FILMMAKER Q&A – Heather Waters

GS: What was the inspiration for your film?

HW: Having experienced many issues if being adopted, I strongly felt compelled to raise awareness on adoption issues through the voices of other adoptees and professionals who work directly with adopted people.

GS: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?

HW: We were running an adoptee getaway and decided to incorporate the documentary as part of it. The whole documentary took 12 months.

GS: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?

HW: Really keeping the content pointed and tight. There was so much information and so many stories. A lot of it ended on the cutting room floor.

GS: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?

HW: Due to the haste of putting it together, the edit was the most challenging. It was my first documentary and not planned out. Great learning curve!

GS: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?

HW: Definitely plan. Get a tight, compelling message. Research ways to construct a documentary. What do you want to say and how?