Meet Aimee Graham | Writer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aimee Graham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aimee, how do you think about risk?
At this point in my life I enjoy taking risks. There is something thrilling about tempting fate… maybe it’s the gambler in me… but you can’t move forward without risk. And I’ve picked myself up enough times to know that if it doesn’t work out- I will still land on my feet. You must take a leap of faith in any creative field… and hope that someone is out there (an audience or any other human being) who will respond to your work. Creating and honing your craft could involve an excessive amount of: time, homework, study and preparation; hours, days, years… and financial investments… time and money you may never get back. Can this be daunting? …Of course. That is why your passion must burn so bright that you have no other choice but to move forward. For me, living the question of “what if” is far worse than trying and falling on my face.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After working as an actor for over twenty years I went back to school as a “nontraditional” student and graduated with a degree in film production from USC School of Cinematic Arts. I knew no one was going to give me a million dollars for my first feature. So I set out to write something that could be shot ultra low budget style. Essentially The Allnighter is a character study; a story about people and relationships… it also delves into astrophysics, addiction, family and evolves into a love story. The idea was to write what I want to see more of and I really enjoy independent dramedies. Challenges during the production included: raising funds, wearing too many hats, filming during Covid and making the film appear seamless when it had been shot over a period of time. In the end I am very proud of what we accomplished with the little that we had. When someone responds to the film… it makes all the time, energy and effort worthwhile. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I know the song says…”no one walks in LA” but I actually enjoy walking… alot. Favorite spots include: Larchmont, the Farmers Market, Venice, Lake Hollywood and Griffith Park. It’s also fun to wander around the Getty, LACMA, the Natural History Museum, LaBrea Tarpits, Griffith Observatory and if you’re adventurous Huntington Gardens. Catch a movie in the great movie theater at the Academy Museum, or take a drive out to Eagle Rock to see a film at Vidiots. If it’s summertime, catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl or Friday night, free jazz(!) at LACMA by the quintessential lamp posts “Urban Lights” by Chris Burden. It’s fun to watch people gather and take photos here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Grateful to all the crowdfund supporters, my parents, family, friends, cast and crew who were part of the journey of making this film.

Website: https://tubitv.com/movies/100004967/the-allnighter

Instagram: @aimeegraham_ag and @theallnighterfilmofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theallnighter/

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HaPylPPlzWM and https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCh0ZNZHDEXhSVOYr19eRxwg

Image Credits
personal photo – Ken Morris