Past Filmmakers

Blaire Johnson
Mary's Gone Wild 11:04

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

Like so many others, I stumbled upon Mary's garden and couldn't resist from getting out and exploring it.  I felt like Alice in Wonderland, and I wanted to know who had dreamt up such a magical world and why?  I immediately knew that I wanted to do a documentary on Mary, and I was surprised that it hadn't already been done.

2. How long did the production process take?      

I have now made 8 trips to Mary's garden.  I plan on continuing to document Mary and her garden in one format or another for as long as we are both around.  The rate at which Mary's garden grows, and the incredible things she chooses to grow in her garden—from her elaborate tree houses to her fun and funky paintings never ceases to amaze me, or to put a smile on my face.  I am currently working on producing a 30-minute film on Mary.  

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

The constant challenge is having enough funds to continue to document Mary.  Once again, I am in need of donations to the film in order to continue.  All deductions to the film are tax-deductible, thanks to fiscal sponsorship through the Southern Documentary Fund.  Anyone interested in contributing to the film should please contact me at blairejohnsonis@nc.rr.com.

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

The best thing about making the film has been getting to know Mary and her husband Paul.  

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

I hope it puts a big ol' smile on their faces!  Mary's intent is always to make people smile and laugh, and I hope the film does the same thing.  And if folks are inspired, I hope they pack up the family, or just themselves, and make a little road trip to Mary's garden.  (Mary lives at 2431 Holden Beach Rd in Holden Beach, NC.  She's halfway between Wilmington & Myrtle Beach off Hwy 17.)  From the first time I stepped foot in Mary's garden, I knew she was NC state treasure.  Like the Outer Banks and The Blue Ridge Mountains, she was something for North Carolinians to take great pride and joy in.  Seeing as how Mary and her garden are off the beaten path, I wanted to put Mary on the map and let everyone know about her.  Documenting Mary and bringing her to the general public is my gift to North Carolina.  I stumbled upon state treasure, and I wanted to share it.

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

I think folks have had a lot of fun watching the film.  There's always a lot of laughter.  And folks want to know how to get to Mary's garden.

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

I would highly recommend Duke's Center for Documentary Studies (http://cds.aas.duke.edu) to anyone interested in learning documentary filmmaking.  I took 11 courses there in the very affordable continuing education classes, and I loved and learned from every one of them.  My fellow students and teachers were always so supportive.  It's a wonderful resource and a great community.  Durham also has the annual Full Frame Festival (www.fullframefest.org) each April, which is the largest documentary film festival in the country.  So go to the film festivals, watch the extras on your DVD's, and just get out there and go for it.  Just start with a cheap camera, shoot some footage, and then watch it to see what worked and what didn't.   I've learned a ton from my own mistakes.

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

My next film is currently top secret.

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

I think NC is a wonderful place to make films.  The state has such natural beauty and character and charm, and there's no place I'd rather be.  We may have lost a lot of the big cats, but I'm very excited about all the grassroots and independent filmmakers.  I understand that filmmakers have recently been afforded greater tax write offs.  This should ease the financial burden of all who are interested in making films.  Hopefully it will help bring the filmmaking industry back to NC.  I see it ultimately coming out of a slump, and only good things to come.