Two Liars, One Story: Making of ‘When We First Practice To Deceive

What happens when two master liars meet each other? “When We First Practice To Deceive” provides a thrilling answer, weaving a delightfully intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the stunning finale. We sat down with the film’s writer and director, Glenn Roberson, to discover how he crafted such a tangled web of deception.

1. In your own words, what is When First We Practice to Deceive about?

When We First Practice to Deceive explores the lengths to which you’ll go to help someone in need. Just how much will you risk when a stranger needs your help, and how much can you really trust someone you don’t know?

2. What inspired you to create this film?

There are many film genres that I want to create, and this film checks off some of those boxes. I wanted to make a film that features music, that has a classic timeless feel, and that is driven forward with a lively energy.

The original concept changed several times. The type of club and music played in the club changed before I finally settled on jazz. And the characters and story actually come from one of my shorts, Murderer à Trois.

3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing and directing When First We Practice to Deceive?

The most challenging aspect was simply its scale. I had done three shorts prior to this film, and managing everything that comes with putting together a feature-length film, finding locations, hiring cast and crew, the props, the catering, it was all challenging.

4. The film feels like a 60s film noir. Were there any particular films or directors that inspired your approach to this one?

There are many films and directors I admire that helped inform both the story and direction of this film. Like the scene in the garden where Jack is trailing Lucia was inspired by Hitchcock. But the single film that influenced me the most, especially as far as the mood of the film which I wanted to keep light despite the intensity of the situations, was Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven.

5. How did you get into filmmaking and specifically directing?

I’ve been a professional photographer for most of my life and also enjoyed writing fiction. So during COVID, when everything was pretty much shut down, I decided I wanted to combine these interests and try filmmaking.

It was a new way for me to create something that I could share.

6. Were there any lessons that you learned from creating previous shorts that you applied when directing When First We Practice to Deceive?

Every one of my short films was a lesson in filmmaking. I came into the process already comfortable with the camera and lighting, but there is so much more to learn. I watched hours of instructional videos, but there really is nothing like learning from experience. And probably the number one thing I learned is to arrive on set ready for anything, because you never know what kind of weather, noise, personnel, or equipment issues you could have.

ABOUT WHEN WE FIRST PRACTICE TO DECEIVE

A phone call from prison, a bag of cash and drugs, and a missing person ignite a series of events that upend the lives of a jazz club singer and a good Samaritan.

Watch When We First Practice To Deceive on Reveel