Take 5 with "Happy Poet"

As we gear up for the Oxford Film Festival 2011 to be held at the Malco Studio Theater on Feb. 10-13, 2011, we thought we might introduce you to some of the people behind the movies we can't wait to show you.

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Paul Gordon, director and star of "The Happy Poet."
For the full schedule and description of the films, visit www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Q. 1: In 140 characters or less, describe your movie and why someone should see it.

A: It's a comedy/drama about a guy who starts a vegetarian food stand. It's fun, and easy to watch.

Q. 2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?

A: I learned that people will sometimes surprise you, and help a lot more than you would have thought. I also learned that it takes at least four people to push a food cart up a ramp into the back of a moving truck, and that a moving truck can be used for many different purposes at the same time-- grip truck, changing room, pleasure cruiser, etc.

Q. 3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

A: My short film GOOD played in a few festivals back in 2001. My previous feature, MOTORCYCLE, was shot in three parts during film school at the University of Texas, and played in a few festivals back in 2006. I've worked on other people's films in various capacities, and very much enjoy the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Q. 4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: Well if we're talking dreams, I'd like the film to be heavily marketed and distributed worldwide. I'd also like to be paid handsomely, so that I could pay off my credit card and student loan debt. But that's just a fantasy, like the end of the movie.

Q. 5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?

A: We have lined up distribution in Poland. There is also a possibility in Greece.
Aside from that, we're not sure what kind of distribution we'll get.