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Hip Chick Zine: How'd you get the idea for the film?
Clarissa Jacobson: I got the idea for High Maintenance the movie after my 1986 banged up Chevrolet Corsica had broken down for the third time in one month. I was naiive, new to LA and didn't know a single thing about cars. So yes, I believed the mechanic who told me that my engine would drop onto the freeway if I didn't replace the oil covered timing belt. How ridiculous is that line? And I BELIEVED it! Anyhow, after my crappy car broke down a third time, I realized I had been had. Frustrated, broke and upset, I turned to my friend Kate and said, "That's it! I'm through with being ignorant and taken advantage of. I'm going to school to become a mechanic and I'm going to open my own shop!" Kate joined right in and said "Yeah, me too! All the girls would come to us because they would trust us." Then I said, "All the guys would come to us because we're cute." Of course, ten minutes later, we sat back and started laughing. She's a baker and I'm an actor and writer, so who are we kidding? We didn't want to become mechanics but we certainly wanted to know some cool chicks who were, and that's how it all started. I went right home that night and began my screenplay about three women who actually become mechanics and own their own shop.
HCZ: What's the story behind Spunky Girl Productions?
CJ: I've just always been spunky! The perseverance and fighter instinct that comes with being spunky got me ahead much of the time when all else failed, so I thought it was appropriate for the name of my production company. See, I think that being spunky is a good thing in this industry because you have to deal with many disappointments and setbacks. Spunky girls never take it to heart and give up. Plus, I wanted a name that sounded fun and not too grown up; one that was quirky, spirited, and also conveyed that the company was female-run. I'm very proud of our girl power and doing something that men have a monopoly of [the film industry]. I want people now more than ever to know that this is a women-run group. The more female production companies and the more women in production, the more equally we'll be represented in the media and get the opportunities we deserve.
HCZ: Is there one car-related incident that ticked (or ticks) you off?
CJ: The car-related incident that started it all off for me was the timing belt covered in oil story covered in question one. I went to the dealership and that was a big mistake. The first time I replaced the timing belt was at the Hollywood dealership. For some reason, I took the car there one month later-- I think it was to get the air-conditioning fixed, to the Culver City dealership instead of the one in Hollywood. The mechanic at Culver City actually convinced me that the previous dealership had not put the timing belt on correctly and that somehow it had gotten covered in oil and the engine would drop out if it was not properly fixed. I foolishly believed him when he told me that all dealerships are related and that, if I let him fix it, Hollywood would give me my $400 back. So, I paid the Culver City shop $400 to fix the timing belt that there was nothing wrong with (I later found out that there is no oil near the timing belt--they also tried to sell me a water pump I didn't need) and tried to get my money back from the Hollywood dealership, which of course they said "No way!" So, I ended up paying $800 for a timing belt that I probably did not even need in the first place.
HCZ: What character in the film do you relate to the most?
CJ: Betsy. All the characters are bits of me, but Betsy is the most like me. I really cling to the belief in karma, positive energy and being a good person. Betsy is all about doing what's right and channeling energy. I don't push it anywhere near as far as her, but we're on the same wavelength. Plus, Betsy is a bit of an underdog and is always trying to get ahead by working really hard. Eventually, she suceeds, but not without working her butt off first. That's a constant theme in my life!
HCZ: When can we expect to view High Maintenance?
CJ: I am hoping to film in September, with a release date of Summer 2007. You can check out my status at girlscantoo.com. I have been very lucky to have partnered with many terrific organizations that support the film. Girls Can Too! is a wonderful site dedicated to women and girls in extreme sports. The CEO, Nicole Douglas, was a sweetheart and set up a full page with a blog so I can keep everyone updated. I also love getting e-mails from readers and keep them in a special file to let them be the first ones to know when anything ground-breaking is happening. I can be reached at contact@highmaintenancethemovie.com.
For more info, visit the High Maintenance website HERE.
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