Past Filmmakers

Joyce Ventimiglia & Jim Haverkamp
Hot Dog Man: A Case Study

1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
Joyce: As soon as we saw the Hot Dog Man, it was love at first sight. We knew we had to make a film about it.

Jim: We thought it would be fun to talk to other people and see if they thought it was as crazy as we did, then it all kind of snowballed from there.

2. How long did the production process take?
About 6 weeks.

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?
Joyce: The biggest challenge was to come up with visuals that would work well with the interview audio.

Jim: Making a movie about a statue.  It's hard to think up interesting shots after a while. Since there were many points of view about the statue we tried to find different ways to film it and keep it interesting.

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?
Joyce: Getting really weird looks from people in the Kroger parking lot.

Jim: Finding out just how varied the opinions of the statue really are, people said things that we just couldn't have made up.

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

Jim: I hope they think, "Durham's a messed up town, I'd like to go there."

6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?
Joyce: People seem to like the film a lot. They laugh. Somebody from Canada really liked it and thought it was a good comment on American culture.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?
Joyce: Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Jim: Always challenge yourself and make things about subjects you are interested in. Don't be afraid to figure it out as you go.

8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on?
Joyce: An anti-war epic featuring little plastic soldiers.

Jim: No idea.

9.  What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?
Joyce: North Carolina has a great film scene. People here are really supportive and encouraging. Go One Tree Hill!

Jim: I don't know much about the industry, but there are a lot of us in there toiling away in the basement.