Kevin O’Brien [Interview]

I discovered filmmaking later in life, in my 30s. I always loved movies, but I grew up in a small town on the Virginia coast in a rather sheltered home, so to me movies were these things created in a far off magical land and shipped to us. I had no idea filmmaking was a career option. I actually discovered filmmaking while on a church staff as a creative director. We often used original elements in the worship gathering, and I started writing and editing them, and quickly fell in love with the entire process, specifically being able to move an entire audience with words, images, and music. A few years in and I knew I wanted to make it my career.

Well, that is very kind, Ron. Thank you. I did grow up much like the lead character, and the “coming of theology” he experiences was very much inspired by my own growth, but the actual story is fiction. However, the dilemas, scenarios, and characters are all based on close friends and their experiences. The stories we hear in the middle of the film (at the Zebra house) are real stories, not written or acted out scenes. Those are the actual stories told by the youth who lived them. That was very important to me from the beginning – to have a sense of authenticity about these relationships.

I like to say that At the End of the Day is fiction, but it’s true. And in many religious circles it’s a current situation. It’s easy to think that our culture has become so progressive and that this kind of rejection is over the top or dated, but for those living in religious homes and communities, it is reality.

Man, Chris is so good. He actually wasn’t who I imagined originally for the part, but from his first audition for Nate, I knew he was it. He was so authentic and real. The main thing I look for in casting actors is if I believe what they are saying, and I believed him right away. He’s such a powerful talent, and a kind spirit. I always enjoyed when Chris was on set. We had a few conversations early on about how he should play Nate, and I think we really found him together.

Yes, the positive stories far outweigh the negative. From the very first screenings, people have told us how much they have felt seen and heard in this movie. They’ve thanked us for telling their stories. I think it’s a perspective that’s very underserved – people who grew up in evangelical religious homes and are looking for their own truth. It’s a very lonely place – I know because I’ve experienced it. Ironically, the social institution of the Church is not very forgiving when you start to ask questions or come out as your true self. For many of these youth in christian colleges, they are forced to remain in the closet in order to graduate, and many of them have no other educational options. We’ve also heard from family members who have watched the film, and though they don’t agree quite yet, it helped them respond in love when their own kids came out to them. It’s been amazing hearing these stories.

I’m developing a few ideas for my next feature, as well as a series. It really depends on which opportunity presents itself as the next thing that needs to be made. My passions lean toward telling stories of empathy and humanizing the marginalized, so I’m pulled to ideas about immigration and women’s rights.