are you even angrier that these types of monsters have gotten away with their actions for so long?
MC: Yes, it’s hard to listen to all the stories without feeling overwhelmed and emotional. We all want to take immediate action and put these monsters behind bars and throw away the key. One way to fight back is to through awareness and education. This film points out red flags and how to avoid being caught in compromising situations. Just say no to meeting in a hotel room and someplace with a lot of people around.
Why does a movie like Rocking the Couch need to exist?
MC: In order for us to become a better society, we need to constantly change. What was accepted many years ago doesn’t mean it’s right. Imagine if we never abolished slavery or worked to bring equality for women in the workplace. Films like Rocking The Couch could help bring about behaviour changes in the entertainment industry. If the #MeToo movement took hold back in 1992, maybe we wouldn’t even be talking about Weinstein or Cosby today.
Can you tell us what’s next for you?
MC: I have several projects in the works. We are in post-production on a clown horror flick Circus Road. High anticipation for the released this coming Halloween. Just started pre-production on a family adventure film Blackjack Mountain to be filming this summer. Then an action/thriller film Asphalt Jungle slated to commence in the fall. So lots in the pipeline and currently in discussion of the next “Rocking The _____“!