Past Filmmakers

Andrew Peers
Making Friends

The Interview

1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
I came up with the idea of one snowman building another snowman. I thought it was an interesting image and I animated that part first. Then I wrote a story based around what led up to and happened after that scene. They original story was twice as long as the short ended up being. In the original story the clone snowman builds more and more clones until Eric gets sick and tired of his new friends and gets rid of them. I don't know if that story would have been quite as popular or cute.

2. How long did the production process take?
It took a year to make from the first idea through to the final sound editing.

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?
Making an animation all by yourself is a large and daunting task and I was only really working for myself, so I had to motivate myself and keep my eyes on the final product.

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?
Showing it to a large group of visitors to the school for the first time. I was very nervous and couldn't look at the screen. I like watching people watch my work especially when they don't know that I made it.

5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope they chuckle and smile. I think that's enough - the film's done its job.

6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?
All favorable from what I've seen. I never really intend the film to be as sentimental and cute as it is, but it seems to work on that level.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?
Keep your eyes on the final project, be professional, and hold yourself to high standards.

8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on?
I've gone back to school to learn high-end animation, the quality of my animation has improved a great deal since I finished "Making Friends." I hope to put together a really good reel and get a job based on that.

9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?
Live action has really taken off especially in Wilmington and the Mountains. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much of an animation scene going on.