Oxford Film Festival Take 5 With...

Take 5 with "Knot"

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

As we gear up for the Oxford Film Festival 2012 to be held at the Malco Studio Theater on Feb. 9-12, 2012 and also at the Lyric Theater on Saturday, Feb. 11 as part of the Oxford Music Festival line-up where we will show music films, videos and a panel on music + film, we thought we might introduce you to some of the people behind the movies we can't wait to show you. For the full schedule and description of the films, visit www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Your Name: Dave Kuhr, producer and actor in “Knot.”

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

A: Theatre Junkies is a production company interested in moments of time. Literally a slice of life. We try to give the audience clues on who these characters are, what the situation is within a short time frame and with little or zero dialogue. It is then up to the audience to figure it out.

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

A: Sound is SO important. Also an awesome crew is crucial. At Theatre Junkies it is truly a collaborative effort. Whoever has the best idea wins.

Being able to tell a story in such a short amount of time and being able to truly have the freedom to just act. We set up our stage in such that the actors see no crew, or anything else that may distract them from the task at hand. The movements are worked out ahead of time so when the actors arrive they come in character.

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

A: I have been acting since the second grade. I moved into film in college when I did some short films with friends in the cinema program at USC. And my first producing job came a few years ago on the YouTube sensation Validation.

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

A: We are making a series on these moments in time aptly named The Moment Series. We have 9 so far and plan on making more in the near future to make an entire season.

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

A: Hopefully to be seen by a lot people and challenge people in the way they think about how movies are made and challenge them by what they see on the screen as well. Movies that make you think.

Take 5 with "Cellmates"

2012-01-26T10:00:00.002-06:00

Jesse Baget (right) with actor Tom Sizemore

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jesse Baget, Writer, Director of Cellmates”

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

A: Cellmates is a comedic take on a very serious subject matter. The story follows hardened Ku Klux Klansman Leroy Lowe played by Tom Sizemore and Mexican farm laborer Emilio played by Nacho Libre's Hector Jimenez as they are forced to share a prison cell. This is a film that will definitively make you think and laugh.

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

A:I produced, directed and edited Cellmates, and co-wrote it with my writing partner Stefania Moscato. While the prospect of bringing a film to life from script to screen entirely on our own was overwhelming, it also was an exhilarating experience to watch it come together the way I had envisioned it. The first draft of Cellmates was of much bigger size and scope. After failing to raise a budget to do the film properly it became apparent that if I wanted the film made I would have to scale down the production and do it myself. This forced us to rewrite the script. We ended up with only 5 characters and a handful of locations. This made the film possible on a smaller budget.
The goal was to create a film that would not look that much different if made for a few million dollars or a smaller budget. Tom Sizemore, Stacy Keach and Héctor Jiménez have the amazing chemistry and comedic timing that makes the movie work for me. As a director, that was my greatest reward.

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

A:While in high school I put together my first feature film with a Canon XL1. It took me three years to complete but I learned a great deal, especially during the editing process. Essentially, that was my film school. Soon as I graduated high school I headed out to Los Angeles and I've been working on honing my craft ever since.

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

A: Cellmates will be available on Video On Demand through Warner Brothers starting in February and on DVD in March through Viva Pictures. We hope to make a good splash overseas too.

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

A:I just completed Breathless which stars one of my favorite actresses to ever grace the screen, Gina Gershon, as well as Kelli Giddish, Val Kilmer, Ray Liotta and Wayne Duvall. It's a dark comedy about two women who race against the clock to dispose of a body before the authorities show up at their door all the while looking for one hundred thousand dollars resulting from a bank robbery. It’s a fun, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will be released early 2012 by Anchor Bay and Voltage.

Take 5 with "Old Oak"

2012-01-24T10:00:00.001-06:00

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Kevin M. Jones, creator of “Old Oak”

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

A: Set in the 1950's. Shot on RED in Canton and Jackson using all MS talent, this is a story of a Death Row inmate's final meal at his favorite diner. But there are other people's lives that could also be destroyed that night, and the prisoner holds their future in his hands.

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

A: Biggest lesson? To always trust my instinct; it saved my bacon many times. Second biggest? Directing is easy, directing well is sublimely challenging. Quick story for you: Old Oak is a period film, and authenticity was very important to me. So we have this prop list that we're chinking away at about 2 weeks before production: real 1950's crayons, period uniforms, a rented prisoner's suit right from the 50's chain gangs, etc. The one stickler on the list was this authentic paddy wagon that would be used for transport between prison and diner for the film. Admittedly, you'd think that this prop and all associated scenes would be some of the first to get scratched. After all, how would we ever fine a period paddy wagon that was fully-restored, much less one on this side of the planet that we could rent or borrow in time for the shoot? After several discouraging attempts, I mentioned the dilemma in passing to one of the gals at the Canton Film Office. "Well", she said, "I don't know about that specific type of vehicle, but we could always ask ol' Greasy the locksmith. He collects cars." Greasy, eh? Love him already. Sure enough, we drive the 1/5 of a mile to his world HQ locksmith and mechanic shop, and he just happened to be putting the final touches on that fully restored and flawless paddy wagon that you see in the film. Wow. Just serves as a reminder that tenacity and dumb luck always seem to go well together.

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

A: I started out as a kid with a keen interest in cameras, how they worked, various film development processes, how many times I could flash my big brothers in the eyes before I was pummeled, etc. Then I had the opportunity to live in Paris from 1990-92 and learned under a Lebanese photographer. We'd shoot Paris by night, then come back to the darkroom at 2 a.m. and develop. When we finally walked out to breath some fresh air, it was 10 a.m. Those were incredible days. When I got back to the states, I stayed with photography but got a job as a PA on the set of commercials, movies, anything I could do. Shortly thereafter, I began to write. Documentaries, shorts, full-length feature treatments. For whatever reason, I wanted to make my first real movie on my own dime. Consider it my own little manifesto. It took a while to save, but it was worth it. I made the film I wanted to make. The result is Old Oak. I hope you like it!

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

A: Although Old Oak does not advocate a particular position on capital punishment, the subject is certainly one of interest to many Americans. My hope is that the film will reach a large audience both here and abroad. Just in case there's real interest generated from the short, I also wrote a treatment for a full-length version of the film.

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

I'm currently completing a script for a full-length feature with a great writing coach out of NYU on a totally different subject, and am also pursuing several other avenues in filmmaking.

Take 5 with "This is what Love in Action Looks Like"

2012-01-23T10:00:00.001-06:00

Morgan Jon Fox

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Morgan Jon Fox, Director of This Is What Love In Action Looks Like

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

A: In 2005 when a 16yo told his parents he was gay, they decided to send him to a Evangelical Christian camp that pledged to turn gay teens straight. The teen blogged about this on his MySpace page, & the events that would follow became an international news firestorm...described by the New York Times as, "a modern day message in a bottle".

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

A: I learned that I'd never make another documentary again!!! I have a new found respect for documentary filmmakers. It's much more difficult to sculpt a non-fiction film than it is to work on narratives like I have in the past. The best part about it though is the deep rewards that come along with telling people's stories...the relationships you form with these people and ho you really get to be apart of their lives, and the world that the documentary portrays...there's something very special about that opportunity to partake in creating a document of history.

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

A: This is my fourth feature length film. My first 3 films were all narrative fiction movies...Blue Citrus Hearts, Away(A)wake, and OMG/HaHaHa. I consider myself a Southern Filmmaker..I feel very loyal to the south..to Memphis in particular. I love to tell stories that echo the people and places that have in their own way, become apart of who I am. I value working with people I love and putting a microscope over the small things...that I find interesting, and sharing those things with the world. I've also feel extremely fortunate to have worked as an assistant director and/or editor for several directors/artists whom I really admire, including Craig Brewer, Aaron Platt, Justin Timberlake, Mark Jones, Ryan Parker, and David Harris, to name a few.

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

A: Well...luckily I've actually just received a distribution deal from a distributer whom I'm very excited about working with. I'm extremely thankful that I get to screen the film all over the world, and then have a further theatrical, dvd/bluray, and online/cable deal in place. My dream is that hopefully this little film will be able to reach people and make some kind of impact...hopefully just the right people get to see the film at just the right time in their lives...and it makes a little movement inside their brain/heart/life.

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

A: This is What Love In Action Looks Like will be released in June of 2012..looking forward to that! I've just completed production on a new feature film and am currently in post-production. Hope that this film will have a premiere in the Summer of 2012 as well : ) BUTTTT....mostly right now I just can't wait for the OXFORD FILM FEST!!!!!

Take 5 with "Dear Father"

2012-01-22T10:00:00.002-06:00

Adnan X. Khan

Meet Take 5 filmmaker Adnan X. Khan, director of "Dear Father."

