Questions w/ Hamdija Ajanovic

The Composer

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

Happily married, Tucson based, classically trained composer with a degree in film who plays multiple instruments and speaks several languages.

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

Three years ago, I worked with the director, Eli Benavidez, on Park Bench. Needless to say, it was a great experience, and when he called me (while I was on a vacation) to see if I was available to score Un mot pour Étienne, I agreed even before knowing what the film was about.

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

Even though English language is not my native one, this was the first time I worked on a non-English speaking film. I could not say that it was any different then usual. All the elements of the film, from acting and directing to lighting, cinematography, editing, etc., were beautifully crafted to convey the intended emotions. The music was already in there; all I had to do is give it a life.

Voilà!

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

I am currently composing music for Grapple Buggy, a video game for Xbox 360 that is being developed by Mommy's Best Games. In addition, my wife, Jodi, and I are collaborating on a modern day opera, based on the Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. Jodi is writting the story and lyrics, and I am composing the music. The play is scheduled to premiere next year in July.

5) What's the strangest talent you have?

Being me.

Questions w/ Frank Mohler

The Editor

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

Frank Mohler is a self-proclaimed Beta Male who is passionate about sports, movies, tv, beer, and beautiful, yet unobtainable, women.

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

I had cut a short film for Producer Allison Vanore and Executive Producer PJ Gaynard the year before, so when the Original Editor of ANTE had to pull out, Allison asked if I was available. I told here that as long as she didn't think it would conflict with the other 2 projects I was working on for her, I'd be happy to join the team.

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

No. But it wasn't too bad as I had taken French in high school and college, so I knew just enough to feel comfortable matching up the imagery with the narration. Luckily, Caitlin had already pieced together the audio before I came onboard, so that made it even easier.

"Voulez-Vous coucher avec moi ce soir?"

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

I'm currently finishing up work on a couple of DVD bonus features, and enjoying the launch of SOLO-The Series, I web series I edited for ANTE Producer, Allison Vanore.

5) If you could watch just one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why?

I refuse to answer that question. There is no fair answer.... Fine. The Princess Bride. Its got a little bit of everything in it.

Questions w/ Isabelle Giroux

The Leading Lady

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

I am a woman with the spirit of a 16 year old but the mind of a 34 year old. :)

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

I was craving for a French part in Los Angeles so when I actually saw the breakdown online, I submitted myself for the role. Next thing I knew, I was in a play with the director's best friend, which invited him to come see the show. When I was invited to audition, I felt more relaxed since I had been introduced and I could really feel the character without being stressed out... that might be what got me the part... adding to the fact that I'm a born and raised French speaker!

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

Well, indeed I have... I've worked on american movies! :) It was fun to work on a film in my own tongue because I didn't have to worry so much about the way I talked. De plus, mon partenaire dans Un mot pour Étienne était Français de France. Donc, sur le plateau, on pouvait discuter sans que personne comprenne... hahahah rien de choquant ni de personnel!

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

I'm on a revival Musical of a show called "Big Bazar" from a great French Singer, Michel Fugain. We've performed in Montreal during the Francofollies festival, in June, and we'll be touring around the province of Quebec. I've also just shot a co-star role for a new series coming up on Quebec's tv Fall 2010. I'll be in 2 episodes.

5) What's the most random thing you've ever done?

...work at a huge fast food restaurant chain... I won't say which but I'll tell you there's a big yellow letter...

Questions w/ Michaela Pentacoff

The Sound Designer

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

I enjoy working against the elements, squishing into small spaces and listening to ambiences... I'm all about sound.

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

I went through undergraduate with Eli, although he was a year or two ahead of me. We worked on several films together and have kept in touch ever since.

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

I have worked on several films where spanish was the primary language before but ANTE was my first all french film. When it comes to editing production audio, working in a language you don't primarily speak can be very tricky and requires lots of notes and a translated script (with both languages). It actually is quite fun because I begin pick up phrases in the language I would not normally use.

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

I am working on several projects at the moment, all of which are being submitted to the Sundance Film Festival this September.

5) What song describes you best? Why?

There's so much music in the world, how can I choose only one song?

Questions w/ Moira Taylor

The Makeup/Hair Artist

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

I can do it in just one word. COLORFUL!

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

I got involved with 'A Note to Etienne' because I had previously worked with almost the entire crew before on past projects such as 'Hopelessy In June' and 'Solo The Series'. I loved the time that I spent on those sets and would jump at the chance to work with them again!

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

I had never worked on a foreign film before working on 'A Note to Etienne.' It was amazing to work with the French speaking actors because the language is so beautiful. When filming, I didn't know exactly what they were saying but the actors were so incredibly talented that I was able to understand the dialogue through their emotions and actions.

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

As a freelance makeup artist it is so hard to know what my future endeavors will be. Although I have been working less on sets and more with individual clients lately which is super sad because I love the energy of movie sets!

5) What's one talent we'd be surprised you're able to do?

I don't really know if this qualifies as a talent but I'm pretty incredible at playing Flip Cup. :D

Questions w/ Gilberto Vega

The Production Designer

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

My name is Gilberto Vega, I am from Tucson, AZ and I have lived in LA for almost 7 years.

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

I got involved with the film through Allison, the producer. She emailed me and asked if I would be interested.

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

-Is this a foreign film? I thought the definition of a foreign film is a film that is shot in another country by local residents? Or a film shot in the crews' native language. As opposed to a film shot in another language regardless of location or the crews' native tongue. I don't know. But no, I've only worked on US films shot in English.

-Working on a French film was fun. I enjoyed my job in making the film appear "French."

-Paté

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

At this moment I am finishing up a music video.

5) What's the strangest item you own (clothing, toy, furniture, etc.)?

A sword.

Questions w/ Jorge Urbina

The Director of Photography

1) Tell about yourself in exactly twenty words.

I'm a dreamer, a wanderer with a goal to make movies. Someone strings them together, I analyze and then wonder.

2) How did you get involved in ‘A Note to Etienne’?

That's a good question. I got in involved through probably the best way to get involved with a project. It all started through conversations about Eli's story. Eli sent me the script, I read it and then we just talked about it. I was unaware that he was pushing to shoot it and before I knew it, we started to nail down shooting dates, etc. It's hard for me to explain but think of it like a couple of people just actively planning a trip to vegas. I hope that makes sense. My point is my involvement just happened naturally. I don't think I answered the question...

3) Have you ever worked on a foreign film before? What was it like working on a french film? Write something in French (without looking it up!)

Yes, I have worked on a foreign film before and I prefer those types of projects over english language or domestic US films or however you would classify it. It was a personal journey and I am referring to the question on what is was like working on a french film. I find these types of projects more intimate and enduring in my opinion. Having an opportunity to work on a foreign film or the experience of it to me is like having an intimate encounter with a woman from a foreign country...its strange but yet all the famaliar aspects of being physcial are the same making it a much more intense...if you don't know what I am talking about watch The Red Ballon (Lamorisse) or La Haine (Kassovitz) or Day For Night (Truffaut)....then get back to me...something in French..."cuo meck da flue bac!!!" Lol!

4) What project(s) are you working on next?

Ooo...that is a tough one...uh...I take it back...none right now...I have some personally projects I would like to develop...I might be shooting a spanish language feature in los angeles in the fall, hopefully it doesn't fall through....

5) If you could be any person for just one day, who would it be, and why?

My father...would you like know... ;)