On creative problem solving…
We're an independent feature. We got things done with the help of a lot of incredible people doing us favors at every turn. We were never able to raise more than what we needed at each stage, unfortunately, so we were really building the plane as we were flying it.
It’s hard to ask for favors, but we really built relationships with people in this community. All you can do is be immensely grateful and be really honest about what you can afford, why you can only afford so much, and then give what you can back.
We shot at a hotel in upstate New York. We could only give them a certain amount of money for the day, but we took some beautiful photos and said, “At the end, we'll give you some materials so that if you want to have other shoots, you can show them, ‘Look how beautiful our hotel looks on screen!’” You know, give them sort of something extra in return so that they're benefiting to an extent as well.
On building a small-but-mighty team…
Our team was an interesting combination of folks who had done many independent films before and then some people who it was their first or second time in the particular position they were in. That was kind of a beautiful combination because there was so much goodwill and hope. In a movie like this, you’re problem solving constantly, so having people who are coming at things freshly… They might have a solution that you haven’t thought of before because they’re thinking so purely about it.
And everyone was learning no matter how much experience we have. We’ve never done it in this way in this place at this time with these people before. That spirit of openness to learn while doing was consistent across the board.
It was an intimate group. We were all staying together. It was a hugely bonding experience. I think that was a big key to our success: Everyone who was there really wanted to be there. And James [Le Gros] kept saying that we were punching above our weight as a production. I think for any crew, that is the spirit you have to have. You have to be like the David in “David and Goliath” to break through.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.