Erie International Film Festival - Jones
After being deployed to Afghanistan, a young soldier returns to the states suffering from PTSD.
Interview with Writer/Director Danna Wallace
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
We made it to send a message out that there’s more to the Military then being deployed half way around the world and fighting. They come home and they’re still fighting for their lives. We wanted people to become more aware of that. After all, 22 soldiers suffering from PTSD kill themselves every day.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
People should watch the film because we think its important to be more aware of the sacrifices our soldiers and veterans make daily, and it’s also important (and more than okay) to get treated for mental illnesses.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As stated before, our film revolves around Military and PTSD. That’s what makes it personal. However, universally, it’s about mental illness. No one is ever along when battling that and while it’s not an easy ride, it’s important to know that no one is ever alone and those who love you most will help you.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script, itself, was written a year and half before production and needless to say, it went through several (for lack of a better word) renovations. At first, there were voice overs (which were unnecessary), several scenes changed, and it also started out as a 20-page script. It was easily knocked down to 13 with the first revision alone. Over the course of production, several accommodations were made in order to make filming possible. We changed a location completely and altered the character’s perspectives to establish a greater change in character development. For example, if you watch the film, you’ll notice the main character gradually gets closer and closer to the door.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
For the most part, positive feedback. Our main focus, though, was that we did right by the Military and all their regulations/protocols. Our ultimate goal was to also do right by them and do it for them; to let them know that they have the upmost respect and will continue to have it forever.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It started out as a simple script that wasn’t going to be filmed, so it started when people read it, enjoyed it and wanted more. We think that’s when we knew it was something special.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com ?
Exposure, really. As producer and director/writer, we wanted the cast and crew to get the recognition they deserve for all the hard work the accomplished on this film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
For the most part, it’s film festival directors. They’re publicizing this film significantly and we’re incredibly gracious for what they’re doing for us.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We want people to walk away and think about everything people go through on a daily basis. People are quick to make judgements about certain people and we want to break the stereotype.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What have you done to better the lives of those around you?
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The producer, Paige Ramey, is working on producing another film called Shine, which is about a rapper overcoming stage freight to perform and accomplish her dreams. The writer/director, Danna Wallace, is working on producing a film called Curry Hallows, which is about two unpopular girls trying to fit in with the popular crew to get a top-notch table by going through a haunted house. They’re also helping out on other films with sound and other, various positions.
Interview: December 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Jones
After being deployed to Afghanistan, a young soldier returns to the states suffering from PTSD.
Length: 9 min 12 sec
Director: Danna Wallace
Producer: Paige Ramey
Writer: Danna Wallace
About the writer, director and producer:
- Producer: Paige Ramey is wanting to be a crew member for films and television shows, and hopes work her way up to producer someday.
- Writer/Director: Danna Wallace is a motivated screenwriter and filmmaker who aspires to tell honest and real stories.
Key cast: Jeffrey M. Williams (as Jackson Jones), Chloe Rae Hammock (as Dr. Coleman), Amy Carter (as Katherine Jones), and Adam Valdez (as Thomas Rogers)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Wendy and Kenneth Wallace, Kathy Lovejoy, Dorothy Bartlett, Alan Coddington, The Pepe Family, Jason Floyd, Sandee Whitson, Karl Hanson, and Adam Jones
Made in association with: Rising Sun Films, and Eastern New Mexico University
Release date: 11 May 2016
Where will it screen in the next month? Erie International Film Festival