Interview with Identity Theft director James Ward & actress Laura Weintraub

James Ward and Laura Weintraub answer some questions about Identity Theft, low budget movie making, roller derby and much more:

James - you told earlier that you got an inspiration for movie making from watching YouTube. How do you feel in particular about online video and people releasing their films via internet?

The Internet has created a lot of opportunities for independent filmmakers. Now more than ever a single person, with little more than a camera and a computer can reach millions of people.

The pros of this are that it allows for both an amazing amount of creativity and variety that you would never be able to see with just major studio releases. This new breed of independent film makers are freer than ever before, not hampered by studio restrictions or guidelines they are allowed to make the movies they want to make – which can break away from the traditional 'cookie cutter' stories that major studios keep churning out.

The major con that comes to mind is piracy. While the Internet has made it easy for people to get their movies out there, it has also make it easier for other people to pirate their movies using the same technology. This has obviously hurt the major studios, but to the independent filmmaker this can be a deathblow, since they typically have limited resources and are depending on whatever revenue they obtain for their productions to fund their next project. With the loss of even a portion of that revenue can drive the 'little guy' out of business.

Identity Theft has an original idea, although it slightly reminded me of The Hidden. Have you got any inspiration to the story, in films or in other artforms? Or even every day life?

Well, Identity Theft has a few points of inspiration. A major one comes from when I was diagnosed some years back with end stage renal failure, or kidney failure, and at that time when I was feeling betrayed by my body. I wondered why couldn't I just get another one.

Well, I got a kidney transplant and then some years later I thought back to that idea and wondered what would happen to someone who COULD get a new body whenever they wanted. It occurred to me that as a person moved from body to body, they would become more and more cut off from who they were, and would eventually lose touch with their own humanity, seeing people as little more than potential vessels to house their consciousness.

I decided that the movie would be told from the body thief's victims point of view and figured that the best way to tell the story would be to put him in a body that would be completely alien to him, so he ended up switching genders in his new body and with that, has to deal with all aspects of that new body, along with having to try to get his old body back.

I loved the fact that in Identity Theft there were no nonsense special effects, wanna-be-cool camera tricks but it really told a story and focused on it. Was this a purpose from the beginning, or was it because of small budget?

From the beginning it was always about the story. I feel that as a moviemaker one of my strengths lies with my writing. I have a degree in English and a background in creative writing, so I feel that the storyline is where the movie will either succeed or fail. So from the beginning I tried to focus on the characters and what motivated them.

From there I just told the story. I really didn't think any real special effects were needed and even hesitantly allowed the light effect to be added in the civil war scene, when the wounded man switches places with the doctor.

What was the hardest part of making Identity Theft?

Getting people to follow up with their commitments. When I first started talking about filming Identity Theft and even into production I had a number of people volunteering to help or offering locations, but when the time came for them to either show up or to deliver what they promised, suddenly they couldn't do it.

One example was a local judge I had been put in contact with about just using his chambers for a scene I had been thinking about. Well, when I talked to him, he was so excited about being a part of the film that he offered me his courtroom. He wanted to be in it, which was nothing I had planned, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity of filming in a real courtroom. So I spent the time writing a new scene, cast a few actors for the additional roles, played phone tag with the judge for awhile and when I finally got a hold of him, he told me he really couldn't get the courtroom (that I never even asked for)! I wasted 2 weeks of my time and let down the actors I had cast because of this.

What was the main goal that you set when you got an idea for the film?

My main goal was to make the best movie I could, submit it to some film festivals and see what would happen.

How long did it take to shoot and edit the film?

The principal filming took about 9 days spread over a month long period and the editing took about two and half months. I then added a few scenes shortly after that, which probably took about 2 days and spent a week or so editing them into the movie.

When can we see your next production?

Right now I am still in the planning stage, but I do plan to have my next film done in 2010.

Have you gave a thought about telling a story and your experiences about your kidney transplant operation?

Absolutely! When I was diagnosed with my kidney failure was one of the lonely times in my life, feeling as if there was no one I could connect with. The doctor's office had given me a tape of people living with kidney failure, but it was really just a commercial from a pharmaceutical company about how much your life would be better on their medication.

One of the things I would love to do would be to film a documentary about people living with and overcoming their issues with kidney disease.

Any other messages to EMVG readers?

I would love to hear from anyone who has seen Identity Theft and hear what they think of the movie. Please feel free to contact me at WandOfChange@aol.com and thanks for reading the interview!

Laura, you are a professional roller derby player and I have an impression that you are really good and respected in this sport. How did you became fascinated about roller derby, since it really looks very rough and tough!

I actually stumbled upon it, when a hockey teammate of mine told me about tryouts for a nationally televised roller derby show. I had always wanted to be on TV, so i said "Sure, what the heck - I'll go!". Well I made the cut and moved to Florida about 2 weeks later to begin filming the 1st of four amazing seasons!!

You have some acting background too. What are the highlights of your acting career?

Skating for TNN's Rollerjam was for sure the highlight of my acting career! Some other great memories include working with Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Kattan for a spot on ESPN's Espy Awards, as well as some of the local theater I have done. I love doing plays!

How did you get in touch with James Ward to make The Identity Theft?

James and i have known each other for many years and he contacted me one day about doing Identity Theft. After that we were both cast in the play "Noises Off". We worked out a lot of the filming details during rehearsals.

How did you prepare for a role, where you are practically acting a man in a woman's body? Was it difficult and we're there any surprises, that you didn't expect?

Funny you should ask this! Actually, I didnt have to prepare. That might sound kind of silly, but I often times feel very masculine in some ways. I mean, I've grown up such a tom boy, I think after a while it just kind of sinks in and feels natural. I relate really well with the opposite sex!

You also starred in film called "The Low Budget Time Machine" - how do you feel about low budget / indie films in particular?

Ahh "The Low Budget Time Machine"! That was a fun project! I love low budget/indie films. It's great to see some really quality products come out of almost nothing. True talent lies here!

Have you got plans for next movie production?

Ha! That's up to James – I'd love to do a part two!!

Finally, give us a recommendation for ultimate extraordinary roller derby movie! (also documentaries)

You are going to laugh at me when I tell you this, but I actually am not sure that I have ever watched any roller derby movies! Can you believe it? I dont think anyone will, but it's the truth!! :)

Any other messages to EMVG readers?

Thank you so much for reading this interview and watching Identity Theft! It is truly an honor to be doing this! Thanks again!! xoxo