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

A: In "Dear Father" a stranger reveals his alienation from the world and longing for spiritual transcendence in six letters to his loved ones. The film is for anyone curious about new and unconventional ways to experience a story.

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

A: At its most basic level, filmmaking is a way to get to know yourself better. Every film is a snapshot of your mind at the time you had made it — a film represents your craftsmanship and skill, but also how you feel about the world and how you understand its mysteries at a particular moment in your life. With "Dear Father", my second short film, the experience was not only personal but also instructive in the sheer force of will needed to get a film made! Artistically, it reaffirmed an important lesson: never compromise.

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

A: I am a director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. I was born in Pakistan to Catholic parents and raised in the United Arab Emirates. My unique multicultural background informs my strong interest in questions of identity and spirituality in the modern world. I moved to California to study film and graduated from Columbia College with a BFA in Cinema. Art history, literature and music motivate my filmmaking style which has been affectionately described by peers as daring and formally rigorous!

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

A: Distribution that allows more people around the world to experience the film.

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

A: As a director, I am currently in pre-production on my first feature film, "Three Temptations", to be filmed in California during the spring of 2012. As a cinematographer, I will photograph a cerebral sci-fi drama for Spanish director Germán Izquierdo Valero before the end of summer. I am also finishing a new script.

Take 5 with "Cardboard Titanics"

2012-01-20T10:00:00.001-06:00

Sam Frazier

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Sam Frazier, Jr, director of Cardboard Titanics.

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

A: Seriously, I've got delusional people making, rowing, and racing boats made solely of cardboard and duck tape and all of this for no better reason than some nebulous claim of recapturing the American Dream. So, is there really any question that you have to see this film?

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

A: I think I learned three lessons: 1- Absurd ways to spend your free time can be strangely life affirming, 2- There's great truth in Ricky Nelson's line, "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself", or, in other words, make the movie you want to make, 3-You never know when and where success will come from.

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

A: A: Oh hell, I hate talking about myself. Unusual if not unheard of for filmmakers, huh? I'm a completely self-made idiot--make that filmmaker. In other words, I never went to film school and learned most of what I know from books and volunteering for friends' shoots. I've made a number of short comedic films over the past several years, reviewed movies for FilmThreat.com, and served as a judge for the Oxford FIlm Festival.

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

A: As this is a short film, it's probably not going to play at multiplexes. Honestly, my real dream is for as many people as possible to see the film and for someone to offer me a job writing and/ editing short form comedy. As there is very little sketch comedy around these days, this may, indeed, be simply a dream.

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

A: I predict that Cardboard Titanics will play to uproarious laughter at the Oxford Film Festival in February, I will not end up at the Oxford emergency room this year, that some people will be inspired by the film and help me create that aforementioned sketch comedy group, that other folks will be gravely offended by my film (which is fine, because screw them really), improved battery life, whiter whites, and that I'll have a beer or two somewhere in between. Other than that, I have absolutely no idea

Take 5 with "The Best Day"

2012-01-19T10:00:00.002-06:00

Coop Cooper

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Coop Cooper, writer/producer/director of “The Best Day.”

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

A: Inspired by paranoia sci-fi/horror films of the 70's & 80's, "The Best Day" is the 1st narrative short filmed in Clarksdale, MS by locals.

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

A: Biggest lesson: Although you need delegate responsibilities to a capable and talented crew, take the initiative to learn every aspect of filmmaking yourself. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but it will also reveal hidden talents and greatly enrich your appreciation for filmmaking. Best part: The premiere and the festival circuit. There is nothing more exhilarating than seeing your work on the big screen, then mingling with the audience afterwards.

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

A: In 1999 when I received my Masters in Screenwriting from AFI, I had learned a great deal about my craft, but the other aspects of filmmaking seemed far too technical and expensive, so I focused strictly on writing and becoming a film critic. By the time I wrote "The Best Day", indie filmmaking equipment had become more accessible (and affordable), so I challenged myself to learn all of the skills I did not major in during film school and make the short myself. "The Best Day" screening at the Oxford Film Festival is a result of that challenge and I'm very pleased to be a part of this event.

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

A: I would like for "The Best Day" to eventually be part of an anthology of short films with similar themes.

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

A: I am already working towards my next short to be set and filmed here in Mississippi. I will also continue writing movie reviews and articles for the "Clarksdale Press Register" and Smalltowncritic.com.

Take 5 with "On the Porch with T-Model Ford"

2012-01-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Tyler Keith, director of “On Porch with T-Model Ford”

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

A: 1. My movie is a short piece on T Model Ford featuring an interview, photography and his music. T Model tells his story in a few short minutes, but even in that short time his story is riveting. This film is just a taste of his hard and unique life. He's the last of a breed.

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

A: . I learned to listen. Let people talk. That being said the best part about making the film was getting to listen to T Model.

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

A: I have been interested in film since High School, and I took some cinematography classes and made a few film in college. I really got a chance to explore documentary film making in the Southern Studies graduate program at the University of Mississippi. There I learn interviewing and documentary field work and how to use my eye to put together a story. I made three documentary films in grad school and am working on new projects right now.
Q. 4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: I haven't thought much about distribution of my film. I plan to feature it on my Vimeo page and Youtube. I have had some communications with some folks at the Documentary Channel.

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

A: I hope people will see this move and enjoy it. I want people that don't already know about T Model to descover him and learn something about his life. Most people these days, despite the constant crying, have never really experienced real hard times. At the moment I am editing a feature length documentary on Oxford and Lafayette County Gospel music called "Jesus is my Rock".

Take 5 with "Positions in Space"

2012-01-17T10:00:00.001-06:00

Ashley W.

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Ashley W., director and artist of “Positions in Space.”

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

A: The video is like a weird trip into space, and you should see it cause there's close ups of my crotch.

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

A: I didn't really learn a lesson, but I did have a truth reaffirmed to me. Don't load your film, especially music videos, with too much. Sometimes one guy in a basement with a smoke machine is all you need to get your point across. Not every indie film has to be about a tortured writer.

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

A: My filmmaking background is very limited. I acted in a short scene in River City Dead (directed by Daniel Lee Perea) which was shown last year. I also have a cameo in Gypsy Heart (also directed by Daniel Lee Perea and showing at this years festival). Most importantly though, I'm the music guy. I scored Gypsy Heart, which was challenging but very rewarding. It was a great experience and I hope I can continue doing music for Daniel Lee Perea and anybody else who needs it, for that matter.

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

A: I don't believe in dreams when it comes to this sort of thing. I believe in hard work and realism, and I know this video will make the festival run and that's it. The closest thing I have a dream for it is that people like it and want more.

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

A: For me, more work scoring films hopefully. For the video I believe the future is the festival run and then YouTube. I would like to direct more music videos and maybe a short but since directing isn't my main thing it isn't priority. Should I change my mind and decide to be a director though, I'll do that.

Take 5 with "After-School Special"

2012-01-16T10:00:00.003-06:00

Jacob Chase

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jacob Chase, director of narrative short “After-School Special.”

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

A: AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL is an amusingly awkward slice-of-life scene between two wonderful actors: Sarah Paulson (SUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE) and Wes Bentley (AMERICAN BEAUTY, THE HUNGER GAMES), penned by renowned writer Neil LaBute. It’s great to see with an audience and hear the collective laughs and gasps as the film takes its surprising turns.

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

A: I learned that when you have a well-respected name like Neil LaBute involved, it is much easier to approach your favorite talent. I’d wanted to work with Sarah Paulson and Wes Bentley for a while and being on set with them for this short was inspiring. They are both so kind and so good at their craft that it made my job easy!

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

A: I’ve made about a dozen short films, which have played at festivals around the world. I graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in 2007, and was awarded the school’s highest honor: The “Achievement Award in Film and Video Production.” My first feature film, THE FOUR- FACED LIAR, premiered at Slamdance 2010 and went on to screen over 40 festivals worldwide, winning the HBO “Best First Feature” award at Outfest 2010. It was released domestically on DVD, VOD, and Cable, earlier this year and continues to rollout overseas.

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

A: AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL was picked up by Shorts International and will be screening on their Shorts HD cable network and will soon be available for purchase on iTunes. I hope the short gets a good fan base through these new avenues of distribution and that it continues to screen on the big screen throughout this year.

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

A: I hope to continue working with Neil LaBute, and all the talented people involved with AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL. I start production on my sophomore feature, produced by Sneak Preview Entertainment (500 DAYS OF SUMMER), in 2012.

Take 5 with "Only in Dreams"

2012-01-15T10:00:00.002-06:00

Adam Badlotto

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Adam Badlotto, director and creator of "Only in Dreams."

