Funding a feature film out of pocket can be quite daunting. Having a finished film you can be proud of, priceless. That was the sentiment I felt from Ross and Maria Munro, a husband/wife team that agreed to sit down with me to explain the process of making their first feature film together.
Maria is a graphic designer with over 20 years’ experience. Ross is a writer, actor and director that attended film school in Toronto in the 80’s.
When asked why they financed the film themselves, they replied they wouldn’t qualify for crowdfunding unless they had already made a feature film previously. It’s a Catch 22.
Taking on the project, they made huge investments and a few sacrifices, along with creating an amazing experience.
“It was necessary to spend the extra money in order to create a film they could be proud of, ” says Maria.
The most expensive scene in the film takes place at the airport at YVR in the south terminal. They were allowed to shoot from 9 pm till 4 am. All other scenes were shot in Burnaby and Vancouver.
Continuity posed challenges. The story takes place in one night. However, they filmed from February 2014 to August 2014.
Ross’s character drifts in and out of reality throughout the story. They went as far as producing a punk music video to help portray one of the illusions Mitch has as a rock star.
A legacy of filmmaking dedication.
(Supplied photo)
