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Past Filmmakers
The Notebook
1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
The script came out of an assignment for a short-script writing class at UNC-Greensboro taught by Tony Fragola. We had to carry a still camera with us for a week taking pictures of anything that caught our attention. At the next weeks class meeting we had to lay out the photos and try to find a common thread or story from the "random" photos. Then we had to eliminate any photos that didn't fit that story and write a script based on the remaining photos. Of course the script went through major changes and numerous revisions before it reached the final stage.
2. How long did the production process take?
Excluding the initial writing stages, production took four months. Pre-production took around six weeks. Principle photography was completed in six days over two consecutive weekends. Postproduction took an additional six weeks.
3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?
The biggest challenges were time and money, probably the same challenges faced by all independent filmmakers. Since the film was a graduate film, it had to be completed in one semester. It is very difficult to produce a film from initial script to final cut in four months. Also shooting in film on a student's budget is very difficult. Other than that, working with limited equipment was definitely a challenge.
4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?
It was great to work with friends; especially people I feel have talent. I really believe that the collaborative process undergone in producing a film significantly improves the quality of the work.
5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they
takeaway from the experience?
While my films usually express something specific for me, I want people watching the film to interpret things for themselves. If the film speaks to them in some way, that's all that really matters to me. This film for me deals somewhat with deeper issues, but I really just want it to be fun. If people enjoy it, that's what's most important for this film.
6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?
Most people have really enjoyed it. They all seem to love the ending.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?
Work on other people's films before trying to make your own. You'll learn more from actually working on a crew than any book or class could ever teach you. If you really love it, don't give up. It's tough to make a film, but if you can get through it the results are very gratifying.
8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on?
The next film I am working on is a 30 minute short called Antonio about a young Puerto Rican American struggling with his cultural identity. Vincente Gonzalez, who co-directed The Notebook with me, is the writer, director and co-producer, and I am co-producing and shooting the film. It will be our thesis film at UNC-Greensboro.
9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?
I hope things pick up. Being from North Carolina, I would love to stay here after I'm finished at UNC-Greensboro, but I'm not sure if there will be enough film work to sustain me. This past summer there has been a bit of an increase in films being produced in the Triad area, which is promising. I know I'm not a veteran of the industry, but I think we need to do something soon to encourage films to come here. With so many people leaving the industry or relocating, we may lose the infrastructure that has given North Carolina an edge in the past twenty years.
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