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

A: Only in Dreams is an avant-gardge stop-motion film that was created entirely with a flatbed scanner and no digital effects. The soundscape was created using field recordings that were digitally manipulated to match the dynamics of the visual animations. The film maintains its own unique aesthetic that all types of people seem to appreciate; not just fans of experimental film.

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

A: The biggest AND best part of completing this film is the reception it received and what I learned from that. Upon its completion, I had just graduated from college with a BFA degree in Graphic Design and was always playing in bands and writing music. Once I saw how well Only in Dreams was received in the film festival circuit, it opened a whole new path for me through filmmaking. Filmmaking allows me to combine visual art with music and sound, which are two things that until now I kept segregated in my music and graphic design.

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

A: Only in Dreams is my very first venture into filmmaking. Although I have no formal training or schooling in filmmaking, I draw from what I learned studying graphic design, visual art and music. For example, what I learned taking photography in college taught me most of the basic essentials in composing and lighting a scene for film. Music has taught me an appreciation of and how to properly utilize sound in my films.

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

A: Only in Dreams is pretty much as experimental as you can get and its a very sort film, so that limits its options as far as distribution. I really just want as many people to see it as possible, which is why I have been circulating it through the film festival circuit and handing out copies for free.

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

A: Only in Dreams is nearing the end of its film festival run. I recently submitted my newest film, "Love Hitch", to a number of film festivals. It's premiering at the Festivus Film Festival in Denver, CO, where Only in Dreams premiered and won best experimental film last year. It's an experimental film utilizing the same flatbed scanner animations as seen in Only in Dreams with footage recorded on a DSLR camera. Technically it's a music video, but more in line with films like The Wall and ODDSAC rather than traditional MTV style music videos. It would be better to describe it as video art that is synced to a song. The band that provided the music for the film is called Young Circles. I actually started playing guitar with them halfway through production of the film. The singer of the band started another group called Blonds, and I just started working on a film with them. I plan on making more video art/music videos and seeing where that takes me. I'd love to work my way towards making a feature or even branch out and work on more narrative or documentary style films that deal with real world issues. I think its important to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow artistically and as a person. That's how I ended up making films in the first place!

Take 5 with "The Fall of Henry"

2012-01-14T10:00:00.000-06:00

Glenn Payne, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Glenn Payne, director and producer of “The Fall of Henry.”

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

A: The Fall of Henry is a glimpse into what we think we see, who we think is right, and where responsibility ultimately lies. Look closely.

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

A: It was amazing to see what type of story you could tell while keeping some aspects very limited. It may sometimes feel risky, but in the end you see why you pushed your limits.

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

A: I graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Fine Art. Since then I've been exploring film and striving to learn as much as I possibly can. I've made about fifteen films since then as well as acting in several projects. I'm also very proud to be a founding member of the improv comedy troupe "West of Shake Rag" which performs in Tupelo, MS as well as around the country.

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

A: We really hope to travel the story around the country in various film festivals as well as taking the lessons learned from making it and applying them to our next feature film in the coming months.

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

A: As of this moment "The Fall of Henry" has been in one film festival and we were fortunate enough to win best in show. Hopefully it will continue to find new audiences. In the meantime we are preparing for our next feature film production. You can follow us by "liking" Dead Leaf Productions on facebook.

Take 5 with "Expiration Date"

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

Felicity Flesher

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Felicity Flesher, director, writer, editor and DP of “Expiration Date.”

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

A: One cup of ramen noodles wreaks havoc on one student's life.

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

A: This film was a culmination of my summer internship with University of Mississippi Media and Documentary Projects. The best part about it was actually producing something on my own by the end, but I learned that every part of doing so from pre- to post-production is one Everest after another to clamber.

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

A: I am 18 years old, a native of Oxford, MS, and currently a sophomore at Carleton College in Northfield, MN where I plan to be a Cinema and Media Studies major. Expiration Date is my premiere short film although it is merely the beginning of my career as I continue to learn, watch, and create.

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

A: Just getting into the Oxford Film Festival was a dream for my first film.

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

A: I hope to break into the film industry somewhere, somehow, with this film as my first stepping stone in the process. Hopefully I can effectively represent Oxford and Mississippi and its burgeoning film community

Take 5 with "The Last Payphone in Los Angeles"

2012-01-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

Tim Harms and T. Lynn Mikeska

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Tim Harms and T. Lynn Mikeska, co-directors of “The Last Payphone in Los Angeles.”

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

A: It is a tale about a busy day in the life of an LA payphone that reminds us the person on the other end of the line is more than just a voice.

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

A: Tim: Listen to your director!

Lynn: Listen to your editor! Being amazingly fortunate with our location. The wall behind the phone completely changed the day after we wrapped. Also getting to work creatively with someone I'm sweet on. That was pretty cool.

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

A: Tim: I'm normally a producer ("The Vicious Kind" and "sexting" both screened at OFF), but truly enjoyed the opportunity to direct, act and edit.

I can't wait to do it again.

Lynn: I normally act ("The Ballad of Friday and June" and "Where I Begin" both screened at OFF). I have written and directed before, but only for stage - it's a totally different ball game with film. It was certainly a learning experience for me - and addictive, might I add. I now have five other shorts, two features and a TV pilot written, and I'd love to get some of those off of the ground now that I feel more comfortable behind a camera.

Q: What’s your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: Being a short, we'd love to become an viral sensation online (after the festival run, of course). Failing that, a home with one of the few distributors handling shorts would be lovely

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

A: World domination. Oh, and we hope the film has a successful festival run as well...

Take 5 with "Dance in B' Minor"

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

Myria Christophini, Dance in B' Minor

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Myria Christophini, director and animator of “Dance in B’ Minor.”

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

A: Dance in B' minor is a simple silent love story with a very distinctive visual style and beautiful music.

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

A: Well, I improved my animating techniques and learned that animation takes forever, especially if you are a one-person studio!

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

A: I am a fine artist working with animation, drawings and installations.

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

A: -

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

A: My film is part of a research I do at the Glasgow School of Art that examines the potential of animation to act as a tool for peace building. Reactions to the film assist in creating artwork to which the public responds better.

Take 5 with "Illumination"

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

Michael Williams, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Michael Williams, writer, producer, director and cinematographer for “Illumination,” a Mississippi short narrative film.

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

A: "Illumination" is a short sci-fi, drama about a man on a journey towards redemption under extraordinary circumstances. Made entirely in Mississippi with an all MS cast and a majority MS crew and inspired by the early works of Steven Spielberg, the film ambitiously tackles a film with layers of meaning grounded in a simple story of one man's personal journey for redemption.

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

A: On all of my past films, I never had much (if any) funding and very limited resources, so early on, I learned the lesson of doing a lot with a little. In the case of "Illumination", we actually had a small budget and more resources than I had ever had on a production of mine. However, the budget and resources were still limited for the scale of film we were trying to produce. So once again, I had to learn to do a lot with a little and be even more creative and resourceful to accomplish what we needed with the film. With "Illumination" and my 2 prior films, I was told it wasn't possible to produce them with what resources I had and still have a quality film. One of the best parts of getting "Illumination" made was collecting a talented and passionate group of friends that I love working with to bring this ambitious film to life. Making a film is always enjoyable when you're making it with a cast and crew you love.

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

A: I started making short films in 2004 while in high school, and I consistently made short films throughout college. Since graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in film in 2009, I have continued to make short films and screen them at festivals while also running a video and photography business in West Point, MS (Shendopen Productions). I have also been working regionally in the film industry, primarily as a camera assistant, since 2007 and continue to work regionally as a camera assistant, camera operator, and director of photography.

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

A: For "Illumination", I hope that it has a successful festival rum throughout 2012 and can help open doors and create great networking opportunities for everyone involved with it.

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

A: The film will hopefully continue to screen at festivals over the next year. For me, I plan to continue to build my small business and hopefully get more and more work in the film as the industry in this region continues to grow and ultimately work full time as a director of photography. I also am in the early stages of developing my first feature film which I hope to shoot in 2012 or 2013.

Take 5 with "Butterfly Rising"

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Tanya Wright in "Butterfly Rising"

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Tanya Wright, writer, director and actor in Mississippi filmed narrative feature “Butterfly Rising.”

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

A: Thelma + Louise +Magic #(equals) BUTTERFLY RISING! C it 2 learn how 2 make yur dreams come true

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

A: Great people are your greatest assets. Great people are your greatest assets.

Butterfly Rising stars Ole Miss' McGhee Monteith and is the first full length feature to be shot in Columbus, MS.

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

A: I am an actor--I play Deputy Kenya Jones on HBO's TRUE BLOOD. For many years, I have watched many directors wring their hands in misery on set--directing was never, ever, ever, ever, EVER something I was interested in! Consequently, I wrote, directed, produced and co-starred in BUTTERFLY RISING--I have never, ever, ever, ever, EVER felt more creatively fulfilled than when I made this movie and wrote the book. EVER. I am a wicked multi-tasker. A Taurus. Straight shooter, Bronx born and bred. I am also a great lover of dogs (my rescue dog, Macarena, makes her star turn in the movie! Yeah!!)

