Interview

L e s l i e  C h a i n

www.BudgetFilmMaker.com: So Leslie, tell me the title of your new film?

Leslie Chain: Its called 'Mart-Face'

BFM: What is your film about?

LC: "Mart-Face" is what I have dubbed a Documentary-Drama-Comedy, 70 minutes, shot on

        Sony Hi 8 (by me), in order for those who never met my brother to meet him, even though

        he  has died. He was Down's Syndrome; and I plan to establish a foundation, and two

        schools in his honor.

BFM: What category does your films fall under drama/comedy/etc.

LC: Mart - Face,  Documentary

BFM: How much did the film cost to made? Break this down in sections?

LC: There wasn't much money. Not sure on the final figure to be honest.

BFM: How did you fund the films?

LC: I used up my last credit card to buy the Sony Hi 8 when my brother told me he was dying.

       There was no money - merely the motivation.

BFM: How did you plan to make the film?

LC: Planning - thought a lot. I had total co-operation from Mart-Face, and god only knew what

       I wanted. Didn't know what I'd get. He came through for me, as always, and gave me more

       than I ever dreamed possible. He is, was, and always will be, something else! Hilarious &

       tragic. Unforgettable.

BFM: What equipment did you use to make the film?

LC: I Bought the Sony Hi 8 with a BOSE microphone.

BFM: Where did you get the cast and crew for your film?

LC: No "cast" - just my brother, parents, cats, & dogs. They worked for free. No crew. I am it.

      Got a guy with an autistic granddaughter to edit for free, and now I am a finalist for The Roy

       Dean Editing Grant in New Zealand, which I'd love to win.

BFM: What advice would you give film makers who want to make films like this?

LC: The advice I would give other filmmakers is Nike: Just do it! I've taught at 6 universities, and

        it's nothing compared to what my brother & my babies (animals) have taught me. I've also

        studied at 6 universities. But nobody can teach you what you can learn when you become a

        filmmaker and make your own movie yourself. It's an incomparable experience I highly

         recommend. I would give students a camera, say, "Go make a movie; promote it to 3 film

         fests in 3 states; get some award, honour, of nomination; come back, and I'll give you a

        degree." That beats any 4-yr. program anywhere, though it could take much longer.

BFM: Will you be making any more films during the next year.

LC: Won't be making any more of my own movies, until I've got distribution for "Mart-Face".

       Also seeking to place 2 sitcoms, and 3 triple trilogies.

BFM:  Would you only want to direct from your own scripts?

LC: I would Love to direct other people's scripts, and have, on stage. In everything but the WGA

      & DGA, which I hope to join ASAP. What would I do differently? I'm not sure.

BFM:  What did you do before making the film.

LC: I'm a union professional: Performer/Writer/Director/Musician.

BFM: What are your inspirations and what are your favourite films?

FM: "Le Huitieme Jour", Jaco van Dormael , "Erin Brockovich"; "I Am Sam"; "The Passion of

        Christ"; "Pretty, Ugly Things"; "Mask"; "Rain Man"; "Moonstruck"; "Hope Floats";

        "Salvador"; "Scrooge"; "It's A Wonderful Life"; "Silkwood"; "Nighthawks"; "I Love Lucy"

        - TV - early episodes, which caused Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz to create Desilu Studios -

         networks rejected 'em! Still on TV - 50+ years later! I love that! And all foreign films -

         because I think they promote understanding, and are the next best thing to travel.

Leslie Chain's film 'Mart-Face' can be seen in the 'Films' sections of www.BudgetFilmMaker.com.