Past Filmmakers

Piedmont Community College
Michael Corbett (photography)
Mano a Mano
(Premieres November 1, 2003, at 11 PM)

Interview Questions:

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

The idea for the film was a brainchild of Willie Simmons.  The idea was to give him a chance to direct a fight scene the way he saw fit, as apposed to choreographing a fight for some one else's vision.

2. How long did the production process take?

The preproduction and shoot took just under three months.  The raw material sat around for almost two years before the project fell into the lap of Matthew Moore.  Moore rewrote the script and spent sixty plus house in the editing suite.  Time from start to finish; 2 years.  Actual time invested: 3 1/2 months.

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

The biggest challenges on this film were pulling in the actors from all over the country and editing the project with out a substantial script and director's opinion.

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

Hands down, the favorite experience of making this film was editing the fight scene.

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

We would love for all who watch this to walk away say, "Man, that film was cool.  I liked the lighting, the sets were great, and the editing was right-on."

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

We have received lots of positive comments on this film.  Most have to do with the lighting, sets and editing.

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

 For all those filmmakers out there who want to go the distance...don't you dare think about giving up.  If you really want to make film, you have to be able to put up a fight and keep going.  Don't give up your daydreams—they belong to you.

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

Piedmont Community College makes about 4 films a year.  Good as a Mugg Productions always has at least 3 projects in the oven.  Keep an eye out, you'll see us both many more times.

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

 The industry is not what it could be.  This state has a huge potential and yet it sits in wait.  We as North Carolina filmmakers need to remember that home cookin' may not be fancy, but it tastes the best.  Instead of leaving the state to be another LA kid, stay around and lets build our own industry.