Hates most: to be cold, wet and hungry. Not necessarily in that order. Depends. All three at the same time is the height of misery. But dark chocolate makes it better:)

The texture of a thing is important

Likes--no, LOVES--to dance! My dog's name, Macarena, is a reflection of that fact.

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

A: I want as many people as humanely possible to see this movie; I hope it helps them as much as it has helped me. I envision a nice art-house run; I'd love to travel internationally with the film and for it to ultimately land at my current TRUE BLOOD home: HBO.

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

A: I next appear as an actor in the upcoming film PREDISPOSED starring Jesse Eisenberg (THE SOCIAL NETWORK), Academy-Award winner Melissa Leo and Tracey Morgan. As a writer/director/producer, I got tons o' stuff in the works: films, web series, books and games. Did I mention I like to multi-task??? LOL!

Take 5 with "Gilded Age Gladiator"

2012-01-08T10:00:00.001-06:00

Brad Lambert

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Brad Lambert, writer and co-director of Gilded Age Gladiator

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

A: Gilded Age Gladiator is an animated documentary about 19th century boxing champ John L. Sullivan, the first sports celebrity in US history.

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

A: Pre-production is key in animation, particularly when multiple animators are working on the project. The best part has been seeing it with audiences and hearing people actually laugh, gasp, etc., at the moments we actually intended.

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

A: I am an Assistant Professor of Communication at High Point University in High Point, NC, where I teach classes in motion graphics and documentary studies. I've done motion graphics and video editing for a variety of TV shows and commercials over the years, but I'm now focused on my own projects in animation and historical documentary.

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

A: I would love to crack the academic market. I think there could be a lot of interest in historical documentaries that try to make history less dry and more in-your-face.

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

A: We will continue to screen the film at festivals through early 2012, and will then look for an online home for it. I have begun work on another historical documentary that will be animated in a similar style. This one is about the Ashley Gang, a group of bank robbers and rumrunners in the Florida Everglades during the Prohibition era.

Take 5 with "Red Moon"

2012-01-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Jimmy Marble

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jimmy Marble director, co-writer and co-star of “Red Moon.”

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

A: Red Moon is full of jokes, beautiful sets, wonderful costuming, Russian accents, beards galore, tragedy, romance, life, farce, and death.

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

A: Red Moon was made right as I entered a new group of friends, and the movie acts as our group's consummation. (The group being Sirocco Research Labs.) Everyone was so clever and ambitious, and everyone's drive and work ethic was so unbelievable. I learned about the joy of working hard with people you love and trust, and how that energy shows up in what's being made. What's special for me about the movie now, is it acts as a time capsule for that special time. Almost without exception, every member of the film's crew makes a cameo as an extra in the movie. I watch and think, "We were all there!" Which is doubly exciting as the movie takes place in the 1980s aboard a Russian submarine.

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

A: I work with a group in Los Angeles, CA called Sirocco Research Labs. We're a little collective of artists who get together and make elaborate video projects. Red Moon was our first project together. Since then we've made one more short, and a couple of music videos. Outside of Sirocco I produce video content for Flaunt Magazine. I also draw pictures and build cool objects.

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

A: My dream has always been to take Red Moon (and Sirocco's other projects) on a tour across the world, screening the movie in unlikely venues. But, the exciting part would be to build the screenings so they'd almost be like a vaudeville performance. I love the contradiction of having the screening be performative.

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

A: Sirocco's in pre-production on a feature I finished writing recently. It takes place during the Civil War era on the American Plains. It's an adventure film! It's action-packed. Lots of forbidden love, close calls, and beauty. That's the next big project. In the meantime, we're going on a new music video, and kicking around the idea of a short film.

Take 5 with "Frontman"

2012-01-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

Ben Hyland, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Ben Hyland, director of narrative feature “Frontman.”

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

A: Frontman is a mock-u-musical. A group of old school friends reunite a soft rock band twentyfive years they split up. The men, now all middle aged, share lifes trials and tribulations in this little comedy with a huge heart. Frontman is a musical jounrey of five strangers becoming friends for the second time. If you like music, laughing and crying (happy tears) then come along and watch Frontman.

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

A: Making a feature film was the steepest and quickest learning curve of my life. Logistically organising a crew of 30+, a cast that ended up spiralling into hundreds, keep focused on telling the story that I set out to tell. I think the biggest lesson learnt and the best part of getting the film made is the same answer. The fact that it was possible in the first place. The fact that we were able to squeeze a feature film that is accepted into great festivals like Oxford and received well in the UK and in the US is the ultimate pay off.

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

A: I always wanted to tell stories. I was always the kid in school trying to make the other kids laugh. Importantly I love movies. I honestly don't remember ever wanting to do anything else. I played around with a camera when I was growing up. I ultimately decided to study film at University and I have been writing and making shorts ever since. Frontman is my debut feature film.

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

A: As a filmmaker I really just want as many people as possible to watch the film. This is a my goal. We have some interest in the UK for a limited independent cinema release in 2012 but nothing is 100% at the moment. Having some kind of DVD release in the US would be amazing.

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

A: At this stage we still have a few more festivals we're waiting to hear from. After that it will be pushing for a release and seeing how far it can go. At the same time we're working on a couple of very exciting projects that will go into pre production in 2012. At the moment life in increibly exciting.

Take 5 with "Fatakra"

2012-01-05T10:00:00.001-06:00

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Soham Mehta, director of “Fatakra.”

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

A: Naveen left India to chase his dreams in America. Today, three years and a recession later, his wife and son join him. See the film because it's a story about family, and we can always use more of those!

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

A: Wow, you learn so much every time you make a film. I think that every director has a film craft that they fall back on for comfort. I've been on sets where a photography-minded director will only focus on the camera or an art-minded director will obsess over the set. But by doing that, they're avoiding the difficult job of directing. For me, I often come to set with an AD/producers mind. On past projects, I never freed myself of that mentality, so whenever the directors job got tough, I would fall back on the schedule. It doesn't matter how things fit together on the schedule, if you're not making the best film possible! For Fatakra, I learned to fight this tendency of mine. I recruited a great producing and AD team to work with and let that side of my personality go. I got to focus more on directing than I ever had before. This definitely made the film better.

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

A: I have been involved with theater since I was a child. Like many people, I began as an actor, but as I entered college, I gravitated more towards writing and directing. I founded a theater troupe after college. After several years of running the troupe, I returned to graduate school to study film. Fatakra is my MFA thesis film. The wonderful thing about coming from theater, is the amount of time it's given me to work with actors and actually test my craft in front of audiences. Those experiences continue to serve me well now that I'm a filmmaker.

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

A: Fatakra is a short film, so the distribution opportunities are relatively limited. It's already had an amazing domestic festival run. Hopefully, that will translate into an international festival run in the coming year. The ultimate hope is that the film will get some television play.

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

A: Fatakra is continuing it's journey through festivals. Meanwhile, I'm back in writing mode. I wish I could travel everywhere with the film, but if I did, I would never get another project made. I'm working with two friends to write a feature inspired by a short film I made a few years ago. I am also working on rewrites with another writer who approached me with his film. Hopefully, I'll have a feature script ready to go before Fatakra ends it festival run!

Take 5 with "The Orderly"

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-06:00

Daniel Campbell, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Daniel Campbell, writer and director of “The Orderly.”

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

A: The Orderly is a Southern Gothic comedy set in the early 50's about a timid orderly, Norville, that finds himself late for his first day of work and his first assignment: transporting two psychiatric patients to another facility 8 hours away, with only 6 hours to get them there. With each minute and mile that passes, Norville desperately struggles to keep his own sanity along this tense, bizarre, and chaotic ride.

Reason to see it: "We recently did a study of all of the people that have seen The Orderly. Almost all that have seen it have gone on to become multi-millionaires. We have no idea why, but if you like million dollar bills then you should go see it.

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

A: The biggest lesson learned... I think there are too many to count. But one of the most important things I did learn on the shoot was not to take any shot for granted.The best part of making The Orderly was getting to work and laugh with such a talented cast and crew.

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

A: I started off in the film industry with casting. I did that for a couple of years and then decided to start writing. I wrote and directed my first short a couple years ago, called Antiquities. We were actually privileged enough to have it screen at Oxford last year. Since the festival circuit, I was able to team up with writer, Graham Gordy to write the feature for Antiquities.

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

A: I guess we don't really have a distribution plan at the moment. Our focus is more on the festival circuit and just trying to get it in front of as many people as possible.

