I had the chance to ask some questions of award winning filmmaker Wendy Jo Carlton, primarily about her recent film Good Kisser. We also chatted a bit about some of her other projects, including one that you can find on Netflix. Thank you to Wendy Jo Carlton for taking the time to answer all of my questions.

Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Sure. I’m a writer, filmmaker, rabble rouser, queer cowgirl who grew up in an urban working class Michigan neighborhood. My Mom was fun and very supportive of my creative impulses. My Dad was a disabled war veteran with addiction and PTSD issues, but he was also a musician who took me to the library every week. I was obsessed with tape recorders as a kid, worked in radio on-air when I was 21, and had my first lesbian affair at 22, (all of which infuenced my path for the better). I want the United States to support arts and culture far more than it does, for the well-being of all, but in any case, I’ll keep telling stories about magic, weirdness, and love in this world, featuring female, queer, and underdog characters.

How would you describe your movie Good Kisser?

Good Kisser is an erotic dramedy. Kate and Jenna want to spice up their relationship by opening it up to a third and plan a sleepover with the enchanting Mia. As they dance, drink tequila, and spill secrets, they become physically and emotionally entangled. And what was intended as a night of fun soon exposes the cracks in Kate and Jenna’s relationship.

What inspired this project?

I love the experience of having strong chemistry with another woman, and enjoying that organic pull, that intrigue and delight that kind of awakens all the senses. For better or for worse, I’ve had this a lot in my life. And even if it doesn’t last, I find it to be a wonderful thing. Good Kisser is an ode to that, but it’s also about trusting your instincts when something feels “a bit off” in a relationship.

What do you hope viewers take away from Good Kisser?

I hope viewers walk away with a big crush on at least one of these characters! And I guess part of the message of the movie is that it’s okay to be a fool for love, and it’s also okay to change your mind.

Of the characters in the movie, who do you relate to most?

I relate most to Jenna, probably because when I was younger I was more idea smart than I was heart smart, and had a couple lovers who, let’s just say, didn’t really deserve the “benefit of the doubt”.

Could you also briefly discuss Circus Books and your role with the project?

I was recommended to work on Circus of Books by Gretchen Warthen, the Director of Photography on the doc, who was also the DP on my first two indie features, (Hannah Free, Jamie and Jessie are Not Together). I was mostly involved in shooting interviews with Karen and Barry at the store, while they were breaking it down, piece by piece, video by video. It was obvious what a special place Circus of Books was for the staff too, not just patrons. It was fun to be a part of, and I hope director Rachel Mason wins an Oscar!

Where can our readers find Good Kisser and keep up to date with you and
the movie online?

Good Kisser will be on Amazon, AppleTV, and WolfeonDemand.com from May 19th onward! The trailer and cast/film news are on the website: https://goodkissermovie.com AND we are @goodkissermovie on Instagram and Twitter!

Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on Twitter, @thenerdygirlexp. You can find me on Twitter, @kleffnotes, on my blog, kleffnotes.wordpress.com, and on my kleffnotes YouTube channel.