Expert Bios and Interview Questions

Shaun O’ Rourke

Shaun is a New Jersey native that has been living and working in the NC area for some time now. Shaun is active in many aspects of the NC film industry, filling in whatever crew position may need his skills while he’s not acting in front of the camera. Shaun is also a huge proponent of the NC Tax Incentives for film. He contributes to advocacy pages and blogs with commentary on the recent happenings of the industry as well as photos from being on set. Shaun has a bright and enthusiastic personality that would be a great asset to the documentary.

1.     Shaun, could you introduce yourself to the audience. Speak a bit about your career in film so far. Has it been concentrated locally or nationally?

2.     What has been your favorite role/crew position so far?

3.     What is your favorite part about working in the film industry, either locally or nationally?

4.     In regards to your work and passion and that of others in the state, how significantly does the NC film industry impact your life? Could you speak a bit about why you work in the film industry? What drives you?

5.     Can you think of a time when you really felt your passion for film come to life? Any special moments on set?

6.     What do you know about the NC Tax Incentives for film? Can you educate us about what’s going on?

7.     How important do you think the NC Tax Incentives for film are, not only for this industry, but the economy and wellbeing of North Carolina?

8.     What do you foresee if the Tax Incentives are not renewed in 2015?

9.     How important is this Incentive for the future of North Carolina and the USA?

10. Can you close by summarizing your experience with the film making process? What keeps you coming back to this industry?

11. Any closing remarks or any summarizing statements you'd like to close with? 

Simon-Screen Gems L&G

A native of the United Kingdom, Simon’s skills and expertise have brought him to the US and positioned him as a full time employee at EUE/Screen Gems Studios Lighting & Grip Department here in town. Simon oversees much of the day to day logistical happenings of the department and is a tech-saavy handyman when it comes to lighting. Occasionally working on set, Simon’s knowledge and experience working in the film industry is unparalleled. Simon’s sense of humor is undoubtedly British, and it will be interesting seeing how he opens up about the industry and how important these tax incentives are for NC on camera.

1.     Simon, could you introduce yourself to the audience? How did you get into working in the film industry? Can you speak a bit about your career in film so far?

2.     You have plenty of experience working in this industry. Can you speak about some of the changes/innovations you’ve seen over the years?

3.     Have there been any constant factors that have remained the same?

4.     What has been your favorite part about working in the film industry, specifically here in NC?

5.     What information can you provide from an industry workers’ standpoint about the Tax Incentives for the NC Film Industry?

6.     Why are these tax incentives important for North Carolina’s economy?

7.     If you could paint a portrait of the NC Film industry right now, what does it look like?

8.     What would your ideal portrait look like?

9.     If the Tax Incentives are not renewed in 2015, what consequences do you foresee?

10. Why do you continue to work in this industry? What brings you back?

11. Any closing remarks or any summarizing statements you'd like to close with?