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

A: I'd love for The Orderly to get in to some more festivals around the U.S. and hopefully pick up a couple of awards along the way, if we are fortunate enough. We are now in the funding stages of Antiquities and hope to begin production in the fall of this year.

Take 5 with "How to Cheat"

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

Amber Sealey, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Amber Sealey, director, writer, producer and actor in “How to Cheat.”

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

A: How to Cheat is about an everyman who is struggling.. with his life, his wife, his sense of self.. and he decides the way to make his life better is to stop being the kind of guy who does the "right" thing and do the "wrong" thing for once and see if that makes him happy. I think we've all wondered what it would be like to walk on the dark side once or twice...

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

A: Uh.. biggest lesson learned? Don't have a baby right in the middle of editing! Best part? We've gotten such great reactions from audiences and that feels really good. Also just finishing a film, any film, feels like a huge accomplishment!

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

A: Well I'm mostly an actor. I came to filmmaking via devised (or improvised) theatre, creating theatre pieces from scratch. And that led to performance art with video accompaniment, which led to making a short, which led to features...

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

A: I'd love to have a small theatrical run to generate interest in this self-distribtution idea that I have... it's still in the percolating phase but we'll see...

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

A: We have a few more festivals to go to, and then it's time to start getting serious with the distribution. I think this movie, even though it's quite low-budget, is very accessible thematically to a wider audience so I hope to reach them somehow. For me, I have a few other projects I'm working on so we'll see which one comes to the surface first.

Take 5 with "William Tyler: Behold the Spirit"

2012-01-02T10:00:00.003-06:00

Zack Wilson, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Zack Wilson, director of “William Tyler – Behold the Spirit” a short documentary.

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

A: William Tyler is an inventive guitar player that is not afraid to explore new musical territory. Our film attempts to show him in a creative context without employing the usual music film cliches. People should see this film to be introduced to his unique sound.

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

A: The biggest lesson learned while making the film is that snow adds great production value for free. The best part about getting the film made is making more people aware of Mr. Tyler's music.

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

A: I have been making short films since I was kid. Back when you needed actual film or tape. Over the years I have continued to make shorts as well as documentary features (We Fun, The Jesus Lizard - Club), music videos, and commercials.

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

A: I would love to see this film distributed with a collection of other musical short films.

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

A: The future for our film will hopefully expand into a longer piece with William Tyler.

Take 5 with "Gypsy Heart"

2011-12-31T10:00:00.001-06:00

Daniel Lee Perea, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Daniel Lee Perea, director of Mississippi short narrative film “Gypsy Heart.”

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

A: It is a mystery set in Southern lost highways. Who can resist a mystery?! Or a beautiful woman?

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

A: The biggest lesson learned is how to improvise when things go really awry. But then we've all been learning that since day one. The best part for us was April Perea (the writer) discovering our lead actress, Courtney, in Wal-mart. I'm quite serious. You really can get ANYTHING at Wal-mart. We were lucky to find her, as this project got put off for a year and a half due to trying to find the right girl. I'd fallen in love with April's script and it was really bugging us both not to bring this project to life.

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

A: Well I've answered this question a lot, so I'll tell you a more specific story. What REALLY was the impetus to go from the idea to the action was Solomon Mortamur. This crazy guy out in nowhere in Indiana making a b-movie feature film with a Sony Handycam. He got Rudy Ray Moore (Dolemite), Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Gunnar Hansen (the original Leatherface), and Hank III in his movie. That's like a Jim Jarmusch cast! All on a Dairy Queen janitor salary. I'm not kidding. He's THAT good at talking people into stuff. I had some music on the soundtrack and got a decapitation cameo. Watching a guy that determined to take almost absolutely NOTHING and turn it into something called "It Came From Trafalgar" made me realize I had absolutely no excuses not to follow my passion for film. My hat is off to him.

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

A: Sony buys it for a zillion dollars and plays it on TV every day between every 25th episode of Law & Order and we all get rich and fat. And April will finally get her own damn working TARDIS. (You DID say "dream" distribution plan!)

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

A: This film marks a giant leap upwards in the sense that it has by FAR the best production values of anything I've ever made. It's sort of a 'graduation' project. Kinda like going from a garage band to a polished act. What Gypsy Heart means is that in technical terms, I have grown to the place I feel I need to be to move forward with the next step - that being putting together financing, a professional cast and crew, and moving forward with my Hearse Driver feature. To be perfectly honest, I may not even continue to make films. A real feature "push" is the one piece of unfinished business I have left in my movie career, and its success or failure will determine whether I even remain in this industry. I am very fortunate in that there are several other things I can do, and will forever be endlessly grateful to everybody who ever supported us, worked on this and all our films, and came to screenings.

But now in that Bizarro dream world where Sony gave us a zillion dollars...well...the future is this: April will run a ranch that rescues animals from the pound, Melissa will learn how to drive, Casey Spradling will buy the Playboy Mansion, Ashley W will go on tour with Coheed & Cambria as his backing band, I will run my own pro-wrestling promotion, Glenn will buy back the soul he traded to the devil to get his painting skills, Courtney will buy world peace and also every pair of heels she ever wanted, and Johnny McPhail will hire Quentin Tarantino to work for him (with Sabrina as both his secretary AND limo driver in yet another dual role.)
Thank you for actually reading all that! Now check out the trailer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1hVCKd4dUs

Take 5 with "Bathing and the Single Girl"

2011-12-30T10:00:00.002-06:00

McCarthy, star and director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Christine Elise McCarthy, writer, director and actress of “Bathing and the Single Girl,” a narrative short at the festival.

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

A: BATHING AND THE SINGLE GIRL was initially written to be performed live; simply read in front of an audience (UCB Theater; Naked Angels). One of these readings was video taped by a friend and, upon seeing that recording, another friend suggested we shoot it as a short. This friend and I shot on February 4 and March 24, 2010 and I then enlisted a second friend for three additional days of shooting -- July 30, September 22 and October 13, 2010. BATHING AND THE SINGLE GIRL hadn’t been conceived as a film & no changes were made to the original text to accommodate the new format. This presented several artistic challenges as did the fact that I had no money to spend.

It was made for the cost of pizza & wine with a crew of TWO.

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

A: You can make a film - at ANY budget - if you are resourceful enough.

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

A: Originally from Boston, I have been acting professionally for 22 years. I have been seen on many televisions shows, most notably "ER," "Beverly Hills 90210," HBO’s "Tell Me You Love Me," "Law & Order: SVU," "China Beach" and "In the Heat of the Night." My film credits include many indie projects, including Route 30 and Mojave Phone Booth, as well as Boiling Point andVanishing Point (both with Viggo Mortenson). As a writer, I have three episodes of "Beverly Hills 90210" to my credit. I have also appeared at the Los Angeles comedy theaters Upright Citizens Brigade and Naked Angels, reading comical true-life essays. I have been on the selection committee of Michigan’s Waterfront Film Festival for all or its 13 years and a juror at several regional festivals all over America. Bathing & the Single Girl, is my first effort in producing / directing. This year - I completed a novel based on the short film and signed to a NY based literary agency (Dystel & Goderich) for representation.

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

A: It is a short. Distribution itself is a dream.

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

A: MY BOOK!!!!!!! An international best seller!

Take 5 with "Entanglement"

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-06:00

Renae Radford, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Renae Radford, director of “Entanglement.”

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

A: My film has a unique visual interpretation on the emotions that relationships can elicit and the journey that we embark upon when experiencing them. Anyone that is interested in something unique and that enjoys music and animation should come and see the film.

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

A: The biggest lesson I learned while making the film is that animation takes a long time to create! The best part of getting it made is being able to send it to festivals and share it with other people.

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

A: I graduated from Bradley University in 2006 with a BA in Multimedia. After undergrad I continued my studies at the University of Southern California in their Animation and Digital Arts MFA program which I graduated from in 2009. Since the beginning I've been creating movies and animation and have had many years of experience completing these types of projects. I currently work for Dreamworks Animation as the modeling and surfacing coordinator for the feature animated film "Rise of the Guardians" which is currently in production. I love working on short independent animation films that are my own and collaborating with incredibly talented people to work on larger animated feature films.

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

A: Right now all I hope is that my film continues to play on the short film festival circuit. If one of the independent film cable channels are interested in distributing my film on their channels I'd be interested in that opportunity too.

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

A: I'm not sure what my future holds or what the future of my film is. I hope my film continues getting picked up by other festivals and that I'm able to get some exposure for my work in that maybe someone will be interested in hiring me or collaborating with me so that I can continue to work in this medium.

Take 5 with "Plural"

2011-12-28T10:00:00.001-06:00

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Dan Inglis, writer and director of “Plural.”

