NYWIFT Blog

By Lily Hutcheson

Welcome to NYWIFT, Olivia Fouser!

Olivia Fouser is an award-winning queer writer and director. She’s been featured in multiple LGBTQ film festivals such as the LGBTQ+ Toronto & Los Angeles Film Festival and the Seattle Queer Film Festival with her short film The Last Gay In Indiana, and has won numerous awards for her queer Western screenplay Blood On The Saddle.

With her work, Olivia aspires to bring diversity both to the screen and behind the camera, and to make viewers laugh, cry, and, in seeing a story or character that’s rarely seen on screen, hopefully widen their worldview.

NYWIFT Member Olivia Fouser

Welcome to NYWIFT! Please introduce yourself briefly to our readers.

Hi! My name is Olivia, I’m a writer/director originally from Portland, OR, and I just moved here after living in Los Angeles for eight years. I love writing queer absurdist comedy and period pieces, and when I’m not directing, I like 1st assistant directing, production designing, and just generally making art whenever I can.

Olivia Fouser on set

What brings you to NYWIFT?

I joined NYWIFT because I was a WIF member in LA and wanted to stay in the network and make new connections in my new city. Having graduated during the pandemic and entered the industry during historic strikes, it felt like my career got cut off at the knees. Since college, it’s been challenging to get a job in the industry and to make any further films without the proper resources. So, I wanted to join an organization where I could meet like-minded individuals and hopefully connect with people who can guide me in my career as a screenwriter and director.

Olivia Fouser on set

Within filmmaking, what drew you to writing and directing specifically?

I’ve loved writing ever since I was a kid. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke sparked my love of storytelling, and I’d constantly write short stories and songs. In high school, I got to write and direct a few plays, even winning an award for best direction, and I realized how much I loved directing. It was when I watched Moonrise Kingdom that I realized how fun filmmaking could be, and that that was the path I wanted to take.

Olivia Fouser with coffin prop

Can you share a bit about the process of making your short film The Last Gay in Indiana? What was your inspiration for this premise, and how were you able to execute it?

The Last Gay in Indiana was originally going to be set in a full-blown conversion camp, like But I’m A Cheerleader. But once COVID hit and regulations stated that only four people could be unmasked on set at one time, I had to rewrite it entirely. My inspiration for it was Mike Pence and his ever-flamboyant yet homophobic presence, and thinking about how much damage a homophobic person in a position of power could do.

The process of making the film was quite difficult due to the limitations of COVID measures. I had to limit my crew to 12 people, test everyone every weekend, front the money myself even though I had gotten enough grants to fully fund it, do my own location scouting and management, and keep everyone’s spirits up during a very challenging time in the world.

One of the more difficult challenges was convincing my Pence actor to bleach his hair, but I got it done! He still bleaches his hair to this day. It was very rewarding in the end. One of the most rewarding parts was when a crew member thanked me for having a mostly queer, female team, saying she got to feel at ease and like she belonged.

Olivia Fouser with the cast and crew of The Last Gay in Indiana

As a director, how do you navigate leading a creative team, and incorporating their different ideas to create a cohesive film?

As a director, I love the input from my team, especially from my cinematographer and my actors. While I certainly have a vision of what the film should be, I also know I don’t know everything, and that the best art often comes from collaboration. I’ve been lucky to work with people I trust, who trust me and my creative vision in return.

Olivia Fouser with crew

Are there any current or upcoming projects you’re excited about?

I have a queer Western that I’ve written that I’m quite proud of. It’s fun, it’s sexy, it’s heartbreaking, and all around a good time. Nothing in motion yet to get it actually made, but hopefully soon!

You can connect with Olivia Fouser on Instagram at @oliviafouser.

(All images courtesy of Olivia Fouser)