In today’s episode, we welcome the brilliant comedic minds behind Chasing Molly: Shelley Pack and Josh Sutherland. Together, they share the odyssey of making an independent film from scratch, driven by pure creativity and an unwavering dedication to laughter and storytelling. Their journey is not just one of filmmaking but of persistence, grit, and a desire to carve a unique voice in the comedy genre.
Shelley Pack brings her background as a comedian and improv performer, skillfully assembling a cast of friends and acquaintances to breathe life into Chasing Molly. With no big studios or massive budgets, Shelley and Josh poured their souls into the project. “It was liberating to create something genuinely funny without restrictions,” Shelley reflects, highlighting how the freedom of independent filmmaking allowed her to maintain the authenticity of the comedy.
On the other side, Josh Sutherland recounts his journey from a kid with a camcorder to a professional in Hollywood, working every possible crew position to understand the art and science of film. A student of cinema at the University of Texas, Josh entered the world of visual effects, gaining firsthand knowledge in various roles. When the opportunity arose to collaborate on Chasing Molly, Josh brought not only technical expertise but also a lifelong passion. “Filmmaking is a huge, huge team sport,” he explains, underscoring the communal effort that went into producing the film.
One memorable anecdote shared by Shelley and Josh is the challenge of shooting in a real pawn shop while it was open to the public. With customers oblivious to the filming, Shelley describes an eccentric woman examining items with a magnifying glass, fully engrossed in her shopping while the crew scrambled to finish the scene before sundown. Such improvisational moments added authenticity to the film, revealing the beauty and chaos of guerilla-style filmmaking.
Shelley also speaks about the “Zen Cholo,” a character who emerged through social media sleuthing. Shelley found “Scar,” a YouTube personality with a massive social following, whose calm demeanor brought unexpected depth to the role of a gang leader. This resourcefulness in casting enabled the team to create a distinctive character who, as Shelley notes, is “like a Buddha with street cred,” adding unique charm to the film.
In the end, Chasing Molly is more than a film; it’s a testament to the idea that with a vision, a supportive crew, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer, anything is possible. As Josh says, “We set ourselves up to win,” and that victory is felt in every scene of this indie gem