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

A: 'Plural' is an experimental digital short film exploring concepts of world-view, subjectivity, and relationships between human perception and nature.

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

A: Other people's reactions and interpretations of my completed films are always interesting.

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

A: I've been making experimental films for a few years now. And I always enjoy helping out on others' film projects. Some films and info can be found at www.daninglis.co.nz

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

A: I don't have any major plans for 'Plural', but it's always nice to have films seen in festivals like the Oxford Film Fest.

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

A: 'Plural' should be having a few more festival screenings, and I'll be getting to work on the next film.

Take 5 with "The New Debutantes"

2011-12-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

Jarratt Taylor, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jarratt Taylor, director of “The New Debutantes.”

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

A: Inner city kids learn how to grow up by taking classes in etiquette. While not unproblematic it's important to see cotillion transformed to empower kids at a point when they're often powerless.

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

A: Even though I have done quite a few documentary shorts before it felt like I was making a documentary for the first time. I needed to let myself be open to learning all of the things I thought I knew. The best part was finding good footage in all that I shot. It helped that I shot 30 hours, but I was nervous that I was shooting poorly and that the lighting and sound weren't good. So, to find that all wasn't lost was really encouraging. Also, I was so excited to be welcomed in by Ms. Pat at Urban Bridges and given the access to shoot her classes. I can be challenging to get access. So, the fact that she liked the story I told meant a lot to me.

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

A: I have been involved with film/video since 2004. I first got involved while I was working in social services. The filmmaking I wanted to do was connected to the social work. I now work as an editor but I the filmmaking I would like to do continues to have a social issue focus. I just finished my certificate in film at the NW Film Center School of Film in Portland, OR. So most of my project have been connected to classes I have taken, but I have also done a number of independent and freelance related projects for Current TV.

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

A: There is a chance it might play on a new cable network with a focus on the African American experience. I have also entered it in the Doc Shop at Hot Docs so we'll see if anyone notices it there. I'll take whatever I can get.

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

A: At the moment I am just hoping my film gets into a few festivals. I am trying to develop a couple of ideas for another documentary short. I always want the perfect thing to just fall into my lap but it never works that way. I am also in the process of revising a screenplay for a narrative short that I would like to shoot in the summer. It seems like if you have a bunch of ideas going at once one of them might actually get completed.

Take 5 with "Fresh Skweezed"

2011-12-26T10:00:00.002-06:00

G.B. Shannon, co-director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, GB Shannon, co-director of the narrative short "Fresh Skweezed."

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

A: Fresh Skweezed follows the story of Maggie, a street smart 11 year old, who is stifled by a shaky home-life and constant torment from the neighborhood bully. With a healthy dose of moxie and a talent for the hustle, this endearing little girl is fighting for more than just stability in her turbulent surroundings. Her life's turned sour and she has no choice but to make a stand. At every festival the film has played, people are really drawn to Mississippi native, Haley Parker's performance as Maggie, and seem to really root for her character to overcome the bad hand she's been dealt. It's one of those special performances by a young actress that you just have to see!

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

A: Without question, the biggest lesson learned while getting Fresh Skweezed made was that, when making a film with mostly kid actors, you probably shouldn't film in a place where there is a multitude of stray cats! The film was shot in a trailer park that had been evacuated so the place was crawling with abandoned cats. Good luck getting the actors to set when they're scurrying under trailers, trying to coax out a litter of kittens with scraps of leftover lunch.

The best part of getting the film made was seeing these same child actor's faces when they watched the film for the first time - a film that they probably thought they would never see in their lifetime because eight months is an eternity for a kid to wait for a short film to be completed! Crazy kids.

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

A: This is our 3rd collaborative film we've made together. In 2009, Woke Up Ugly, played at a dozen festivals, including Maryland, Palm Beach and The Nashville Film Festival, as well as winning awards for Best Short Film at both the Indie Memphis Film Festival and the Red Rock Film Festival. We both studied film in college and Ryan makes his living as a Director of Photography and GB Shannon as a video editor.

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

A: You're always hopeful but, with a short film, sometimes just finding the right fit online where it can be seen by the most people possible is the best case scenario. There have been a few new options to short filmmakers in the past few months that might provide short films a place to exist and hopefully generate some return.

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

A: We're at the beginning of the festival run for Fresh Skweezed, since we just started the submission process in late 2011, so we are hopeful that we have the opportunity to screen the film in front of more audiences in the months to come. As for the future, we are shooting our 4th short film together in March, with our first feature collaboration set for the latter part of 2012.

Take 5 with "Rhino Resurrected"

2011-12-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

Keith Shapiro, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Keith Shapiro, director, editor and co-cinematographer of documentary feature “Rhino Resurrected.”

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

A: A madcap homage to the lost art of communal music consumption-must see for those who laugh, love or cross swords about all things sensorial!

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

A: Passion is the best financier, do it yourself and people can't say NO! Peeling back the layers of the onion that is Rhino Records and meeting so many fascinating and talented people has been a real joy.

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

A: Originally form Pittsburgh, PA, I've been a professional editor and filmmaker in Los Angeles since the roaring late 90s. My first loves are music and film so why not combine the two! I've worked on just about every kind of project but always seem to strongly gravitate towards music documentaries. "Rhino Resurrected" is my second feature documentary.

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

A: To have a limited theatrical run and be seen in constant rotation on my favorite cable channels! Find creative ways to get the movie out to it's passionate audience, special edition DVDs, LPs, sky's the limit.

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

A: Eagerly hitting the festival circuit and looking for the funds to get this film out properly. I will continue to follow my passions and make films that I find irresistible.

Take 5 with "Terrebonne"

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

Jeremy Craig, writer/director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jeremy Craig, writer and director of short narrative film “Terrebonne” partially filmed in Mississippi.

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

A: Best Narrative Short at Sidewalk Film Festival and featuring an original score by The Fray, Terrebonne is a beautiful coming of age film about coastal Louisiana.

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

A: Flood stages are very real things. The landscapes were amazing.

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

A: In 2011, I recieved my MFA with Honors in film directing from Columbia University with Terrebonne as my thesis film. When I'm not writing or making movies, I'm watching the NBA, reading, or working as a writer/producer at the History Channel and living in NY with my wife and new daughter.

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

A: It's a short so there aren't a ton of options here. I guess my dream distribution would be on DVD through Wholphin or any other media outlet that allows people to see it.

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

A: I'm in post-production on The Frontier (thefrontierfilm.com), a feature documentary about the people and places of coastal Louisiana and developing the feature version of the film, which was a Nicholl Fellowship Semi-Finalist this year. I'm also working on a new script.

Take 5 with "Showtime"

2011-12-21T10:00:00.001-06:00

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Ben Guest, director of Mississippi made documentary feature “Showtime.”

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

A: Love. Loss. Friendship. Basketball. A documentary about the lives of four Mississippi girls trying to win a state championship.

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

A: Biggest lesson learned on this one was that if you can make the audience care about the people then they will care about the games. And that good sound is important.

Best part in getting the film made was showing the completed film to the young women in the film.

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

A: This is my third documentary. My last film, "The South Will Rise Again," won the Best Mississippi Documentary Award at last year's OFF and Best Documentary at the 2011 Mississippi International Film Festival.

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

A: I'd love to have it play on MPB.

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

A. I'll submit the film to a few festivals and keep my fingers crossed.

Take 5 with "The Road Less Traveled"

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

Jake Wood, musician

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jake Wood, performer in the music video “The Road Less Traveled.”

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

A: The music video for my song "The Road Less Traveled" is a positive, uplifting, and encouraging work of art.

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

A: The biggest lesson I learned in getting the film made was to always be prepared and focused when filming. The best part in getting the film made, to me, is having the satisfaction of helping to create an awesome image for an awesome song.

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

A: I am a 25 year old full-time college student and I am also a musician/singer-songwriter. I have been writing my own original songs since I was about 17 or 18. In September of 2011, I released my debut album, "Live Life" ("The Road Less Traveled" is on the album). I do have some movie/acting background. I had a brief role in "It Came From Beyond Beyond" (directed by: Daniel Lee) and I also was an extra in Rob Zombie's "Halloween 2".

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

A: I would love for as many people to see the music video as possible. I hope the song and video inspire and encourage people. It would be great if a network such as MTV or VH1 would play the video.

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

A: I would love to see the video gain a large level of recognition and attention. I would love to make more music videos for my songs in the future. I hope to continue creating music for many years to come. I would love to eventually sign a record deal and tour in the US and all over the world.

Take 5 with "Birdboy"

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Rivero, co-director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Pedro Rivero, Producer, Co-director of “Birdboy.” (Note: He asks you excuse his language as English is not his first language but we thought it was just perfect!)

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

A: BIRDBOY is a story about how difficult is to take right decisions. I think that everybody can identify with a bird who need learn to fly but he prefers to dream that he does.

