Menu
Log in

Become a member

Log in

WIFVNE Member Spotlight: Murphy McCann

18 Nov 2018 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

Murphy McCann is the writer-director of the short film Burning My Tongue, which is now hitting the festival circuit.  Burning My Tongue is about a queer woman who walks into a conservative diner and tries to navigate a conversation with a waitress who may or may not be flirting with her.  Murphy edits, shoots and sometimes directs things.  She enjoys watching movies, taking long walks with her dog Leia, and buying weird art that she has no place to put.  Her favorite films are always changing, but right now it’s a toss-up between JAWS and GREMLINS.  Murph’s mom says that she’s “amazing” — enough said.

Murphy McCann
Meet WIFVNE Member Murphy McCann! 

How did you get started?
I’m kind of a “late bloomer” I wasn’t one of those kids that made movies with my friends all the time. I didn’t really get behind the camera until my junior year in college. I took a production class as an elective and pretty much never stopped. Right after graduation I found Animus Studios and just kept showing up until they let me be an intern and it’s been a great ride ever since.

What do you love about the work that you do?  
I love that I’m making something new, and that I get to meet so many interesting people.

What can you tell us about Burning My Tongue?  

Burning My Tongue is the first project I’ve both written and directed. I worked with a lot of the members on the Animus team to bring this story to life. Roy Power was my editor, Andy Drachman was my DP, and Wendy Raad really guided me through the producing process as the lead producer. I also got a lot of help and support from Animus Partners, Justin Andrews, Arty Goldstein, and Scott Beer.

We ran a crowd funding campaign and donated a lot of our time and effort to get the film made. I was fortunate to work with two amazing actresses, Emily Elmore and Hannah Daly, along with an amazing crew of about 15 people.  We shot at Rod’s Grille in Warren, RI. It was an awesome experience:  it was the first time I had to take command of a set and I had a very positive experience.

What has your experience as a woman in the industry been like?
Being a woman in the industry has enhanced my experience; there’s a great community out there for women filmmakers to be a part of and utilize. Anytime I’ve needed support I’ve been able to turn to other women in the community.

Did you have a mentor? 
I have a lot of mentors. I have been able to stay in touch with old professors, there are women in the WIFVNE community that I look at as mentors, and I’m constantly learning from/leaning on the rest of the Animus team.

Were you told or did you learn a piece of wisdom or advice you now tell others in the beginning of their career?
Just don’t be afraid to reach out to other filmmakers. I’ve always been surprised at how willing people are to go out of their way to help you out.

What are some things you wish could change/would help if more women were in the industry? 
I think more women in the industry would help vary the types of characters we see. Representation is huge and I don’t think there is enough of a variety of women characters, especially LGBTQ women characters.

Where are you hoping/aspiring to go/where would you like to go in your work?  
I have no idea. I love what I’m doing right now and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

What are your goals for Burning My Tongue?  
I just want Burning My Tongue out there; we’re hoping it has a good run in the festival circuit. I’m hoping that we can get as many people as possible to see it and I’m hoping that people relate to the characters.



For WIFVNE Members Only content:

Click the person icon to log in

Log in

WIFVNE Member app:

Get it in the App Store or from Google Play



© 2024 Women in Film & Video New England.

All Rights Reserved.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software