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questions below to reveal the answers.
About the Film
 Is the film a documentary?
 No. When writing the script, Ann Calamia
took into consideration the daily life experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
individuals;
however, Universal
Signs is
not a documentary. It is feature-length drama about a Deaf “every man.” 
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Is
this film appropriate for young children?
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The film contains adult themes and content and may not be suitable for young
children. We suggest parents view the film with their children to answer questions
and discuss observations.
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How
can this film be compared to a silent film?
As in a silent film, much of Universal Signs is set to an interpretive
score. Expressing mood, the score becomes its own character in Universal
Signs. Similar to a ballet, the score is a choreography of visuals and sound.
The score was painstakingly created by the amazingly talented Joseph Renzetti.
He composed equivalent to an opera in the 100 minutes of original score.
Universal Signs' audience is on a first person journey
through the Deaf experience; therefore, for most of the film,
they will not hear talking or every day audible noises, such
as forks clicking on plates or a telephone ring.
Special Note: There
are small portions of the film with audible dialogue. The entire
film is captioned for all audiences
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What
does “captioned for the hearing” mean?
Despite being an inappropriate and offensive term, traditionally, in the subtitling
section of DVDs, captions are listed for the “hearing impaired.” (Some
more modern films do appropriately list their captions “Subtitled for
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.”) The term “captioned for the hearing” refers
to the fact that Universal Signs is told through the beauty of American
Sign Language. This reversal allows the Deaf and Hard of Hearing audience to
watch the film in their native language while the non-signing audience members
find themselves in need of captions.
Special Note: There
are small portions of the film with audible dialogue. The entire
film is captioned for all audiences.
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Writer/Director
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.
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
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Do
you have a Deaf or Hard of Hearing connection in your family?
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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
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How
did you ensure the accuracy of the sign language from script
to screen?
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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
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What
is your goal for the film?
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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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Actors
Did
all of the actors know sign language prior to taking the roles?
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The hearing actors were not proficient in sign language prior to accepting their
roles in the film. Robert DeMayo worked with many of the actors to teach them
their lines in sign language. Sabrina Lloyd took both private and group sign
language classes for three months to prepare for her role as Mary Callahan. She
not only learned her character's lines in sign language, but also the male lead’s
lines in order to best perform her role. It was a wonderful testimony to her
dedication to the film! Margot Kidder, Robert Hogan, Ashlyn Sanchez and some
of the local principals also learned their lines in ASL.
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Are
the Deaf characters played by Deaf actors?
Yes! All Deaf characters are played by Deaf actors. It was extremely important
to Ann Calamia, writer/director, and Catherine Miller, producer, that there
was an authenticity to the roles that could only be communicated by Deaf actors.
In a film that promotes and supports Deaf culture, it was essential to have
Deaf actors in these key roles. The actors were extremely committed and excelled
in bringing these characters to life.
Special Note: Many Deaf and Hard of
Hearing members of the Philadelphia Deaf community participated
as extras in the film.
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How
is Lupe Ontiveros, actress and producer, connected to the Deaf
community?
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Lupe Ontiveros is the mother of two Deaf sons. She is committed to supporting
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community within Los Angeles and beyond. "Her
support was essential in the creation of Universal Signs. Her loyalty
and commitment to the film has been overwhelming. She is a true inspiration." – Ann
Calamia
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On-Set
How
did the hearing cast and crew communicate on set with the Deaf cast
and crew?
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The production had two interpreters on set at all times. (On bigger days with
many Deaf and Hard of Hearing extras, additional interpreters were available.)
Doreen DeLuca, Brian Morrison, and Jai Wexler worked tirelessly in an extremely
difficult interpreting setting; they handled the situation with grace and talent.
One interpreter was always with the director, and the other worked with the rest
of the crew. Ann Calamia notes, “Although I can sign, it takes many, many
years of study and practice to master the language. The interpreter’s role
was invaluable because it allowed me to express my deepest thoughts and ideas
to my Deaf actors. The interpreters freed me to express anything I wished to
share without having to be concerned if my signing capability was enough to provide
complete understanding. When on set, the director has very little time to express
him/herself and to keep on schedule. Excellent communication is essential. The
interpreters provided this and so much more.”
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Were
Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals involved in the production of
the film?
Yes, Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals were involved in every aspect of the
film’s production.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals were consulted for writing the
script.
- Once the script was written, Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals
were consulted regarding the accuracy of the representation of the
Deaf experience.
- Robert DeMayo, a Deaf teacher and actor, transliterated the script
from written English into American Sign Language.
- Robert DeMayo was the ASL consultant and coach––trained
the actors, consulted with casting, worked on set, and assisted with
captioning in post-production.
- All Deaf characters were played by Deaf actors.
- A Hard of Hearing woman worked in accounting.
- Deaf artist Stuart Adelman’s work is featured in the film.
- Deaf and Hard of hearing extras participated in many scenes of the
film.
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Deaf Culture/American Sign Language
Is
the term hearing impaired inappropriate?
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Yes, the preferred terms are “Deaf” or “Hard
of Hearing.” Hearing impaired implies some type of disability. Deaf and
Hard of Hearing individuals do not consider themselves disabled. They consider
themselves members of the Deaf culture.
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Why
do you use a capital “D” and capital “H” when
referring to Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
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Capital “D” and “H” refer to people who
are of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. Lower case “d”
or “h” refers to the physiological condition of deafness
or hard of hearing.
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Is
American Sign Language a gestural form of English?
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American Sign Language (ASL) is a complex visual-spatial language
that is used by the Deaf community in the United States and
English-speaking
parts of Canada. It is a linguistically complete, natural language
and is the native language of many Deaf people, as well as
some
hearing children born into Deaf families. ASL shares no grammatical
similarities to English and should not be considered in any
way
to be a broken, mimed, or gestural form of English. ASL has
a topic-comment syntax, whereas English uses subject-object-verb.
From a syntax standpoint, ASL has more in common with spoken
Japanese
than it does with English.
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Is
sign language a universal language?
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No one form of sign language is universal. Different sign languages
are used in different countries or regions throughout the world.
Similar to regional dialects in spoken language, there are
regional
signs within the United States. As with any language, sign
language evolves and has slang and colloquialisms. Just as
Americans do
not speak the same English as our forefathers, today’s signing
individuals do not necessarily use the same signs as their Deaf
and Hard of Hearing ancestors.
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Where
can I learn sign language?
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There are sign language courses offered throughout the country and worldwide.
Many people are now teaching sign language to their young children as an early
means of communication. Consult your local community college for adult education
opportunites. Also, our very own Anthony Natale, has a video named, How
To Talk To A Person Who Can't Hear. This video is available for purchase
and can be rented through Netflix. In the Philadelphia area, the Deaf-Hearing
Communication Centre, Inc. conducts sign language classes.
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elow
you will find the answers to many of our most frequently asked questions
about Universal Signs. We love questions and thoughts
from excited audience members and fans of the film. If you have a question
that is not answered below, please 