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

A: Alberto and me made two different story-boards. He's a visual artist, me
a narrator. The film is the result of these two different perspectives and I think that it's a good way to collaborate. And we had the best luck with the team that worked in the film: the animators, the music composer.

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

A: After some years working as screenwriter I wasted seven years of my life to produce and direct my own animated feature film "La Crisis Carnivora", the first Spanish film in
Flash animation for theatres, that it was a total failure... I sold my home and I lost my health in it. It's better to make short films...

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

A: BIRDBOY has been selected for more than 150 film festivals, including Annecy Festival (the Cannes for animated films). Now we'd like to sell its rights for tv channels in everywhere.

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

A: Now BIRDBOY has been pre-selected for the Goya Award for the Best Spanish Animated Short Film. To win these award will be important for push the chances to get funds for make our next project: a feature film based upon the whole graphic novel Psiconautas. Meanwhile, we're working on a new short film.

Take 5 with "Man At the Door"

2011-12-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

Alan Arrivee, director

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Alan Arrivée, director of "Man At the Door," playing in the Missisippi narrative shorts block.

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

A: Man at the Door is an urban drama and allegory of the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration between Mexico and the United States. Who doesn't have an opinion on this?

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

A: A filmmaker can get a film shot, even when there are barely enough crew members available to shoot, slate and hold the boom. I've also learned yet again that shooting on actual film is very expensive. Best part in getting the film made? Even if I worry at every turn, I live to make films. I love every step in the process.

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

A:

Alan Arrivée is a filmmaker and writer and is Assistant Professor of Cinema and Cinema

Director at The University of Mississippi. His short film Silent Radio, which he both

wrote and directed, was awarded Best Foreign Film and Best Cinematography at The

European Independent Film Festival 2007. It also received the 2007 Long Island

International Film Expo's Best Actor award (Eric Winzenried) and its Triple Play Award

for Best Technical Integration (Cinematography, Original Score and Art Direction), and

won the Best Short Subject Award at the Ellensburg Film Festival. It has been the

Official Selection of over twenty international film festivals, including Staten Island and

Breckenridge. Alan received story credit on the feature film The Road to Empire, directed

by Michael Sibay, which received the Platinum ‘Remi’ Award for Best Work-In-Progress

at the 2007 Houston WorldFest. His plays have been performed in Chicago, Los Angeles

and at various universities, and his short play The Original I.Q. Tester was a finalist for

the 2007 Heideman Award. Alan is also a professional actor and is a member of the

Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity as well as the University Film & Video

Association and the Austin Film Society. He received both his B.S. in

Communication/Theatre and his M.F.A. in Writing for the Screen and Stage at

Northwestern University. Alan serves yearly on the Jury of The European Independent

Film Festival in Paris. He also served for the first time last year on the Jury of The

Oxford Film Festival in Oxford, Mississippi where he lives with his wife and daughter.

He has just completed post-production for his new short film Man at the Door.

Informally, I studied acting at Northwester, acted in Chicago for about a year, then took off for L.A. I stayed there for 10 years—acted in plays, commercials, and independent film, started a theatre company which lasted a few years, served on many film crews, then made a shift toward directing film. Ironically, from that point on, I knew I'd leave Los Angeles to be my own filmmaker outside the industry. A little after that, I also decided to pursue the teaching of filmmaking and screenwriting and got my MFA in Writing for the Screen & Stage at Northwestern University where I'd studied years ago as a undergrad in theatre. This summer, it's back to writing in preparation for my first feature film.

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

A: I plan to make one more short film before making my first feature, and I would like to find distribution for three of my shorts—SILENT RADIO, MAN AT THE DOOR, and THE ORIGINAL I.Q. TESTER—as a little collection. Of course, I'd like MAN AT THE DOOR and my other films to get various distribution in different regions, channels, be a part of collections, etc., but I also really want the three shorts on Netflix.

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

A: I've just begun submitting MAN AT THE DOOR to film festivals, so the future of the film is uncertain. As for me, I'll determined to continue helping to build the new Cinema Minor here at UM, and I'm on to planning my next short film, THE ORIGINAL I.Q. TESTER.

Take 5 with "The Beacon"

2011-12-17T10:00:00.001-06:00

Abby Olivier, co-director of The Beacon

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

A: Our film features the Beacon diner in Oxford—its food, its southern traditions, and most importantly, its people. Any Oxford local who has been around for a while, or anyone who has the slightest interest in southern food and culture should watch this film for its witty and informative entertainment.

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

A: The main takeaway from producing my first film is that the interactions I made with the Beacon folks not only greatly benefitted the film, but it made my experience humble and worthwhile. I absolutely cherish the workers and customers who I interviewed and with who I was able to spend so much time.

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

A: I co-directed The Beacon with two other students for a Southern Studies documentary film course. It was my first time behind a camera, but not the first time to experience what The Beacon has to offer! I am currently a senior at Ole Miss majoring in Public Policy Leadership with a minor in Southern Studies. I graduate in May.

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

A: I hope that anyone who lives in Oxford or may be a constant or even sporadic visitor of the town can see this film so that the next time they eat at the Beacon it will be more than just a meal.

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

A: Though I am currently not pursuing filmmaking, I love the art. If ever the opportunity arose to work full time in filmmaking, I would definitely consider it—especially documentary filmmaking.

Take 5 with "Voicemail"

2011-12-16T10:00:00.002-06:00

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

A: My movie is about a night watchman patrolling for monsters. See it because it is about what happens after the stories are over.

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

A: The Biggest Lesson:

Getting the film made is the result of combining yourself, your camera, and the story that you need to tell. There is a marvelous and terrible simplicity because every element is boiled down to its essence and a truth overrules objections and formulas.

The Best Part:

Seeing, showing, and sharing some small splice of the world in a new way. Creating something that will impact other people.

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

A: I am 24 years old and I am from New York City. I graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University in 2011 with a B.A. degree in French and Francophone studies. I studied some film theory as part of my coursework for the French and Francophone major, which included a seminar course about “Women in French Cinema.” I wrote my college senior thesis about photography and the questions raised by documentary editorial war photography.

My movie was made during the summer of 2011. I was interning full time at an event planning and design company in Beverly Hills, California, "Caravents, Inc.", while staying with my grandparents who live in Los Angeles. I made the movie by using a Vivitar DVR 410 Camcorder and filming in the hallways of my grandparent’s building when the real night watchman wasn’t around.

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

A: I would love to see it play at more festivals and then be shown as a continual looped projection in an art gallery before being displayed as a video exhibit in the permanent collection of a museum.

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

A: I will continue showing this film. I am currently editing two new black and white short experimental movies that I created this fall in New York City: “Sunday” and “Test-Drill”. “Sunday” is about the final concert performed by a man named Cello. “Test-Drill” is about a piano player who sees the end of the world. In addition to pursuing my own projects, I am also actively looking for an opportunity to work in the film industry.

Take 5 with "Hellion"

2011-12-15T10:00:00.002-06:00

Kat Candler, Director/Writer of Hellion

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

A: Hell breaks loose when Petey’s left with his hell-raising brothers. Things go from bad to really bad when Dad gets home. My nephew thinks it’s "totally weird".

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

A: The mistake I continue to make with films is shooting during the hottest month in Texas. Only this time I added a fire and three kids under twelve running around it. But I love being on set. I'm most in my element working with kids. I'm not sure what that says about me. I'm stuck in my youth, I guess.
Q. Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

A: My films have screened at Sundance, SXSW, Slamdance, Florida Film Festival, Tribeca's Kid's Series, Houston Museum of Modern Art, Chicago International Children's Film Festival, The National Institutes of Health, and on PBS. My latest teen thriller script Love Me was produced by Dolphin Entertainment and Anchor Bay Films for release in 2012. I'm a Lecturer at UT in the RTF department.

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

A: I just want as many eyes on our film as possible. Preferably on big screens in dark theaters with Twizzlers and Milk Duds.

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

A: We're working on a feature version of Hellion. I've also got a teen comedy and thriller that I hope to direct in 2012 and 2013. I just want to make movies until I'm old and gray.

Take 5 with "Happy Poet"

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Take 5 with "Worst in Show"

2011-02-09T17:00:00.002-06:00

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 filmmakers, Don Lewis and John Beck, co-directors of the documentary "Worst in Show."
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: Our films about the ugliest dogs in the world! Need I say more??

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

A: I think the biggest lesson learned was giving yourself enough time for editing. We haven't shot anything for the film in about 6 months and we're still tinkering with the editing. While our timing was pretty good in terms of finishing the film in time for the film festival season, a little more diligence in editing would have been better. We were also a tad lazy on logging footage which made things a little more difficult as well.

