Alex Orr: Writer/Director of A IS FOR ALEX
Alex Orr on set with Katie Orr
1Q: Tell us a little about the origins of A IS FOR ALEX, from concept to financing.
The film is about a soon to be Dad that freaks out about the upcoming birth of his first child. I shot the film over the 10 months of my wife’s pregnancy because I was……freaking out about becoming a Dad. There was no script, no financing, we just started shooting scenes that were based on what we were doing and going through. Instead of going through the experience, writing a script and then going back and making a film- we just did it as it happened. It was the most fun I have had making a movie in 10 years.
2Q: You are actually a Cinequest veteran. You are the writer/director of BLOOD CAR (one of my favorites ever) and producer of last year’s CONGRATULATIONS!.
That’s right! I love Cinequest and can’t wait to come back!
a) Does this process ever get any easier? I don’t really think the process of making a film should be easy, but it does get easier the more you do it. The self doubt and second guessing never change, they’re always the same.
b) How does Cinequest compare to other festivals? I’ve been going to any film festival that would have me since my first festival (Cinequest ’07) and Cinequest is the best. You have great venues to see films, incredible picture and sound, great parties to interact with filmmakers and amazing guest speakers.
3Q: What was your best and/or worst experience while making A IS FOR ALEX?
The best experience making this film was that it was a film that had no pressure. We were just going out every day and doing what we wanted, sometimes it didn’t work and we didn’t use the footage, sometimes we would shoot scenes we didn’t plan on and they turned out great. It was wonderful, just making a movie with your friends and not giving into the pressure of what might happen after the film is done, just having fun while we were shooting was great.
4Q: Festival audiences often have to make hard decisions about what to see, and the catalog descriptions sometimes run together. In your own words, why should people see your film?
When I go to see films at any festival I want something I’ve never seen before. That is why we go to festivals, we want something that the studios aren’t doing, something different. I can promise you, you have never seen a movie like this. This film is a really funny (and vulgar- sorry, I have a filthy mind) family comedy/Documentary that also throws in some really strange Science Fiction. It’s fun to watch, full of jokes and doesn’t alienate the viewer. Plus we will all be in San Jose for Q&A after the film (and we really slay the audience in Q&A’s, we have it down to a science.)
5Q: Time to pre-plan: You just won the Best Director Oscar for A IS FOR ALEX. Give us your acceptance speech.
“I personally believe, that U.S. Americans, are unable to do so,
because uh,
some, people out there, in our nation don’t have maps.
and uh…
I believe that our education….like such…..as in South Africa,
and The Iraq,
everywhere like such as…
and, I believe they should…..
our education over here,
in the U.S. should help the U.S.
or should help South Africa,
and should help the Iraq and Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future,
for us. And I want to thank the Academy.”
Popcorn and Vodka 