A 5:30am convo btw MAPLE, WHIT and questions from 2 FANS, day of first film festival and public screening:
MAPLE:
Well, now that we are up, thanks to the flash on your camera, I’ve been thinking-
WHIT:
I know, and I would like to apologize for tearing up GREEN’S double. Though what you may not know is that GREEN’S DOUBLE (DAVID) volunteered for this role as he was dying from sever and irreversible dehydration. His last words to me were “Weee We WEE We WEWEWee WEeeeee.” (Which GREEN translated to "I hope this film makes a profound difference to even one other struggling leaf.") Now, at the time of his death scene, I made sure to check, and there was no pulse running through his veins. Also, I think that was the hardest scene to film because it had to be done in one take.
MAPLE:
Wow, thank you WHIT. GREEN and I misjudged you. Okay, so “LEAVES”…
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THIS FILM?
WHIT:
It was one of those moments of inspired creativity while out in nature witnessing the beauty of your friends slowly and inevitably falling to complete the cycle of life. And the thought of what if it was cut short.
MAPLE:
I got an email last night from Harold, a viewer asking,
“WHAT WERE THE REACTIONS OF THE PASSERS BY WHILE YOU WERE FILMING?” Now I don’t remember because I was so in character.
WHIT:
That’s a great question. Well, a I heard a few laughs, though I was focused as well. There were some looks of a not so friendly nature, a few I think were curious and some didn’t notice. Though one person did watch for a bit, then asked what I was doing. I said I was making a film. He said “Cool! Rock on brother!” Then his phone rang and he was off without another word. Though for a moment he paused.
MAPLE:
Another question, this one from Jen:
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO FILM THIS SHORT?
WHIT:
Well, a lot actually happened on that first day of inspiration, though it continued to develop over the next few months. A second day of filming your Cello scene, the writing of the poem, integrating music in a meaningful way. Though of course you and GREEN'S brilliant performances and ability to take my hands on direction truly made this film what it is today. Also, thank you for all your hard work MAPLE at learning how to play the cello, and with a twig bow!
MAPLE:
Thank you, well I had a great teacher. Okay, so one last question.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
WHIT:
Well, that is a great question, and I could answer it, but in hopes of inspiring thought, dialogue and community, I am truly more interested in what others took from your performances and the film as a whole. On the Facebook page, I would be honored by the people who would leave their thoughts, reactions and or questions.
If you send us a fun fan note via the CONTACT section of the website, we will be sure to respond ASAP.
Just let us know how you would like to be referred to on our website and/or Facebook page. Thanks for reading, and Myself, MAPLE & GREEN hope to include your thoughts soon!