These quarantine films and videos have been created during COVID-19 lockdown. We hope this will inspire other filmmakers to get creative while still adhering to lockdown guidelines. For more information, read on after the videos. Stay healthy and safe!
“PARTY LIKE IT’S COVID-1999”
3 min romantic comedy. Directed by Peter Mackie. Story by The Quarantine Quartet. Cast: Peter Mackie, Ina Rose Farestad, Jack Dhein, Jack Mackie. Originally shot for the #cormanchallenge
“The geek wants the girl, but first he has to get past the prom king…”
“Safer at Home”
5 min thriller. Shot, directed and edited by Peter Mackie. Story by Ina Rose Farestad. Cast: Ina Rose Farestad
“With Los Angeles under coronavirus lockdown, one resident finds she is not safer at home…”
Official Selection: Marbella International Film Festival’s quarantine category Grounded, The Monkey Bread Tree Film Awards, Covid 19 Vision Film Festival.
Quarantine coffee video
2.30 min YouTube cooking video. Shot and edited by Peter Mackie. Host: Ina Rose Farestad
Had to try the new coffee rave! (It’s also really nice with cinnamon)
Quarantine pizza video
2.30 min YouTube cooking video. Shot and edited by Peter Mackie. Host: Ina Rose Farestad
No need to be a down to the dash recipe slave! Especially during this time, what better way than combining the ingredients you already have at home into an unprecedented pizza?
Reflections
We are all in different ships during this pandemic. While doctors, nurses and all essential workers are on the front line risking their lives, fighting to save others and keeping society upright, my job is to stay at home and wait out the storm. I am so thankful that I am safe here. My husband Peter and I find ourselves incredibly fortunate. Personally we have had more time to connect with one another. As filmmakers, this actually has been a time for more collaboration.
Before, we thought big budgets were a must to achieve a polished and professional movie look. Turns out, when you have no other option but staying at home, a commercial/thriller/party look, etc. is possible anyway. It’s not only about the money. Here we are with lots of time and a desire to create. Put our skills to the test.
When it comes to my part in these projects, I jump into the roles of story writer, co-director, production designer, script supervisor, hair and makeup artist, 1st AD (yes, definitely still needed in quarantine projects)! And of course, I get to act in front of the camera. Yay! It’s been SO liberating to pause uninspiring film financing business and just play. Although I feel proud of each project, it seems like the next gets better. It’s a really fun journey.
For Peter, he has been hell-bent on nailing that professional look. I mean, our “Party Like It’s COVID- 1999” was shot on iPhone. I think he is such a talented film director. He also loves all the technical aspects of filmmaking. Camera settings, lighting, color grading and editing etc. which to me is a whole different intimidating language – and I love languages. When all aspects came together for that project – good old movie magic! I’m really proud of having him by my side. Check out his pro work here.
All in all, I’ve seen so many people across the world smitten by quarantine creativity. On Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, on balconies, in kitchens and living rooms. The different types of creations, events and activities to stay connected and happy are endless. This lockdown got us tapping into our potential right at home. We definitely have some good takeaways in our pocket for when this uncertain COVID-19 era is over.
Stay positive,
