ALY Interview With Writer/Director Kevin Lee & Star Angela Wong Carbone

Kevin Lee‘s short Aly (which he wrote and directed) bridges together horror, romance and comedy in a unique and entertaining way.

Film Inquiry spoke with Lee and his star Angela Wong Carbone about the collaboration, the inspiration and much more:

This is Kristy Strouse with Film Inquiry. Did you come up with the idea for Aly while in school, Kevin?

Kevin Lee: Yeah, this was made while I was in grad school at Columbia. The team was largely put together with classmates and fellow filmmakers.

Is that how you also met Angela?

Kevin Lee: Yeah, it was actually really fascinating. I discovered Angela through another Columbia short. It was called Double Speak, written and directed by Hazel McKibbin. It was a short that was shown to us during orientation. That short spoke to me the most, where I was like, “Wow, that’s the one that I would imagine seeing at a film festival.”

And then about a month later, the short got into Sundance, and that was sort of how I got connected to speaking to Angela and Hazel. I actually wrote about it on Film Inquiry, and that’s how the connection started. Then, as I was finalizing the script for Aly and figuring out who I potentially wanted to cast, it just clicked in my mind that Angela would be my first choice. She ended up being my first and only choice to play this character. So, I just reached out blindly and coldly, saying, “Hey, I don’t know if you’d be down to do this. It’ll probably be a little different from your reels and stuff, but let’s see if you’re interested.”

That’s a great story —that you saw her in something that went to Sundance. I could see how that would be very motivating for you, especially since it was shown to you in the beginning and then you saw where it went.

But Angela, what did you think of the script and Kevin reaching out? What were your first thoughts on the character and the short?

Angela Wong Carbone: I mean, I thought it was really fun, and I was excited to work on something I don’t usually get to do. I do a lot of genre stuff, very dramatic roles, and Double Speak falls in that category. But the way Kevin approached me about it—how enthusiastic he was, how joyous he was in his pitch and things—and reading the script, it really felt like it would be an opportunity for me to do something new, different, and with a really supportive team.

We spoke at length about who might be a good match for Aly in the script, casting-wise. I was able to suggest someone to Kevin that he really liked, and we ended up going with one of my good friends from acting class. Max is incredible and so funny. So, I knew it would be a really great experience. I loved how Kevin combines different genres in the film, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to have some fun with a really great team.

That’s great! And very cool that it was a collaborative process bringing in your co-star.

Angela Wong Carbone: Yeah, I think Kevin really wanted us to be able to play and feel safe, especially given the content of the film. I really racked my brain about who could play the role, but who I’d also feel comfortable doing those scenes with. Max instantly came to mind. He’s also just a really funny person—he always has me laughing in stitches every time I’m with him. So, I thought he could really play the role well, and turns out he wanted it. So I’m glad it worked out that way.

Yeah, I think that rapport comes through in the short, as well. It’s important. Was there any kind of collaboration on the character at all once you started talking about it? Were there any changes made to the script, etc.?

Kevin Lee: Yeah, there was definitely an open collaborative effort. I did ask Angela and Max to watch a few movies to get into the headspace of their characters. What’s funny is the stuff I asked them to watch was so different from each other. Angela got a ton of vampire films. Max got just comedies.

So, it was that dynamic of two characters living in very different worlds but clashing during this one date night at home. As for the collaboration, I was very open to those discussions. Oftentimes, while we were rehearsing or on set, either Max or Angela would want to try something a little different, and I was always open to it. They’d ask questions like, “What do you think this character is thinking here?” or “Can we try a different tonal version of this scene?”

For example, I remember the conversation the two of them have near the end— that awkward “now what do we do?” conversation. When I imagined it in the script, I pictured it as much funnier, but I wanted it to feel lighter. However, Angela asked me if she could do it more earnestly, more sincere, and emotional. I said, “Sure, let’s do it,” and those ended up being the takes I chose. The performance really came through. It felt like a magical spark I hadn’t planned for.

That’s wonderful. It just clicked. Did you shoot in order, chronologically? Since it’s all very conversational, I’m curious how you timed it.

Kevin Lee: Yeah, we pretty much did shoot it in chronological order. We shot for three days. Day one was everything in the living room and kitchen. Day two was completely dedicated to filming the intimacy scenes, and day three was dedicated to filming that whole conversation in the bedroom afterward, as well as covering anything we missed from day one.

Since you gave them homework, can you give us a couple of the titles?

Kevin Lee: Yeah, definitely. For Angela, I had her watch a bunch of vampire films, like The Hunger, Let the Right One In, and Only Lovers Left Alive. Those films explore longing and intimacy in a way that felt aligned with Ally’s character. For Max, I had him watch a ton of comedies, like The Apartment and Groundhog Day. The goal was to help him find that balance of awkward humor and warmth, which is very much a part of his character.

That’s a great mix of films to get into the mindset of both characters. And I think it really shows in their performances. It feels like a mix of humor and heart, which is such a delicate balance to achieve.

Angela Wong Carbone: Yeah, it was a lot of fun, honestly. I mean, as much as the scenes had their challenges, it was a very rewarding experience because we got to explore both sides of the characters—those tender moments and the more awkward, comedic ones. It was a nice contrast.

Definitely! And you both did such an excellent job. Kevin, did you face any challenges directing these two actors? It seems like it could have been tricky, given the different tones in the script.

Kevin Lee: Oh, absolutely. The biggest challenge was maintaining that balance of tone between the intimacy, awkwardness, and humor. But I was lucky to have actors like Angela and Max who were open to exploring those complexities. And I think because they trusted each other and were comfortable on set, we could take those risks. It really came down to keeping the atmosphere light and collaborative, which they both embraced.

