|
Past Filmmakers
Atlantic City Scrabble Championship
 The
Interview
1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
Several years ago I competed in a s Scrabble
tournament when visiting my brother in Seattle. Since that time,
I have thought that this would make an interesting documentary topic.
I do not think most people are aware that this board game carries
with it such a dedicated and organized group of competitors.
2. How long did the production process take?
The pre-production process involved several hour of scripting potential
story outlines and arranging logistics for the trip to Atlantic
City. The bulk of production took place during the tournament weekend.
Between Friday and Sunday morning, our three-person crew worked
for about 25 hours. I spent between 125 and 150 hours editing the
12 hours of footage that we brought back.
3. What challenges did you experience in the creation
of the film?
The hardest part of creating this film came in the editing stage.
I wanted to give the audience a basic understanding of the Scrabble
tournament rules and format. I also tried to pull out a few key
highlights from the many hours of game footage hat would build audience
interest in the games themselves. It was difficult to include these
pieces without detracting from the more personal elements of the
story and the overall story pace.
4. What is your favorite memory from creating the
film?
After covering three rounds of Scrabble matches several hours of
the Scrabble talent show, Leo, Terence, and I (the crew) went out
to a casino at 3 AM on Friday night.
5. When someone has finished watching the film,
what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope that the audience will see that it is important for people
to have a competitive outlet to showcase personal skills or hobbies.
I hope that the audience will see that the emotions involved in
the Scrabble competitions are similar to the ones more often associated
with sports competitions.
6. What type of reaction has your film received
from viewers?
I have been told by viewers that that were not as bored by watching
several Scrabble games in succession as they thought they might
be.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring young
filmmakers?
As long as you find subjects that interest you, the process of making
films never seems like real work.
8. Please tell us about the next film you plan
to work on?
I hope to develop a television program to show the way that well-structured
group activities build cohesion in a selected group of yon children.
The program will include game competitions, narrative short stories,
fictional characters, and footage from home/school interactions.
9. What are your thoughts on the film industry
in NC?
I am hopeful that there will be opportunities in North Carolina
to produce documentary and narrative stories here for a living.
|
