YDA Gold Winner Cloé Bailly on Letting Alexa Chung Take on Alexa Chung

How did you get into directing?

I started off as an actress, but hated it. Then I became a first AD and realised that all I wanted was to take the director’s place. One of my best friends told me to stop fantasising about it and just start. We gathered a few good mates, a camera and cool props and I shot my first video. 

What inspired the idea for Dating Alexa Chung?

British Vogue approached me with an X on X concept. Besides this and knowing Alexa Chung was the talent, they gave me full creative freedom. I thought of the funniest ways I could oppose Alexa to Alexa and that’s how the idea of a bad date came up. 

What was the most challenging aspect of the project?

Timing was a massive issue – we shot in one day – and that’s why I chose a simple mise-en-scène. The biggest challenge was to obtain a solid performance from Alexa, because the whole film relies on acting. I put on a wig and acted with Alexa as Alexa, which gave real authenticity to the dialogue – key for comedy. 

How did you convey the two Alexas on screen?

Besides a single wide shot where we see the two Alexas together (a simple trick: shoot each Alexa on each side of the table, and join the shots in post), we used mostly a simple shot/reverse shot structure.

Why was humour the best approach?

I’m a comedy director, so humour is always my way of approaching things. I love to show flaws, the lame situations we all go through.

What does it mean to win a Young Director Award?

I’m super grateful for this award. Having your hard work recognised by the industry is a real boost.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m in post production for a smartphone spot and shooting a branded content piece. Next, I’ll be shooting a dark comedy short.