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Past Filmmakers
Get Outta Here
 The
Interview
1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
I guess I've always been a fan of game shows and dreamed of winning
big and financing my next film, but at the heart of the story is
someone who feels restless and stuck, much like people I have encountered
in my life, and this film is really about taking control and finding
a way out of your ruts, whether its winning on a game show or just
packing up your car and starting fresh.
2. How long did the production process take?
It took 18 months from original concept to first screening. I completed
the first draft of the script and assembled the key creative team
in January of 2000. Over the next 6 months, while we were all working
on various other projects, we had causal conversations about what
the film would become. In July of 2000 we began full force pre-production
on the project. By the end of November (8 days of production plus
one day for pickups) the film was in the can and we started post-production,
which lasted for another 5 months.
3. What challenges did you experience in the creation
of the film?
There were a bunch of little things that would happen here and there
that kept us all on our toes. For example, arriving to the Mall
in Greensboro the day before production to discover that Santa Claus
World was being built in the exact spot where we were planning on
shooting. Or finding out that Nadia, our lead actress, wasn't quite
strong enough to push the Gremlin up hill, and then hiding 8 other
people behind the car in a long shot to move it. There really was
nothing that huge, but if there was, Charlie Dugan (my AD) never
gave me a chance to worry about it. We had an amazing crew.
4. What is your favorite memory from creating the
film?
Such a cool collection of memories when making this movie. I liked
walking into the scene shop for the first time where Greg, our Production
Designer, and, Melissa, our Construction Coordinator, pieced together
the beginnings of the game show set. Watching the dailies with the
crew was a great moment too. I really just love the whole process
from auditions to rehearsals to late nights working with Jim in
the edit suite.
5. When someone has finished watching the film,
what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I think that the film is predominantly a comedy, so I would like
people to walk away with a goofy smile on their face. Sometimes
people get in these real tragic ruts, and I think what I'm saying
with most my work is that you really do have to take control of
yourself and recognize your own ability to change if you want. So,
if the film can work on the deeper level while still getting a smile…I'd
like that.
6. What type of reaction has your film received
from viewers?
There has been such a positive response to this film. I think the
personal response is the most important thing, but it sure is nice
to be acknowledged by the programmers at the festivals it has been
in like Austin, Atlanta, Cape Fear, Carolina and Palm Beach. Just
the fact that it was showcased for audiences all over the country
is exciting for me, but it is inspiring to receive a grand jury
award at a festival and getting the Academy Award Nomination blew
me away.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring young
filmmakers?
I'm still young and aspiring, but the things that keep me motivated
are finding people that you can collaborate with and artists that
are supportive of each other's creative ideas. It seems that there
are so many people who are vocal about the impossibilities of breaking
into the film industry, but these people are the ones who are most
scared of new talent. If you want to be a filmmaker, make a film…and
decide what it is you're willing to sacrifice to get it made.
8. Please tell us about the next film you plan
to work on?
The next film I am working on is a coming of age story following
a young man into the subculture of modern day train hopping in America.
I started doing research on this project a couple years ago and
wrote this feature weaving this seemingly unknown lifestyle into
a narrative feature film. I've established a production company
with several other NCSA alums and we are currently putting together
financing for the project. So, if anyone reading this wants more
information on how to take part in investment and support of the
project you can send an e-mail to Switchandsignal@mail.com.
9. What are your thoughts on the film industry
in NC?
Working with the North Carolina film commissioners on our feature
has been great, and we are seriously considering doing most of our
principle photography in NC. It has such a diverse landscape and
I always enjoyed how enthusiastic people in the communities I have
shot in the past have been to support filmmaking. I'd love to come
back and make more movies in NC.
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