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'Buyo'
Sundance '08
Interview with Andrea Fasciani, Director
AFFP: In a couple sentences what is 'Buyo' about?
In this post-modern tale, Ralph is a guy whose voice only generates weird sounds, and Anna is deaf. One day they
meet in the elevator. Ralph's unusual voice makes Anna's body vibrate, prompting Anna's affections and her
desire to follow him everywhere.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Each project suggest me its best final shape, so the only relation between my works is my constant desire to
create an unreal atmosphere, something able to make people forget their everyday life.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
I don’ t know so much about the history of cinema. I just love great artists such as Pasolini, Herzog, Brakhage,
Lynch, Korine. In my work I’m always looking for deep emotions, I believe it’s the only way to start creating a
shape. I concentrate on simple things, common people and everyday life. The more simple is the reality, the
more abstract are the ideas it gives me.
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
No, never. It’s my first time, and it’s a honour for me.
AFFP :What is your next project?
In the next 3 years I will study direction at the National School of Cinema in Cinecittà, Rome , so the shapes I will
create there will be a result of my collaboration with other students. My next personal project will be a story about
my grandfather.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Sundance '08
Interview with Andrea Fasciani, Director
AFFP: In a couple sentences what is 'Buyo' about?
In this post-modern tale, Ralph is a guy whose voice only generates weird sounds, and Anna is deaf. One day they
meet in the elevator. Ralph's unusual voice makes Anna's body vibrate, prompting Anna's affections and her
desire to follow him everywhere.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Each project suggest me its best final shape, so the only relation between my works is my constant desire to
create an unreal atmosphere, something able to make people forget their everyday life.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
I don’ t know so much about the history of cinema. I just love great artists such as Pasolini, Herzog, Brakhage,
Lynch, Korine. In my work I’m always looking for deep emotions, I believe it’s the only way to start creating a
shape. I concentrate on simple things, common people and everyday life. The more simple is the reality, the
more abstract are the ideas it gives me.
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
No, never. It’s my first time, and it’s a honour for me.
AFFP :What is your next project?
In the next 3 years I will study direction at the National School of Cinema in Cinecittà, Rome , so the shapes I will
create there will be a result of my collaboration with other students. My next personal project will be a story about
my grandfather.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
'CHRONIC TOWN"
Sundance '08
Interview with Tom Hines, Director
AFFP: What is 'Chronic Town' about?
If you’re looking for a synopsis, this would be my answer:
“Chronic Town” is a slice-of-life piece about Truman (JR Bourne), a lonely cab driver in Fairbanks, Alaska.
After a bad acid trip lands him in the local ‘loony bin’, Truman meets a few ‘loonies’ that will have more of
an impact on him than he ever could have imagined. He may also discover that there is more to life than
just watching it pass him by.
If you’re looking for what I ‘feel’ the film is about, then I’d say:
“Chronic Town” is a story of survival. It’s that time in one’s life where you do what it takes to get through the
daily struggles. And when that ‘moment of truth’ arrives, you hope you’ve got the strength to see it through.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Not really, because I’ve spent the last 10 years working for director Garry Marshall, who is best known for his
romantic comedies. “Chronic Town” has its own form of romance and comedy, but it’s about as far removed
from ‘romantic comedy’ as you can get. The closest I’ve been to a film like this would probably be Andrew
Wagner’s “The Talent Given Us” – a film that I helped produce that was at Sundance in 2005.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
My real filmmaking background began with Garry Marshall. He first hired me as an actor in his film “Exit to
Eden”, but then offered me a full-time Assistant job on “Runaway Bride.” With the 10 years I spent with him,
I really felt it was like getting paid to go to film school. Working actors, producers, writers, directors, all
willing to share what they’ve learned over the years. Garry gave me all the opportunities to act, write and
produce, but I had to leave my job (with his blessing) to direct “Chronic Town.”
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
I was at Sundance in 2005 as a Producer on Andrew Wagner’s “The Talent Given Us.” That was an
awesome filmmaking experience. Andrew was the director/cinematographer and I was the producer/sound
guy. We were a 2-man crew, so Andrew getting into Sundance was pretty mind-blowing.
