David Rotan
drotan@rotan.com

1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?

As Bob Jones, the screenwriter and producer, has probably already told, we were able to secure the rights from Elizabeth Ellis, a nationally-known storyteller. Her original version has won several awards, including the "Best Loved Story" told at the annual National Storyteller's Convention in Jonesboro, TN. It has been published in several children's books as well. We were very fortunate to be given permission by the author to make it into our thesis film.

2. How long did the production process take?

We started scouting locations in April of 1999, worked on storyboards, casting, and plans for art direction through August of 1999, and began filming for eight days in late September. The post-production took another several months (had to share scheduling of the facilities with other student productions) and the film was finally completed in April 2000-- a full year all together.

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?

Working on a very tight budget mandated by the school, it was tough to make a period piece (1944). We spent a great amount of time and effort finding authentic clothing, locations, props, and set dressing. We also built one of the largest sets ever constructed for a production at the NCSA Film School (everything inside the farm house was constructed!) We managed to really "beat the bushes" for donations from building supply companies, paint stores, antique shops, etc. to make the set appear to be a 1940s farm house. I think it really worked!

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?

I was very pleased with the young actress Dru Stebbins who played the part of Elizabeth. She had never acted in anything before reading for the part. After reading probably over thirty girls for the part, she was the LAST one in the door (and also the youngest). The first thing I asked her was if she had ever performed in a play or film before. Dru paused for a second, very nervous, her eyes darting around the room, and then she looked me square in the eyes and said in her natural country accent, "No, but my Granny says all these freckles is kisses from angels, so I don't mind 'em at all!" -- I knew we'd found our lead role.

5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they take away from the experience?

Besides enjoying the surrounding "world" created as 1944 rural North Carolina, I hope the audience enjoys the fact that this type of story is unique for a student film. I simply hope the audience is entertained by a nice, positive tale of youth growing up and learning to accept individuality.

6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?

Thankfully, very positive. We were honored to win the top prize at the 2000 Angelus Awards, a major student film festival that celebrates films with positive, life-affirming themes. The Angelus Awards are sponsored by Family Theater Productions and supported by the Directors Guild of America, along with some big-name industry sponsors such as Lucasfilm Limited. FLOWERS & FRECKLE CREAM was chosen as the winner from over two hundred films submitted worldwide. Definitely, our best experience. The film has also received several other awards and continues to tour the film festival circuit across the nation.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?

If you really want to make movies, DO IT! As tough as it may be (or financially unprofitable), find time to work towards your filmmaking goals and make it a top priority. Also, network, network, network. . . find friends with similar interests and goals and work WITH them, not in competition.

8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on?

Currently, I have been developing a feature film based on a true story from the mountains of North Carolina after the Civil War. The title is RECONSTRUCTED. A lot of ground work has been done for the project, and I am currently continuing the funding process. You can read more about the film at www.reconstructedthemovie.com. I am also working on developing some projects once again with Bob Jones, the producer of FLOWERS.

9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?

This state has SO MUCH potential and has been a proven location for great film production time and time again. As a native North Carolinian, however, I would really like to see more LOCAL productions being made by Tarheel Filmmakers, instead of it always being a New York or Los Angeles company that films and then leaves town. I think North Carolina has the talent, the crews, the casts, the locations, and the resources, but we need to build our capital and funding networks to open up towards local film productions by North Carolinians.

North Carolina already generates millions of dollars each year from film production, but the profits made by such films are usually going to L.A. or New York companies and investors. Just think what the potential could be if the money came from NC investors, the films were made by NC Filmmakers, within the state of NC-- keeping all that money recycled and returned right here into our state economy! In California, numerous banks, corporations, and foundations, offer loans, venture capital or grants for film production. Here, however, most of these institutions would look at you like you were trying to fund a trip to the Moon if you asked them for such a loan or grant. I really hope to one day see many more projects developed from a dream to the screen all here within North Carolina by our own talented filmmakers.