RC: Did anything really crazy happen while you were shooting this?
James: There were of course some crazy shows. The Dirtbombs come to mind, they're always doing something wild. But the things that really freaked us out were times like when Jason of the Von Bondies threw a pitcher of water into the audience at the Lager House and I was standing in the front row with my camera!
Sarah: Crazy things did happen. I nearly kicked a drunk guy's a** while James was in the middle of an interview. He was spilling beer all over our equipment after I had repeatedly told him to back off. So some shoving and screaming happened. When you're using expensive and borrowed equipment you've gotta do what you've gotta do…and it's all on tape. Maybe it will make a DVD extra one day.
RC: What about obstacles? Were there moments where you were like, "Oh no, I don't think this film is gonna happen"?
James: We've never attempted to do anything this big before and I don't really think I knew just how long it would take. We probably spent a whole year just organizing, logging and loading all the footage. It was times like those that you wonder if you can really stick it out until the end. Luckily, we kept ourselves motivated and in the end I'm really happy for it.
Sarah: You know, we always thought we were closer to being finished than we actually were. If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have been a bit more intimidated. I guess it's just hard to predict how long a project like this is going to take when you've never attempted to independently produce a feature-length film before.
RC: Was there anything that you really wanted to include that ended up on the cutting room floor?
Sarah: Definitely. We had some interviews that we just couldn't fit in. We had a great one with Russ Gibb who used to run the Grande Ballroom. There are so many good one-liners that we had to leave out too. They'd make great DVD Easter eggs. They're too good not to share.
RC: And, if it's not giving too much away, what's your favorite part of the film, the part that you're most proud of?
James: Personally, just being able to tell the story of this amazing group of musicians. I'm also proud to be the first filmmaker to tell the story about the Gories, an amazing band from the late '80s in Detroit that influenced every single one of these bands in one way or another.
Sarah: I agree with James, the whole movie is worth being proud of. It's not everyday that you can go to work at the office and brag that you're making a movie. I think my favorite accomplishment was getting an interview with Wayne Kramer of the MC5.
RC: Now that it's over, would you have done anything differently?
James: I would have liked to started filming earlier. I only started filming in 2002, which means I didn't get to tape any shows at the now-legendary bar The Gold Dollar, which closed in 2001. We were able to get footage of a lot of shows there from other people, but I would have liked to do it myself.
Sarah: I really wouldn't do much different because I got to learn from all my mistakes. This has been a learn-as-you-go project. Next time around I'll have a better grasp on what our priorities will be and how to handle all the business and legal aspects.
RC: And the film is done, and it comes out on October 27. What do you have planned for opening night?
James: This October 27th is the sneak preview of the film to help raise funds to complete it. The Dirtbombs will be playing before hand in the Rivera Court of the DIA and The Witches and Outrageous Cherry will play on the stage of the theater after the film. It's going to be a great night.
Sarah: It's going to be a great celebration! I'm really excited to see everyone's reactions.
RC: And after the premiere, is anything in line for getting the film out there, like a film festival or a theater or DVD release?
James: We're going to take the film to festivals all over the world next year. Which ones depend on our schedule and who accepts it. We'd love to also have a world-wide DVD release some time next year.
RC: Suppose there were some other filmmakers from another city, and they felt they had a viable scene in their town, and wanted to make a film like this. Do you have any advice?
James: I think it's a great idea. Get some good microphones. Get some really candid interviews. Also, get all your legal stuff prepared before you start the film.
Sarah: Don't be afraid to jump in with both feet. If you have a clear intention you will make the film you want to make. Be patient, it's probably going to take longer than you expected it too. It takes time to capture the essence of a scene on camera, there's no need to rush.
It Came From Detroit premieres Friday, October 27 at the Detroit Film Theater.
