What is the current project you are working on?
Conceiving Family - A one hour documentary focusing on gays and lesbians starting a family through adoption through the lens of the filmmaker's own journey to parenthood. www.conceivingfamily.com
Did you always want to be a filmmaker?
I was always using my dad's old camera to make spoof videos of Saturday Night Live skits and my favorite project in high school was a documentary about a rural town outside St. Louis, MO. just after the US invaded Iraq for the first time. Looks like it was meant to be.
What inspired you to become filmmaker?
As an educator at heart, I found a medium that can deeply move people and reach a larger audience all at once. And, of course, watching really good movies and really bad ones too.
As an educator at heart, I found a medium that can deeply move people and reach a larger audience all at once. And, of course, watching really good movies and really bad ones too.
What is the best thing about being one?
With documentary, I can open doors with a camera though the telling of powerful first person stories. It's a real privilege. Seeing the impact that it can have on the subjects of the film, me, and the individuals who watch it.
What is the worst thing about being one?
Being up at 3am dealing with a technical issue that you just can't seem to work out.
Who is is your favorite filmmaker?
Lisa Cholodenko, Errol Morris, Deepa Mehta, Joel and Ethan Coen, and many more!
What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?
Do it because you can't help but do it.
What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?
My 3 year olds love Fantastic Mr. Fox as much as I do. I love the films City of God, The Jerk, Gates of Heaven...many more. TV, the only show I try to watch is Modern Family.
How would you describe your film education?
1 year of film school at Selkirk College and then every year since learning in the field. Every project teaches me so much.
How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?
Here in the interior of British Columbia there is no 'film industry' to pump out jobs and movies. People here are incredibly creative and work collaboratively on top notch projects that get seen across the world, despite it being in the middle of the woods!
How has social media changed the independent film industry?
It has become a given for any independent film to have a 'social media' plan. We are all able to build and engage our audiences with these tools.
What is the casting process like?
I do mostly documentary - still, casting is part of the process. You need to find people who your audience will connect with. So, I do pre-interviews to see who will fit with what I am trying to accomplish.
You could go back in time and see any classic film being made.
Which film would it be?
Apocalypse Now
What is your opinion on movie remakes?
They need to have an original directorial vision to be worthwhile.
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