What inspired you
to write the story?
When writing the story, I wanted to explore the many invisible
differences in others, such as depression and deafness and
how as humans we connect with each other on a very basic
level. As Lupe Ontiveros, actress and producer, noted, “Universal
Signs is a classic, tragic story about a man... in
this case, he just happens to be Deaf.” I believe
the film's strength is its universality––it
is the type of situation that could find any one of us.
Despite our differences, we have similar struggles, similar
pains, and similar joys. We are all connected by shared
life’s emotions of loss, forgiveness and love. |
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| I chose to name
the film "Universal Signs" because "universally"
as humans we have this oneness, and “signs”
meaning both sign language and signs in our lives which
tell us it is okay to move on. It is not uncommon when I
tell others about the story that they share with me personal
struggles from their own lives. I am always moved that they
trust me with these intimate details. It is further proof
of our incredible need as humans to find ways to connect
with each other. – Ann Calamia |
Do you have a Deaf or Hard of Hearing connection
in your family?
Although this was not the primary reason why I chose to write
this story, my paternal grandfather was hard of hearing. Beginning
as a teenager, he wore hearing aids in both ears. I remember
growing up and experiencing all of the assistive devices in
my grandparents' home, such as flashing lights and amplified
telephones. As a child, I had no idea of the influence that
he would later have on me. Unfortunately, my grandfather has
since passed away, but I know he is looking down on me and smiling.
– Ann Calamia
How did you ensure the accuracy of the sign language
from script to screen?
The sign language is a true testimony to my American Sign Language
(ASL) consultant and coach, Robert DeMayo. We worked closely
for a year while he transliterated the written English script
into ASL. What impressed and touched me the most was his dedication
to the meaning behind every line. He would not select the signs
to express a line of dialogue until he was clear of the deeper
significance of that line. Similar to the many dialects in spoken
English, Robert took into consideration the backgrounds of the
Deaf characters making sure that the sign language was appropriate
for a son of two hearing parents versus a Deaf man from a Deaf
family. Robert also sat with me at the monitor every day of
the shoot to make sure the sign language was accurate and visible.
It was very important to me that all of the sign language could
be understood without the use of captions. Robert was even intimately
involved in the captioning of the film. The result is visual
poetry! I hope this extra dedication to the language and detail
results in an unmatched cinematic experience for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing audience. We are very lucky to have Robert in
Philadelphia. He is an amazing teacher, actor, and person who
was instrumental is making this film possible. I feel honored
and blessed to have worked so closely with him. – Ann
Calamia
Click here to learn more about
the role of the ASL consultant in the production of Universal
Signs.
What is your goal for the film?
I feel so blessed to be able to share with the world this
story told in gorgeous and mesmerizing ASL. The film would
not have been possible without the support and love of the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Philadelphia and across
the country. From sharing their stories and life experiences
for my research to participating as extras, they embraced
the film and us as filmmakers. I hope that this film starts
a trend in Hollywood to support more sign language films
and open captioned movies. I hope this film will open doors
with more opportunities for sign language in film and Deaf
and Hard of Hearing actors and filmmakers. I feel if we
all work together, no dream is impossible! – Ann Calamia |
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