Chris Riddle Filming in 48 Hours

I recently attended the MiracleMax production meeting in preparation for the 48 Hour Film Project in Asheville. After meeting and greeting with the local talent that had gathered together I found myself amazed. Here was a diversely skilled crew of designers, technicians, and actors that had assembled to spend one weekend of their lives, to work for free, to make a film that won’t be written until the genre, prop, and one line of dialogue are drawn Friday night.

I realized that we all have one thing in common, we believe in Chris Riddle’s ability to direct us through the process effectively and efficiently enough to capture the best of our abilities on film. Maybe part of it has to do with his professional yet friendly demeanor, but I was most impressed by his detail oriented approach to creating a schedule and structure to lead us safely through the weekend.
Curious why someone would take on a project this stressful for no pay, I asked him to take a moment at the end of the meeting to allow me to interview him about filmmaking and he graciously agreed. This is what he had to say.

How did you get started with film?

I’ve always been interested in stories, ever since I was a kid I would write stories out of my head. When I was in High School I started writing scripts for film. I didn’t know about the production aspects until I started taking classes at Isothermal in the Broadcast Production Department. There, I started learning how films were made and working on them. So I found that I could marry my love for story writing with film.

What was the first film you shot?

It was for the 48 Film Project. It was called “Making Lemonade” about two homeless guys and was about how one got a job and the other felt he was being left behind and trying to get him fired from the job.

How did you find out about the film festival?

My friend Rebecca told me about the project and was wishing that someone in Asheville would start the project. The next year they did, and I found out about it and signed up.

What was that first year like?

Going into it we didn’t know what to expect. It went surprisingly smoothly. There were some kinks we had to work out with interpersonal issues among the crew. But the production went smoothly and we even had time to take naps during the day. It was intense of course and there was a lot of work to get done, but we managed our time well.

What do you think is the most important thing a novice filmmaker needs to know about?

Be prepared! If you haven’t done all your homework ahead of time, finding reliable locations, equipment, and a good competent crew and cast ahead of time, then you’re going to start off at a disadvantage and find yourself in a corner.

Where do you get your equipment from?

Most of the equipment is provided by Isothermal. They also provide us students looking for extra-curricular work to expand their education into a different medium.

Who are the key crew members needed for a film?

First and foremost you have to have good writers. If you don’t have a good script, you don’t have a good movie. Second, you need reliable people who know how to use the equipment. And also, you need someone who can coach the actors into a good performance. There are also designers needed for make-up, lighting, location set up and other areas to support the director.

How do you spend most of your time during the weekend?

Awake. I spend most of my time facilitating other people, whether it be answering questions for writers, actors, or technical people. I don’t quite tell people what to do, but answer questions as to how things go. Mainly, my job is being the final word on what other people do. But I also wrap cables and move lights and whatever is needed to get the job done.

This year what do you hope incorporate that you haven’t done yet?

That’s a really good question. My personal goal I guess is to remain really focused on the performance of the actors and try to make a more cinematic product all the way around. The first two we’ve done I’m really proud of, but I’d like to make something more technically and stylistic precise executing the idea.

Do you plan to create a full length film in the near future?

Kind of, I’m working on a feature length script I’d like to produce in the next few years. I think it’s a script that would be interesting to producers I just need the time and the money to make it happen.

What projects have you been working between festivals?

I’ve been working on my short film show Video Bot that runs on URTV public access in Asheville. I’ve been trying to keep that updated and running consistently. I’m trying to keep that fresh and new every few months without too much repeat. That’s the only project I’ve worked on of my own, but as a crew member I’ve worked on Leatherheads, and a pilot episode for Studio South show hosted by WNCW’s Kim Clark interviewing local bands. I’ve also done TV commercials and promotional videos of my own. I’m trying to do more promotional work with my company MiracleMax productions in the local area. I’m still involved in doing theatre in the area as well.

Do you see yourself as a Hollywood director someday?

I’ve never been much for conventionality in any way. So I’d rather have Hollywood come to me. I’ve grown up here and like to keep my roots here in Western North Carolina because there are lots of resources here that are not being used to their full potential. If Hollywood had something to offer me I’d consider it, but until that happens I’m not interested in making the jump.

Who are your biggest influences in filmmaking?

Terry Gilliam of course because he’s completely uncompromising in everything he does, and Wes Anderson because none of his characters are just good guys or bad guys. The Cohen Brothers because they can bring a unique look to any kind of subject. I hate to say it, but Larry Clark because he is so unafraid to show things the way they are.

What does your family think about your film aspirations?

They have always been supported of me and my desire to do this. They have helped any way they can and never discouraged me. They’ve been real supportive. That goes for my group of friends too. I probably have the most helpful group of friends any human being could ask for who come and do what ever they can to make these productions happen and I’m really thankful for that.

What genre of film do you hope to draw this year?

I’d like to do a science fiction film or detective cop. Something more exciting and action oriented this year than romance last year or dark comedy the first year.

What is best possible outcome from this project?

To win best 48 Hour Film of the year and have my film screen at festivals around the world and get someone interested in my feature film script. I could win the lottery too, but only if I play and I don’t play.

The 48 Hour Film Project is an international film competition. Information about the project is at www.48hourfilm.com and you can see the past 48 hour films from around the world at www.48.tv. Chris Riddle’s film will be screened at the Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company July 24th at 4pm, July 25th at 10pm, and July 26th at 7pm.