AFFP: What is your next project?
My next project is an ‘Inspired by True Events’ story about the Gallaudet University Women’s Basketball
Team. Gallaudet is the only Deaf university in the world (located in Washington, D.C.) and it’s the story of
their incredible 1998-99 basketball season. It’s called “Winning Sounds Like This” and it’s based on the
book by Wayne Coffey. I co-wrote the script with my writing partner, Bob Brunner. It’s not just about
basketball. It’s a story about the girls, their coach and what they went through as the only Deaf team in
college basketball.
AFFP: How cold was it in Alaska?
We shot for 16 days during one of the coldest March’s on record in Alaska. Our coldest day was 50 below
freezing and it never got above zero. After all that, I’m embarrassed to ever say “I’m chilly” while living in
LA.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sundance '08
Interview with Tom Hines, Director
AFFP: What is 'Chronic Town' about?
If you’re looking for a synopsis, this would be my answer:
“Chronic Town” is a slice-of-life piece about Truman (JR Bourne), a lonely cab driver in Fairbanks, Alaska.
After a bad acid trip lands him in the local ‘loony bin’, Truman meets a few ‘loonies’ that will have more of
an impact on him than he ever could have imagined. He may also discover that there is more to life than
just watching it pass him by.
If you’re looking for what I ‘feel’ the film is about, then I’d say:
“Chronic Town” is a story of survival. It’s that time in one’s life where you do what it takes to get through the
daily struggles. And when that ‘moment of truth’ arrives, you hope you’ve got the strength to see it through.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Not really, because I’ve spent the last 10 years working for director Garry Marshall, who is best known for his
romantic comedies. “Chronic Town” has its own form of romance and comedy, but it’s about as far removed
from ‘romantic comedy’ as you can get. The closest I’ve been to a film like this would probably be Andrew
Wagner’s “The Talent Given Us” – a film that I helped produce that was at Sundance in 2005.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
My real filmmaking background began with Garry Marshall. He first hired me as an actor in his film “Exit to
Eden”, but then offered me a full-time Assistant job on “Runaway Bride.” With the 10 years I spent with him,
I really felt it was like getting paid to go to film school. Working actors, producers, writers, directors, all
willing to share what they’ve learned over the years. Garry gave me all the opportunities to act, write and
produce, but I had to leave my job (with his blessing) to direct “Chronic Town.”
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
I was at Sundance in 2005 as a Producer on Andrew Wagner’s “The Talent Given Us.” That was an
awesome filmmaking experience. Andrew was the director/cinematographer and I was the producer/sound
guy. We were a 2-man crew, so Andrew getting into Sundance was pretty mind-blowing.
AFFP: What is your next project?
My next project is an ‘Inspired by True Events’ story about the Gallaudet University Women’s Basketball
Team. Gallaudet is the only Deaf university in the world (located in Washington, D.C.) and it’s the story of
their incredible 1998-99 basketball season. It’s called “Winning Sounds Like This” and it’s based on the
book by Wayne Coffey. I co-wrote the script with my writing partner, Bob Brunner. It’s not just about
basketball. It’s a story about the girls, their coach and what they went through as the only Deaf team in
college basketball.
AFFP: How cold was it in Alaska?
We shot for 16 days during one of the coldest March’s on record in Alaska. Our coldest day was 50 below
freezing and it never got above zero. After all that, I’m embarrassed to ever say “I’m chilly” while living in
LA.
_________________________________________________________________________________
'Buyo'
Sundance '08
Directed by Andrea Fasciani
Sundance '08
Directed by Andrea Fasciani
'Adventures of Baxter & McGuire: The Boss'
Sundance '08
Suju Vijayan, Producer
AFFP: In a couple sentences what is 'Adventures...' about?
This animated buddy-comedy chronicles the adventures of Baxter and McGuire, the closest of pals who
never leave each other's side. They also just happen to be testicles. In this episode, the boys lament
being overlooked by their "boss."
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
They all mix computer animation with pathos and most of them tend to make the squeamish funny. This
last part is less a result of my niche and more about making shorts that people will remember. My tastes
run the gamut.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
I am basically self-taught. I spent a dozen years working in senior level positions at Disney Feature
Animation, but none of my paid jobs required me to be creative per se. Instead, I started
writing/producing/directing animated shorts after hours with the blessing of the company. I got to work
with the very best artists in the world and learned from them. And somehow I was able to convince these
folks to take direction from me!
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
Yes. I have missed just 1 year since 1991 and that was because I was recovering from malaria! I went to
grad school at the University of Utah.
AFFP: What is your next project?
I have a variety of projects in development and am waiting to see which will get a green light first. I am
also waiting to hear about a couple of "for hire" feature projects that I am up for. It's a very exciting time
for me.
________________________________________________________________________________
Sundance '08
Suju Vijayan, Producer
AFFP: In a couple sentences what is 'Adventures...' about?
This animated buddy-comedy chronicles the adventures of Baxter and McGuire, the closest of pals who
never leave each other's side. They also just happen to be testicles. In this episode, the boys lament
being overlooked by their "boss."
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
They all mix computer animation with pathos and most of them tend to make the squeamish funny. This
last part is less a result of my niche and more about making shorts that people will remember. My tastes
run the gamut.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
I am basically self-taught. I spent a dozen years working in senior level positions at Disney Feature
Animation, but none of my paid jobs required me to be creative per se. Instead, I started
writing/producing/directing animated shorts after hours with the blessing of the company. I got to work
with the very best artists in the world and learned from them. And somehow I was able to convince these
folks to take direction from me!
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
Yes. I have missed just 1 year since 1991 and that was because I was recovering from malaria! I went to
grad school at the University of Utah.
AFFP: What is your next project?
I have a variety of projects in development and am waiting to see which will get a green light first. I am
also waiting to hear about a couple of "for hire" feature projects that I am up for. It's a very exciting time
for me.
________________________________________________________________________________
Last year's big Sundance environmental documentary was 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' - this year
it looks to be 'Fields of Fuel'. Here is an interview with Greg Reitman, the Producer, Writer, and
Director of the film:
AFFP: In a couple sentences what is 'Fields of Fuel' about?
"Fields of Fuel" is a feature length theatrical documentary about one man's search for a solution to
America's dependence on foreign oil. It tells the story of Josh Tickell, an alternative fuel zealot
who grew up in the shadows of a Louisiana oil refinery. Ten years ago he set out on a mission to
promote biodiesel, a clean burning, renewable fuel by touring the country in The Veggie Van, a
motor home fueled by used French fry oil. His road trip earned him national media attention. But
America wasn’t ready to listen. Instead they bought SUVs and hummers. Ten years later in a post 9-
11 world our country is engulfed in an oil war, our environment is being destroyed and gas prices
have gone through the roof. FIELDS OF FUEL is the story of how Josh launches the Veggie Van on
a new biodiesel-fueled quest to find out how we got into this mess and more importantly, how we
get out. What he finds on his journey are new solutions to problems, new reasons to hope for the
future and a growing grassroots movement passionate about the need for sustainable American
made fuel.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Greg Reitman is the founder of Blue Water Entertainment, Inc. an independent production
company who focuses primarily on environmental conscience entertainment. His first film which
he wrote, produced and directed was ‘Hollywood’s Magical Island – Catalina’ which is currently
syndicating on PBS which had a strong environmental theme in the film. He is currently in
production on his new feature documentary film, ‘Rooted in Peace.’
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
Graduate at UCLA Film program in writing, producing and directing. Participated in the 2003
Masters Class Program in Tel Aviv Israel in Creative Producing, Almunus at the Hollywood Film
Institute and the Travis Directing School,
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
Yes, but only as a film viewer,
AFFP: What is your next project?
The next project, I am directing and producing is called, ‘Rooted in Peace’
“ROOTED IN PEACE” deals with the Arab-Israeli conflict in a fundamentally different way. By
concentrating on the role of religious extremism in the Middle East, it exposes those who use God
to divide and conquer and reveals the road blocks to peace. Thru careful examination of Middle
Eastern culture, politics, and media, the viewer comes to understand the destructive power of
religious fundamentalists of Jews, Christians Muslims, whose mission is to create cultural division,
undermine interfaith coexistence, manipulate political systems, and ultimately prevent a peaceful
settlement in the Middle East and the rest of the world.
______________________________________________________________________________
it looks to be 'Fields of Fuel'. Here is an interview with Greg Reitman, the Producer, Writer, and
Director of the film:
AFFP: In a couple sentences what is 'Fields of Fuel' about?
"Fields of Fuel" is a feature length theatrical documentary about one man's search for a solution to
America's dependence on foreign oil. It tells the story of Josh Tickell, an alternative fuel zealot
who grew up in the shadows of a Louisiana oil refinery. Ten years ago he set out on a mission to
promote biodiesel, a clean burning, renewable fuel by touring the country in The Veggie Van, a
motor home fueled by used French fry oil. His road trip earned him national media attention. But
America wasn’t ready to listen. Instead they bought SUVs and hummers. Ten years later in a post 9-
11 world our country is engulfed in an oil war, our environment is being destroyed and gas prices
have gone through the roof. FIELDS OF FUEL is the story of how Josh launches the Veggie Van on
a new biodiesel-fueled quest to find out how we got into this mess and more importantly, how we
get out. What he finds on his journey are new solutions to problems, new reasons to hope for the
future and a growing grassroots movement passionate about the need for sustainable American
made fuel.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Greg Reitman is the founder of Blue Water Entertainment, Inc. an independent production
company who focuses primarily on environmental conscience entertainment. His first film which
he wrote, produced and directed was ‘Hollywood’s Magical Island – Catalina’ which is currently
syndicating on PBS which had a strong environmental theme in the film. He is currently in
production on his new feature documentary film, ‘Rooted in Peace.’
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
Graduate at UCLA Film program in writing, producing and directing. Participated in the 2003
Masters Class Program in Tel Aviv Israel in Creative Producing, Almunus at the Hollywood Film
Institute and the Travis Directing School,
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
Yes, but only as a film viewer,
AFFP: What is your next project?
The next project, I am directing and producing is called, ‘Rooted in Peace’
“ROOTED IN PEACE” deals with the Arab-Israeli conflict in a fundamentally different way. By
concentrating on the role of religious extremism in the Middle East, it exposes those who use God
to divide and conquer and reveals the road blocks to peace. Thru careful examination of Middle
Eastern culture, politics, and media, the viewer comes to understand the destructive power of
religious fundamentalists of Jews, Christians Muslims, whose mission is to create cultural division,
undermine interfaith coexistence, manipulate political systems, and ultimately prevent a peaceful
settlement in the Middle East and the rest of the world.
______________________________________________________________________________
SUNDANCE FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHTS
We have been chatting and emailing with producers and
directors whose work has been selected for screening at this
year's Sundance Film Festival.
We have been chatting and emailing with producers and
directors whose work has been selected for screening at this
year's Sundance Film Festival.
Interview with the director of 'Blue Eyelids', Ernesto Contrera:
AFFP:In a couple sentences what is 'Blue Eyelids' about?
Blue Eyelids is a journey through urban loneliness, a trip to the heart of a lost battle: two beings that try to love
and be loved, or in the best of scenarios, be with someone.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Yes, thematically it is very close to several of my shortfilms, like Hertzian Waves (Ondas Hertzianas, 1999) and
Evenings (Tardes, 2000). The characters are built with the same needs and the same restraint. Loneliness is the
engine that moves them.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
I studied at the University Center of Cinematographic Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. I
have worked in television, advertising and was assistant to Arturo Ripstein in his film El evangelio de las
maravillas (1998). I have directed 7 short films.
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
No, this is my first time.
AFFP:What is your next project?
I am currently in postproduction of two documentaries, one as director and the other as producer. At the same
time I am developing two scripts with my brother Carlos (screenwriter of Blue Eyelids). One is a psychological
thriller and the other is science fiction. I am convinced that the only way in which I can mature and develop as a
director is achieving a continuity in my work.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
AFFP:In a couple sentences what is 'Blue Eyelids' about?
Blue Eyelids is a journey through urban loneliness, a trip to the heart of a lost battle: two beings that try to love
and be loved, or in the best of scenarios, be with someone.
AFFP: Is there a common thread between the films you've been involved with?
Yes, thematically it is very close to several of my shortfilms, like Hertzian Waves (Ondas Hertzianas, 1999) and
Evenings (Tardes, 2000). The characters are built with the same needs and the same restraint. Loneliness is the
engine that moves them.
AFFP: What is your background as a filmmaker?
I studied at the University Center of Cinematographic Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. I
have worked in television, advertising and was assistant to Arturo Ripstein in his film El evangelio de las
maravillas (1998). I have directed 7 short films.
AFFP: Have you been to Sundance before?
No, this is my first time.
AFFP:What is your next project?
I am currently in postproduction of two documentaries, one as director and the other as producer. At the same
time I am developing two scripts with my brother Carlos (screenwriter of Blue Eyelids). One is a psychological
thriller and the other is science fiction. I am convinced that the only way in which I can mature and develop as a
director is achieving a continuity in my work.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Interview with Matthew Lessner, Director of 'By Modern Measure'
"As part of an ongoing, unaired TV series, an amateur French anthropologist presents his observations on a day in
the life of two young Americans who meet by chance outside a Taco Bell."
I've really only completed two films thus far in my career, now I'm working on another, something a little longer,
but I would say they're all very much about what it means to an American, particularly a young American, at this
specific point in history. I'm interested in our place in the current global climate, the responsibilities contained
therein, as well as the actions we take (or don't take for that matter.) I'm also very much interested in the multiple
layers of disconnect ever present in our society. I guess I try to incorporate these elements in a kind of indirect or
roundabout way, infuse them with a bit of absurd humor perhaps, try to make you laugh and think at the same
time....
My next project is a feature length narrative, it doesn't really have a name at the moment, but I've been calling it
The Woods/ Tupac's Ghost. It's about a small group of friends who've grown tired with the state of the world, and
decide that the best solution to their perceived problems is to just head off deep into the forests of the Pacific
Northwest and forge a new society from scratch. While they're all generally well intentioned, they know virtually
nothing about the workings of the natural world, or even really about the fundamental elements of society, plus
they're all addicted to technology and consumer goods, and so they kind of bring all that stuff with them. While
they're out there's kind of a major infrastructure collapse back in the real world, and things get a little crazy, there
are some other mysterious forces at play in the woods, it goes on from there.... Lot's of fireworks, hot-air balloons,
elaborate face-painting, that sort of thing.
"As part of an ongoing, unaired TV series, an amateur French anthropologist presents his observations on a day in
the life of two young Americans who meet by chance outside a Taco Bell."
I've really only completed two films thus far in my career, now I'm working on another, something a little longer,
but I would say they're all very much about what it means to an American, particularly a young American, at this
specific point in history. I'm interested in our place in the current global climate, the responsibilities contained
therein, as well as the actions we take (or don't take for that matter.) I'm also very much interested in the multiple
layers of disconnect ever present in our society. I guess I try to incorporate these elements in a kind of indirect or
roundabout way, infuse them with a bit of absurd humor perhaps, try to make you laugh and think at the same
time....
My next project is a feature length narrative, it doesn't really have a name at the moment, but I've been calling it
The Woods/ Tupac's Ghost. It's about a small group of friends who've grown tired with the state of the world, and
decide that the best solution to their perceived problems is to just head off deep into the forests of the Pacific
Northwest and forge a new society from scratch. While they're all generally well intentioned, they know virtually
nothing about the workings of the natural world, or even really about the fundamental elements of society, plus
they're all addicted to technology and consumer goods, and so they kind of bring all that stuff with them. While
they're out there's kind of a major infrastructure collapse back in the real world, and things get a little crazy, there
are some other mysterious forces at play in the woods, it goes on from there.... Lot's of fireworks, hot-air balloons,
elaborate face-painting, that sort of thing.