Interview Part 2: Filmmaker Nick Staron -  1098 days ago

 

What were the biggest costs?
Insurance, lighting and camera. Don’t ever forget the insurance. Every production should have it. It sure puts a dent in the pocketbook

How did you find talent?
Thankfully we have a good network here in Ohio called the Fred Sternfeld list that advertises all of the auditions in the area to theater people. On top of posting on that site we contacted all of the local casting agencies who were thrilled to have something to send their talent to (at no cost to us). We tried to use the media but were largely snubbed and got little press here in our hometown. However, for other people I totally recommend using local newspapers to find what you need in workers.

We held three sets of auditions at our church (which was a grueling process) and finally found our cast.

How did you fill crew positions?
We asked for volunteers for crew along with our casting postings. A lot of actors are also crew people. That and actors told their crew friends about the film. We just had to mention them in the same breath. We insisted on meeting everyone face to face before letting them on the project. I’m glad we did because a few people were really shady in real life.

Tell everyone you know that you are looking for crew and start early. It takes a long time to find good help.

Other than camera, tripod and mic, what piece of gear proved invaluable during production?
The Chinese paper lantern. We used these all of the time during “Between the Walls” for simple lighting needs. They give a soft kind of light that I find really appealing and can be taped right to the ceiling. On the next film we’ll have a lot more of those things sitting around. If you are going to buy them, you need to make sure they are white (they come in a lot of colors), that the base for your bulbs is ceramic and NOT plastic. And that you have high powered light bulbs like 250 watts.

If you could go back and do one thing differently on the film, what would it be?
It’s hard to say just the one thing. But honestly, I wish I could have had a better time making the movie. Chris and I were so stressed out that we could not enjoy the process. Everything from casting to distribution was a headache. On the next films we want to make it a point to enjoy the process more.

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Well, this was supposed to be 2-part interview, but there was more good stuff I couldn’t fit in today. Check back tomorrow for the rest of the conversation as Nick address distribution issues and problems they faced with getting the film out there.

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