That definitely comes through. Is it playing at any festivals going forward? What’s your dream with it? And kind of what you’re hoping people will take away from the film?

Kevin Lee: Yeah, so far the film has played at, I think, four festivals now. It played in New Jersey, it played in El Paso, and it played in New York, and it just recently played in LA. And as of now, it’s not slated to be in any other festivals yet. I’m waiting to hear back from them.

So as of now, I have no idea where the next place is going to be, where it’s going to play next. In terms of plans for the film, yeah, I still think about these characters. You know, when we talk movies that we love, like our favorite films of the year, one of the components that helps me decide what are some of my favorite films of the year is, do I think about these? Yeah, as in, like, I think, do I think about these characters as real people? Yeah, like, what’s going on with them now? Like, yeah, there are days where you think about, like, I hope they’re having a nice day today. Like, how are they doing today? Right? Like, I genuinely think that way for Ali and Michael, like, are they, are they doing okay today? And there are actually days, depending on my own mood, where I wonder like, is today a low day for them? Or is today a good day? Right?

And then plus, how a few people have approached me with just the audience response from the film, as well as some exercises I was really lucky to do while I was in Columbia, I’ve been thinking about the potential of expanding it into either a feature-length film or as a series. It could be interesting as a limited series too, you know? Like, yeah, I’ve definitely thought about it before. And I thought about turning how to write what the turning points would be, what the cliffhangers would be, that kind of stuff.

I definitely thought about it. I’ve had outlines and bullet points, I just need to actually write it.

That’s exciting, though. I could definitely see it expanded. And I think when you have a great short that works as a proof of concept, that’s huge, to also get that going.

Kevin Lee: For sure.

For sure. Well, it’s really exciting. I’m really happy for you! How do you feel being a film critic influenced your vision?

I love that! As a critic is there a favorite movie you’ve saw last year?

Kevin Lee: Oh, my favorite film last year still has to be Sing Sing.

That film, about the recreational program where the inmates through theater connect and form this bond, really moved me a lot. It showed how essential art is and how it can help us confront ourselves in certain ways—understanding where we came from, how we got here, and how we can move forward. It gave me hope and showed how art can have strangers connect in the most unexpected places. And for such a low-budget film that feels like a documentary, it still leaves a huge impact on me.

Other films that I really loved this year: I really loved Anora. I’ve seen that film more than once. It’s so funny, yet so devastating, especially the second half. Once you get the trio involved, it just becomes so much more.

Absolutely, yeah.

Kevin Lee:
Yeah, Anora is definitely up there. I also loved Them. I saw it really late—I just saw it, but oh my god. That film was incredible.

Well, those are some great picks. And I can’t wait to see what you do next. Are you working on anything else, other than the potential for expanding this? Like, is there anything else in the works for you?

Kevin Lee: There are other story ideas lingering in my head. The problem is finding the time and energy to sit down and actually write them. I’ll get these ideas, and I’ll write certain bullet points down, but then I get hung up on something, and it just doesn’t happen.

You know, one of the benefits of being in grad school is it gives you the time, space, and deadlines to actually have to sit down and write those things out.

Yeah, that’s awesome. It’s definitely one of those pressures that helps. And now that the short is complete and out there, what’s the next step for you, Kevin? Do you have other projects in the works?

Kevin Lee: Yes! I’m currently working on a couple of different ideas. One is a feature-length script that I’m hoping to get off the ground. It’s still in the early stages, but it’s kind of a spiritual follow-up to Aly. I’m also doing a lot of writing and collaborating with other filmmakers. I’m excited to continue building those relationships and to keep making films that are a bit unconventional but have something to say.

That’s awesome. And Angela, what’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Angela Wong Carbone: Yeah, I’ve got a few things in the works. I’m working on some larger, genre projects right now, which are definitely very different from Aly, but I’m excited to challenge myself in new ways. I’m also working on a personal project—something I’ve wanted to direct for a while now. So, it’s definitely a busy time, but I’m really looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

That’s exciting! It sounds like both of you are keeping busy with some great stuff. Well, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. It’s been such a pleasure learning more about Aly and your creative processes. I can’t wait to see what both of you do next!

Kevin Lee: Thank you for having us! It was a great conversation.

Angela Wong Carbone: Yeah, thanks so much! I really appreciate the support.

We want to thank Kevin Lee and Angela Wong Carbone for speaking with us.

For more information on Aly:

Logline: Tonight might be the night Michael and Aly take their relationship to the next level. But Aly has a secret.
Credits:
Starring: Max Schuster, Angela Wong Carbone
Writer, director, editor: Kevin L. Lee
Producer: Aurora Real de Asua
Director of Photography: Celine Rose Sutter
Assistant Director: Yoko Kohmoto
Music Composer: Jessica Ciprian
Assistant Camera, Gaffer, and Grip: Jared Meyer
Sound Recordist: Emily Elizabeth Eng
Sound Mixer: Carlos Corral
Makeup Artist: Kat Folker
Editing Consultant: Beatriz Lôbo Campos
Intimacy Coordinator: Sarah Rosenthal
COVID Compliance Officer: Melina Maraki
Color Corrector: Murdo Barker-Mill
Screenings: Premiered at the EB Indie Film Festival (won Best Acting – Angela Wong Carbone, Best Short Film), El Paso Film Festival, New York Shorts International Film Festival, Sherman Oaks Film Festival (won Programmer’s Prize – Exceptional Filmmaking)
Trailer: