Past Filmmakers

Alex Dale & Linda Warden
Three Apples Fall

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): Three Apples Fall won the 2005 Cape Fear Independent Film Network (CFIFN) Screenplay Competition. I loved the story and wanted to make the movie. It’s just the kind project I like. Alex and I knew each other and were both members of CFIFN. I asked him if he would like to work together on this project and fortunately, he said yes.

Alex (Director): As a judge of CFIFN Screenplay Competitions in years prior to 2005, I knew the overall quality of the entries. When I heard that a children’s fantasy short had won the 2005 contest, I asked to see it. I was very impressed with the story, and when Linda approached me about working on it, I quickly agreed.

2. How long did the production process take?

Linda (Producer/Editor) & Alex (Director): About a year.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): Road noise. We had an excellent location but had to work hard both in production and post on the road noise.

Alex (Director): Road noise was the biggest problem. We were blessed with cast and crew members who were patient with multiple pauses and repetitious takes of the same shot after a motorcycle, tractor-trailer, or roadster roared past our location. Also, we lost half of a shooting day due to the weather.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): We had a great cast and crew. I really enjoyed working with the talented people who participated in the production of this movie. Also, we had some very young children in this movie who acted with professionalism…and were very cute!

Alex (Director): Working with so many creative people in different spots throughout Poplar Grove Plantation, a historic location in southeastern North Carolina.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): I like the moral of the fairy tale: which is that everyone should be treated with kindness and not judged by their appearance.

Alex (Director): The moral lesson of treating each person with kindness and respect, regardless of that person's condition in life.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): We showed it to the cast and crew with their families and friends. Everyone loved it, especially the children. I’ve also had people say that they liked it so much that they watched it several times. Several people have mentioned the music and how it brings out the story.

Alex (Director): Kids really enjoy it, which is excellent.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): Clearances are essential before a film can be sold. Contracts make the production run smoother since people know what to expect. Obtain good legal advice on clearances and contracts before you begin your movie.

Alex (Director): If you’ve decided to be a filmmaker, devote yourself to it. Don’t let excuses, conveniences, or anything else stand in your way. Be where you need to be, and do what you need to do.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): My production company (LCW Productions, LLC) always has several projects in various stages of production. One of them is a feature-length educational documentary for parents of adolescent drug users called Where Do I Turn? This doc is in post-production and should be out this summer. Another thing I’m exploring is the possibility of producing more fairy tales. Three Apples Fall was a lot of fun.

Alex (Director): I am in pre-production of a supernatural horror short filmed next to the Cape Fear River in a parking deck. I also am in the early development stages of a feature-length adventure fantasy set in Wilmington’s tidal waters.

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

Linda (Producer/Editor): The film financial incentives legislation has definitely helped but I wish the legislation also included financial incentives for films under $250K. Although, there is one way they have helped. The incentives have helped NC filmmakers by keeping resources (cast, crew, and services) in NC.

Alex (Director): With the death of Frank Capra, Jr., the industry needs a new “white knight” who will champion filmmaking from the ground-up in North Carolina. The industry remains subservient to the needs of Hollywood, which is understandable in the current environment, but, with help from the General Assembly, an established filmmaker or production company could make North Carolina’s film industry explode as another base for big-time development.