MONDAY BLOCK N | 1:00 PM

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 280 characters?

"The Barn Raisers" blows the roof off the American barn story and reveals their mysterious builders. The film paints a cinematic portrait of these rural architectural icons, and reminds us that the “country cathedrals” from our past are still here to be appreciated and experienced.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

"The Barn Raisers" is not about barns. Old barns, or any old buildings, are only relevant if we understand how we are connected to them. "The Barn Raisers" is really about the people who built barns, the people who used them, and the people who are preserving and restoring them today.

#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.

Working for Columbia Pictures for seven years convinced me that I should produce films independently. Lucky for me, my wife Tammy agreed! She produces, I direct, and we both write. "The Barn Raisers" is film number twelve, and we have four others in progress. Fund raising is always the biggest challenge we face on every project, so we are very grateful to the people and organizations who support our projects.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

Wear comfortable shoes (that you don't mind getting manure on) and always know where your towel is. I grew up exploring my grandfathers barn, a barn built by my great-grandfather. It has been a joy to make this film and to share it with viewers. Three people have told us they decided to preserve rather than tear down their vintage barn after seeing the film. That's a perfect outcome, and one that we never envisioned.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

"The Barn Raisers" will air on several PBS stations in 2019. The film is also used by preservationists to raise funds for vintage barn restoration projects. We recently completed "The Amish Incident" and we are editing our first docudrama, "Sons & Daughters of Thunder." We're also shooting a PBS-style historical documentary on Harriet Beecher Stowe's Midwestern transformation into professional writer and abolitionist.