Why was it important for you to make this film?
Well, it was my first film.... I'd been talking about making a film for a long time, and taking that first giant leap was a challenge. It's easier to talk about it, than actually do it—but not near as much fun. When I read the script I really felt it was an interesting story, and one that I had not seen before. I also felt it had good roles for some of the folks I represent, and so I was motivated and excited!
What were the challenges of shooting on location?
Being that we were a low-budget film presented many challenges. When it came to locations, there was some renegade shooting involved... run in, get the footage, get out... don't tell anyone! A lot of our days were spent at the cottage that belonged to a friend of a friend. With a bigger budget we would have been able to put them up in a hotel and take over the property till we were done, but alas, we had to put the house back every night so they could live in their house, and return each day and take it apart again. Time-consuming, more room for breakage, continuity errors, etc. And of course, the location we chose, as beautiful as it was, happened to be on a flight path and very near a dog kennel... so there was a lot of... "Can you go to that house across the lake and see if they would take their dog inside?"
How long has the process been from first draft of script to final product?
Gee, I think I'm too old to remember. I know we spoke about the story way, way back in 2001 when I first mentioned wanting to shoot a film... and the first draft didn't get to me for a couple of years... then we had it presented at the Cold Reading Series in Vancouver and that solidified for me it was the right film to make, but it needed rewrites... so the next two years were a succession of changes and evolution and now we have a finished product!
What excites you about the filmmaking process as a producer?
Almost everything! I love it. Using both sides of my brain is great. It is a real gift being able to be a part of the creative side, and I also love the business side—so for me it really is a good fit. I also found it fascinating how the product itself evolved as each creative entity joined in and brought their thoughts and genius to the project. It is such a wonderful collaborative venture.
What moment stands out for you as magic?
There is more than one, but I remember very vividly, it was day one or two, and most of the cast and crew were standing in the driveway of the cottage. Because this was such a low-budget film, many of those gathered were friends and family, which only made it more special. The crew were putting the car mount on the car, under the watchful brilliant eye of Alice, our cinematographer, and Chip, the director, was in his zone—everyone was laughing and having fun. I forced myself to stop for a few minutes and just take it all in. It was very emotional for me; I choked back tears—and then carried on, but I loved the feeling... can't wait to do it again!