PINCH & OUCH

🎬 Interview with Flor Kent, producer of Pinch & Ouch

Logline: In the midst of the global pandemic, a girl’s dream to train with a legendary acting coach before it’s too late takes an unexpected turn.

What first drew you to this project?

What really struck me about Pinch & Ouch was its honesty. The story doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths about the acting world—the blurred boundaries between artistic vulnerability and emotional manipulation. During lockdown, so many of us were reflecting on power dynamics and the environments we take for granted. I felt this film could open an important conversation.

The film takes place during the global lockdown. How does that context influence the story?

The isolation of lockdown heightens everything. Lil is physically and emotionally cut off, so when she joins this virtual acting class with her idol, Dick Pritchard, her desire for validation becomes even stronger. The remote setting amplifies the tension—abuse can happen even through a screen. It also reflects how many creative industries adapted in ways that sometimes exposed deeper problems.

Dick Pritchard’s character embodies both brilliance and toxicity. Was it difficult to balance those elements? Absolutely. Dick had to be charismatic enough for us to understand why Lil would trust him, but also manipulative enough for his abuse to feel credible and insidious. We didn’t want a cartoon villain—we wanted to explore the grey areas, where authority and mentorship can be misused under the guise of “artistic challenge.”

The film touches on institutionalized abuse and control within the acting world. How did you approach such a sensitive topic? With great care. We conducted extensive research into real-world acting methods and the psychological toll they can have. Many actors feel pressured to surrender themselves completely in pursuit of authenticity. We wanted to question that system, to show that there’s a difference between emotional honesty and emotional exploitation. The inclusion of the acting manual written by Dick’s mentor highlights how these harmful patterns are often perpetuated by tradition.

What kind of conversations do you hope Pinch & Ouch will start?

We hope it encourages reflection on boundaries—both in art and in life. It’s about consent, respect, and power. But it’s also about healing and reclaiming agency. Lil’s journey from confusion to awareness mirrors what many people experience when they realize they’ve been manipulated. If this film helps even one person feel seen, it’s worth it.

Finally, what’s next for Pinch & Ouch and for you personally?

We’re excited to take the film to festivals and hopefully reach audiences worldwide. As for me, I’m continuing to explore stories that examine the intersection of power, art, and humanity. I think cinema has a responsibility to challenge as well as entertain—and Pinch & Ouch is very much part of that mission.