A CONVERSATION WITH..
FILM DIRECTOR HAYLEY-EASTON STREET

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CRAFTING CINEMATIC STORIES
OF STRENGTH AND SURVIVAL

IIn this inspiring conversation with Alsta Watch CEO Angus MacFadyen, Hayley Easton-Street, the director and writer behind Something in the Water, opens up about her journey in the film industry. From overcoming challenges in her career to creating stories that resonate with deep themes of friendship, survival, and environmental awareness, Hayley’s path as a filmmaker is as unique as her films.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
Hayley, it’s great to see you again. The last time we spoke was just before the cinema release of Something in the Water in the UK. Now, I hear you’re number two on Netflix. How does that feel?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
It feels amazing, actually! The film came out on Netflix on Friday, and by Saturday, it was number two. It’s such a great feeling, especially after everything the film’s been through—cinema release, Prime Video, worldwide distribution, and now this. It’s a journey, but to see it getting this attention now is fantastic.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
When you finish making a film, do you watch it again, or do you leave it behind and move on?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
I rarely watch it again once it’s done. I saw it at a cast and crew screening, but that’s probably the last time I’ve really watched it. I’ve seen it so many times already during the editing process, so by the time it’s done, I just leave it. I did have it on Netflix over the weekend, though, but I didn’t watch it—I just let it play in the background.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
It must feel odd seeing it again after so much work.

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
Yeah, definitely. It’s a strange feeling, but you’ve spent so much time with it that by the time it’s released, it almost feels like a part of the past.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
Your movie has sharks in it, but to me, it wasn’t just about the shark. It was about the group of women trying to survive and how they were tested. How do you feel about the shark comparisons to Jaws?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
I’m glad you said that, because that’s exactly how I wanted it to be. It’s more about the friendship between the women and how they survive this extreme situation together. Yes, there’s a shark, but it’s not the focal point. The true drama lies in their relationship and how they confront the odds. It’s funny, though—there’s definitely a nod to Jaws, but I really wanted to focus on the human element.

 

 

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Two women standing together in front of a red curtain backdrop.

Angus MacFadyen:  
Looking outside the industry, it’s often said that it’s hard for women to succeed in film. You’ve made a film with a female director, producer, and all-female cast. Was that challenging?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
It wasn’t really challenging, to be honest. It just happened naturally. We had a female writer, and the story had a female protagonist, so it made sense to bring in a female director and producer. It was actually a brilliant experience to work with so many talented women, especially in leadership roles. It felt empowering, and the whole crew was incredible. It was refreshing to have that kind of female energy on set. I’ve worked in this industry for years, and this was the first time I worked with a female director, so it was amazing to finally experience it.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
Your next project—another female-driven story, right?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
Yes, the next one is shaping up to be similar, though it happened naturally again. The new project will have an all-female cast as well, and the team is looking to continue that kind of energy. The stories I write always feature strong female protagonists because, well, I’m a woman, so it makes sense. And I tend to gravitate toward stories where women are placed in challenging situations, much like in Something in the Water.

 

 

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
Can you tell us a bit more about that project?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
Sure! I’m currently working on a six-part action thriller for TV. It’s about an ex-military Black Ops operative who’s dishonorably discharged and becomes embroiled in the corrupt world of mining. It’s got all the thrills you’d expect, but it also has some deeper environmental themes. It’s a really exciting project, and I’m excited to be working on it.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
What got you into films in the first place? What sparked your interest?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
I’ve always been obsessed with films. Growing up, my parents didn’t police what I watched, so I was exposed to everything, including very scary films. My favorites were those Spielberg classics—Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, and E.T. - I could watch those movies over and over again. I was also really into animation and stop-motion films like Ray Harryhausen’s work. I remember, at about 11, I got a video camera and started experimenting with stop-frame animation in my bedroom. It was a natural progression from there. I studied film, did photography in school, and then got drawn into the world of visual effects. It was an exciting new field, and I loved how creative it was.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
Did you have any mentors who helped guide you?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
I didn’t really have any mentors. It was a tough industry to break into, and no one really offered help. I ended up getting a job as a runner, making tea for people, but in my downtime, I’d teach myself how to do 3D animation. Eventually, I worked on commercials and then joined a film company where I worked on bigger films like Harry Potter. But there wasn’t much mentorship—just a lot of self-teaching and persistence.

 

 

Group of people on a film set by the ocean.
Two people seated in a theater, engaged in conversation. Red seating in background.

Angus MacFadyen:  
Did you ever think about quitting and doing something else?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
No, I never really considered quitting. There were definitely low points when I felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. Sending out scripts and not getting anywhere can be tough, but there’s something about filmmaking that I can’t give up. When I write a script, I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s like a compulsion, and that keeps me going.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
You mentioned your son earlier. Does he have an interest in movies as well?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
He’s really into it! He makes little animations with his Lego, and he loves being on set. When we were filming Something in the Water in the Dominican Republic, he was there with me, and he got to experience all the action—stunts, speedboats, you name it. It was such a cool experience for him, and I think he’s definitely inspired by it. Right now, he says he wants to be either a marine biologist or a film director. We’ll see where that takes him!

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
What’s the best place you’ve traveled to?

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
Australia is one of my favorite places in the world. I spent almost a year there in my 20s, and it feels like a second home. I also love New Zealand and Grenada. There’s just something magical about that part of the world.

 

Angus MacFadyen:  
That’s fantastic. It’s been amazing catching up with you, Hayley. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

 

Hayley Easton-Street:  
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.

 

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