Marshall O. Wells
He is the Assistant Director in Paul Inman‘s That Feeling Dollar Baby film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Marshall O. Wells: Hello, I’m Marshall and I’m married to my wonderful wife, Allison, and I’m a father of 4. While attending Clemson University I started to work in the video production department on campus. That is when I got hooked on the world of video production. At that time I was helping on a show that the university was producing for tv and the start of the web, this was before YouTube. After leaving Clemson I helped to co-open my own video production business. In the course of business, I had the opportunity to produce a film. This was lots of fun and lots of work. I eventually closed my business, but I still love to be involved in films and short films are a great way to make that happen. I try to work on at least one short a year to scratch that itch.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an assistant director?
Marshall O. Wells: In the course of working with Paul about what roles he needed on his short, I offered to be the AD. This is a role that I have done a few times and really enjoy keeping the bus rolling.
SKSM: Could you talk about your experience in the shooting of That Feeling?
Marshall O. Wells: It was a small but excellent crew, a long but fun 9 days.
SKSM: You worked with Paul Inman on this film, how was that?
Marshall O. Wells: Being the AD, I was on set every day with Paul. He is a great trooper and has great vision and insight on how to get there. It was fun being his sounding board for all kinds of things along the way.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Marshall O. Wells: Not really, all the day sort of blurred together. They were long days.
SKSM: How would you adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting?
Marshall O. Wells: Being AD, I was more in charge of making sure everything was moving along on set. I do remember running slate a few times, and making suggestions on angles or lighting but the scheduling was my main job.
SKSM: How do you confer with directors, sound and lighting technicians, electricians, and other crew members to discuss assignments and determine filming sequences, desired effects, camera movements, and lighting requirements?
Marshall O. Wells: I have always tried to come to a film set with an open mind. One of the things that I have learned about myself over the years is I love to see other people’s visions come to life. So I approach it like that. I’m willing to add my options to the mix and be a sounding board for anyone that is on set.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Marshall O. Wells: My full time job is a project manager for a software development company but I always have my eye out for upcoming shorts that might be fun to work on. I also freelance shoot at sporting events for the networks or schools.
SKSM: What one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Marshall O. Wells: I’m boring, so I’m not sure.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Marshall O. Wells: Enjoy That Feeling: there was a lot of time and effort that went into it’s making.
SKSM: Would you like to add anything else?
Marshall O. Wells: Go Tigers!
