They talked about The Sign, invisible disabilities, the power of service dogs like Domino , the Exit Zero project, and the journey of bringing indie films to life. From the editing process to how post-production becomes the ultimate rewrite in storytelling. It was a fun, thoughtful, and energetic conversation.

We’re so grateful for the space to share more about the heart and mission behind the film. Thank you, Ming, and A Shared Universe, for amplifying these voices.

Watch the full interview above or on GSFF’s YouTube channel!

Stay tuned—more updates coming your way!

Calvin shares his thoughtful reflections after watching The Sign, describing it as

“wonderfully engaging, profound, and provocative—making you think, then smile. Very special filmmaking.”

Calvin is not only the host of the YouTube podcast Conversations with Calvin: We The Species, but also a Kirkus-starred author of There’s a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit.

Catch the world premiere of THE SIGN at GSFF on Saturday, March 29, at 2:45 PM (Block TA11)!

Watch the full interview on Calvin Schwartz’ YouTube channel!

Stay tuned—more updates coming your way!

]]> https://www.madeinmarsstudios.com/interview-pre-gsff-the-sign/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:36:47 +0000 https://www.madeinmarsstudios.com/?p=6306 Melissa Mars had the pleasure of sitting down for an insightful conversation on the filmmaking of The Sign with Emily DeSimone during her interview for the Garden State Film Festival Spotlight!

She talks about how she explored the art of framing—how it shapes storytelling and its impact on her latest film, THE SIGN. She also shares how the editing process became a total rewrite that “saved” the movie, and dives into her work on the Exit Zero project.

Catch the world premiere of THE SIGN at GSFF on Saturday, March 29, at 2:45 PM (Block TA11)!

Watch the full interview on GSFF’s YouTube channel!

Stay tuned—more updates coming your way!

]]> https://www.madeinmarsstudios.com/garden-state-film-festival-selection-the-sign-2/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 02:32:30 +0000 https://www.madeinmarsstudios.com/?p=6255 Melissa Mars is featured in the French cultural media outlet Itinéraires 26! In this interview, she shares insights into her journey as a screenwriter and filmmaker, as well as the exciting projects currently in development at Made in Mars Studios.

A huge thanks to Michel Martelli for this wonderful conversation—conducted in French!

“A woman with heart, a talented screenwriter and director.”

For those who read French (or enjoy using a translator): READ THE INTERVIEW HERE

Mars had the chance to discuss the inspiration and creative process behind our newest project with Play it Forward on DigiPops TV.

Stay tuned for more updates coming your way!

The blog also features Writer/Director/Actor Melissa Mars in an interview in which Mars shares the dystopias that inspired her the most, such as the movies Dark City and Blade Runner, or the book 1984, one of the first novels she read as a teenager.  She also chats about how acting, filmmaking and music have been part of her life since the age of 13, the challenges of making The Last Touch, her projects in the works and her favorite movies including E.T., Gary Ross’ Pleasantville and Peter Jackson’s Lovely Bones.

[Read the full interview in French]

The Last Touch holds a metaphorical mirror up to our world. It shows us a vision of what we are drifting towards, a world where we are so connected virtually that we are disconnected physically and emotionally. It acts as a warning – [look at what we have to lose]. It may be disturbing, but isn’t it what we all like about dystopias?’

What is true connection? How is technology connecting us and how does it threaten the existence of connection as we know it?

[Read the full interview]

“Ironically, it took the power of social media to give me the push I needed to take my concept and make it into a short film!”

“Yaniv Glaser [the director of photography] did an amazing job working with what we had and creating a clinical, dark, isolated atmosphere with the lights and framing.”

“I was hesitant to cut the [duo-logue] scene because it was the only one in the whole short during which the two main characters look at each other. In the end, I made the choice of not having any eye contact between the couple. For me, it was the metaphor of the touch. (…) If I allowed the characters to share that look within the intimate setting of the bedroom, it would be as dangerous as touching and would have taken away from the feeling of an impenetrable barrier (represented by the “@” sign) between them. It took a lot out of me to sacrifice that moment, and make the choice to show no emotional or physical contact with each other in the whole movie (besides the accidental touch). I’m actually very “touched” lol and impressed when some viewers at festivals notice the absence of eye contact and tell me how powerful and unnerving they find it.”

[Read the full Interview]

In a relaxed and cheerful conversation, they talked about The Last Touch, and how it was born and made. Mars proudly showed her first filmmaker badge (that “she will frame”!) and hinted at future projects in the works. Watch the full interview!

The Last Touch festival run is coming to an end. To close the festival circuit, we couldn’t wish for better than an official selection at the prestigious Garden State Film Festival 2022, New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival, celebrating their 20th anniversary!

Writer/director/star of The Last Touch, Melissa Mars, will be attending the event. Come join us if you are in the area. Ticket information below:

• GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL 2022 – PREMIERE IN NEW JERSEY
  20th Anniversary
• In Person BC28
  Berkeley Hotel – Continental
  March 26 2022, 10:00-11:30pm
  TIX: www.gsff.org