Remember my fascination with films and filmmaking?
Well, I’m happy to report that not only have I managed to create a number of short videos lately, I’ve also been given the exciting chance to pick the brains of a talented Australian filmmaker. It was all done through the magic of the interwebs, of course (Thanks, Melissa Cook and Hopscotch Films crew!).
But, yes… I’m pleased to present to you my first official virtual interview — with Claire McCarthy. Claire has written and directed the film “The Waiting City,” which has been shown recently in the Toronto Film Festival and the Sydney Film Festival.
The Waiting City will be shown in Australia from the 9th of July (Friday) to the 11th of July (Sunday) 2010 in selected cinemas nationwide (Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth). And, if you leave a comment or Tweet about this (or post on your Facebook, etc), you can be one of 10 winners to get a double pass to see the film for free. I’ll have to go with the first 10 comments/Tweets/FB posts. Please don’t forget to add @shaicoggins to alert me!
Now, here’s the interview video with Claire (+ my mash-up intro/ending)… Enjoy!
And, here’s the official trailer for the film -
I really think it looks great. I already read a number of great reviews about it, so I’m hoping that I’d be able to see the film too.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out The Waiting City’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
Kari (3)
Mitch Mitchell (3)
Connie (2)
eds (2)
Rachel Cotterill (2)
Anne (1)
bcylady (1)
Jazzille (1)
macy (1)
Mel W (1)
Great website Shai
Reply
Thanks, Dana! Love seeing you here.
Will contact you re: the movie pass.
Reply
Sorry my ignorance… how did the virtual interview work? I see she’s in a formal PR roadshow setting and professionally taped.
Great interview Shai
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on July 1st, 2010:
Hi, Hector. Thanks for dropping by!
I was invited to send in some interview questions for Claire. I was given the option to do a text-only response to my interview questions — or a video response. I wanted to try something new, so I opted for the latter. So, they set up the filming of the answers to my questions. Then, they sent the filmed responses back to me. All virtual.
I was tempted to do a voice over of my questions, but decided against it. 
Anyway, I’m glad you liked the interview. Will contact you via email for the movie pass.
Reply
OK- interesting way to perform an interview- did you find it unnerving or “disconnected’, not having nonverbal cues and feedback immediately? I wonder if the movie will drift into a bit of Mills and Boon- the heroine seems a bit too pretty! I guess I’ll find out soon! I’ll explore some reviews on the interwebz.
Reply
Shai Coggins reply on July 1st, 2010:
@Murfomurf – Yes, it’s a bit strange to do an interview that way, as there’s no ‘feeding off’ the responses kind of thing… and all the nonverbal cues like you mentioned. But, I’m used to doing text interviews… so that wasn’t so bad. Just knowing how to approach the text + video mash-up was interesting.
I’ve read some lukewarm reviews… but I’ve mostly read good reviews about the film. So, I’m hopeful. We’ll see how it goes!
Let me know how you like it. ‘would be interested in *your* review!
Reply
I think the virtual interview turned out nicely – well done! The film looks rather interesting, and I liked what Claire said about making films that are universal and appealing to all cultures.
Reply
Cool interview! I hope you are able to keep doing virtual interviews. I think it is a great for both you and the interviewer.
Going with the video response over the text one was definitely the right choice
Reply
Thanks, Kari and RogerAD! Glad you both liked the interview. I’m hoping to make more of them too…
Reply