The best part of getting the film made was the surprises we encountered. We didn't really realize just HOW competitive the ugly dog circuit is and some of the tension and arguments we discovered were really crazy and obviously were documentary gold. There was also an incredibly touching story that came out of our film that neither John nor I saw coming. Every doc we've made has surprised us in some way we never saw coming and I think that's the coolest thing about making a doc. We try our best not to influence the people or scenes and let things be what they are. That has never failed to turn into something cool and hopefully for viewers, interesting.

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

A: This is John Beck and my first doc feature, we made 2 doc shorts that toured the fest circuit and even won a few awards. John has an extensive journalism background and has recently transitioned into "new" media by doing news stories that are video based. He's a great editor.

Don Lewis' background is more film related. Lewis has written for Film Threat for about 8 years and has a bachelors degree in screenwriting as well as a masters degree in cinema studies.

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

A: I honestly believe that if someone were to put our film into theaters, it would be a huge hit. People LOVE animals and I think our film has a really nice backstory in regards to animal rescue and how important that is. But aiming a little lower, we plan to do as many film festivals as we can and then try to sell the film to an on-demand type service and/or an animal related TV network. We also have some options for DVD distribution.

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

A: John and I decided we want this film to be as talked about and buzzed about as possible so we're going to play as many film festivals as we can and try all sorts of way to get people interested in our film. Honestly, "Worst in Show" isn't a "festival" type doc per se. That's not a bad thing though as I think it might engage people who don't go to alot of film fests. As I alluded to earlier, we both want this doc to get us into the next level of filmmaking; doc features. We want to sell it. Our other short docs were used to get us in the door at fests and now we want to step it up a notch.

We do have some ideas for our next project and they're pretty cool. We like off-centered stories and we also like to stay close to home as we have regular jobs and kids. But we have some stuff cooking. The priority right now is "Worst in Show."

Take 5 with "Happy Face"

2011-02-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

Franklin Laviola (behind the camera)

Take 5 with "Wrestling with my Father"

2011-02-08T17:00:00.002-06:00

Scene from Wrestling with my Father

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, Charles Fairbanks, director of "Wrestling with my Father."
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 is kind of about wrestling, but then not at all.

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

A: I learned that – despite all the conflicts I've had with my father, especially in my adult life – we still have this ineffable connection, something ethereal, intangible, that has something to do with wrestling. The best part was watching my dad, a very humble man from rural Nebraska, become a star at the festivals we went to.

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

A: Long before making movies I was a photographer and wrestler. I was really frustrated with grad school until I started wrestling again, and strapped a camera to my head.

here's the rest:

Charles Fairbanks is a wrestler and filmmaker. His recent work focuses on pro wrestling in Mexico, where the artist fights as the One-Eyed Cat with a camera built into his mask. Chuck grew up in rural Nebraska until a wrestling scholarship took him to Stanford, where he studied Art and the History of Science. While finishing graduate school at the University of Michigan, he also worked as the wrestling coach / choreographer for the University Productions staging of Claire Luckham’s Trafford Tanzi – a feminist play written for the pub, directed by Malcolm Tulip.

In 2010 Fairbanks was a Flaherty Seminar Fellow, was selected to take part in Werner Herzog’s first Rogue Film School, and was invited to present his films at the Tepoztlán Institute for Transnational History of the Americas. His films have shown at the Internacional Festival de Cinema de Morelia, CPH:DOX, Festival dei Popoli, Festival des Cinémas Différents et Expérimentaux de Paris, the Athens International Film Festival, the Montreal Underground Film Festival, the Slamdance Film Festival, the Arena Sports Bar, the Gangrene Comedy Festival, and at the Palenque de Gallos in San Cristobal de las Casas (a cockfighting stadium). He continues wrestling and filming toward his first feature.

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

A: I just want everyone to see it.

But if it was a dream, then probably everyone would be wrestling in the movie theater while watching it, and there wouldn't be any seats only a wrestling mat covering the steeply graded floor, or maybe the mat would cover traditional movie seats too, though that would make it harder to clean up the spilled Coke.

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

A: I'm teaching experimental video at the UNICACH - Universidad de las Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, in Tuxtla, Southern Mexico. Meanwhile trying to finish a film on Lucha Libre, which involves an alter-ego called El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), a wrestler with a camera built into his mask.

Take 5 with "The World of Film Festivals"

2011-02-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

Take 5 with "Passenger Pigeons"

2011-02-07T17:00:00.001-06:00

We've been screening Passenger Pigeons for almost a year now. I would imagine after the spring, our festival circuit will end. Hopefully sometime soon after that we'll put it out on DVD.
In July, I plan on shooting another feature called PILGRIM SONG. It's another Kentucky based film focusing on an unemployed music teacher who seeks self-guidance as he hikes the Sheltowee Trace Trail.
The guys from the Memphis based production company, PAPER MOON FILMS are on board to produce. It's an exciting marriage! Karrie Crouse, Tim Morton, and Bryan Marshall (from Passenger Pigeons) are returning to act. To learn more about the project you can go here:
http://pilgrimsong.chipin.com/p/

Martha Stephens -

Take 5 with "Monster Hunt with James and Kevin"

2011-02-06T08:00:00.002-06:00

Take 5 with "Inside Out/Side One"

2011-02-05T17:00:00.002-06:00

Take 5 with "Grounded by Reality"

2011-02-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

Take 5 with "Robert Box - Perfect in the Kitchen"

2011-02-04T17:00:00.003-06:00

Take 5 with "The Mud and the Blood"

2011-02-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

photo by Jody Horton

Take 5 with "Sleep Paralysis"

2011-02-03T08:00:00.002-06:00

Take 5 with "Prayers for Peace"

2011-02-02T08:00:00.002-06:00

Take 5 with "Our Time Together"

2011-02-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

Take 5 with "Where I Begin"

2011-01-31T13:36:00.000-06:00

Thomas L. Phillips, director. Photo by Mike Stanton

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, Thomas L. Phillips, director of "Where I Begin."
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: A decade after a tragic event, Jacob decides to return home to his small southern roots, only to find that the past is not really the past and that people may change but they never forget. His unexpected homecoming once again intertwines him with the family, friends and the town he left in his wake. Jacob searches for his way back home, but can you ever really go home?
Q. 2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?

A: "Where I Begin" is the third feature film that I've directed, and it never fails, you always learn something new on each and every production. If you think you know it all, then you're wrong. This time I truly learned that working with people that believe in the project makes all of the difference in the world. You can do this for money, for fame or for acknowledgment, but when you do it for love and passion, the creativity can be seen and felt the entire way through. But most importantly it can be felt in the finished product.

The best part about getting this film made is that is was a life long dream."Where I Begin" is the movie I have wanted to make since I got into this business, I had always wanted to return to the south and shoot a movie set in the south. And thanks to co-writer Melanie Addington and Laura Warner, I was able to just that.

The south is always represented in a certain way, especially small towns, and being from the south and having lived in small towns, I wanted to be able to represent that on screen. Being able to combine that with a personal story that I had been wanting to tell, was the best part about getting this film made.
Q. 3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

A: I got my start in theatre as an actor, which was nothing more than a stepping stone to directing theatre. It was fun being able to create different characters as an actor, but I am sure I got greedy. Watching directors get to create an entire world, and getting to helps actors mold their characters, was amazing to watch, and I knew that I what I wanted to do.

The stage shows I directed got smaller and smaller in black box theatres, that is because I wanted to be close to the audience and in their faces. I wanted the audience to focus on specific things at specific times, but you can only dot that so much in theater, so the idea of using a camera to make an audience see and feel what I see and feel was more than intriguing.

After getting my undergrad degree in theatre, I went off to Chapman University to get my MFA in Film/Television Production, and well, is is what I have been doing ever since.
Q. 4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: Well I think any filmmakers ultimate distribution plan would be to get picked up and get theatrical release, and in all honesty that is what I am hoping for. I mean is "Where I Begin" the type of film that will play 2,500 screens? No, but a nice independent theatrical release would be amazing. That followed by release on DVD. These are the main goals, always dream big. But nowadays there are so many outlets and ways to self distribute that anything is possible.
Q. 5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?

A: The future is looking bright right now for me and "Where I Begin." This is just the beginning of the film festival year. I hope to be traveling all over the world to as many film festivals as "Where I Begin" is accepted into, and we hope that will be many. I feel the movie can be a crowd pleaser on the film festival circuit, and hopefully find a distributor to call home before we are all said and done.

I have a couple projects floating around in my head that I want to do next. Nothing is concrete as of yet, but before I really get going on the festival circuit I will have something in mind.

Take 5 with "The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: an Urban History"

2011-01-30T08:00:00.001-06:00

(Producer Paul Fehler, left, Director Chad Freidrichs, right)