Derrick Borte made his feature directorial debut with THE JONESES which he also wrote and produced. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Borte began his career as a graphic artist for surf companies such as Billabong, Gotcha and Rip Curl. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.F.A. in painting, and quickly achieved success as an artist, showing work on both coasts. He earned an MA from the media studies program at The New School in New York, and joined the production staff at Sony Music Studios, where his fine arts background evolved with his indoctrination to film and video. Prior to making THE JONESES, Derrick honed his skills by directing commercials, as well as corporate and institutional films. Next up, he will be directing THE ZERO, based on an adaptation of Jess Walter’s novel, in late 2010 [from thejonesesmovie.com].
CW: Can you tell me what inspired you to make THE JONESES?
DB: Well, I first started writing it about eight years ago. One night I was in bed with my wife and we were watching a show about self-marketing that showed an alcohol company which hired models to go out to bars and order repeatedly the same drink. Immediately I had an “Aha” moment and decided to take this to the next level. I thought that using the concept of self-marketing as a backdrop would be the best way to handle it. I was fascinated with reality shows and the forced intimacy of people living together while the cameras are rolling. So I thought it would be interesting to use this as a hook set up against the backdrop of a stealth marketing program.
CW: So let me get this straight. You wrote, directed and produced the film. Obviously you were pretty involved with the project. What was that like?
DB: I think that wearing all these hats or spinning all these plates…it was difficult. For the most part it was beyond a full time job.
CW: THE JONESES is a one-of-a-kind film in its integration of product placement into the central story-line. Can you discuss from a Producer’s standpoint the way you approached using product placement for this particular film?
DB: Every product placement decision was made on a creative level rather than a business level. I knew that if we ended up faking every product that it would take the film into a more farcical realm. It would become overly stylized. I wanted naturalistic realism—a disarming quality. I knew we had to have real products because if we had fake brands it would’ve made the film something that I didn’t want to make. It had to be for the kind of film I wanted to make.
CW: Can you talk a little bit about the chemistry between David Duchovny and Demi Moore on set and how they approached their roles?
DB: Both of them really got it from the first time I met with each of them which impressed me the most. They both brought a lot to the table and had their own ideas. This allowed for a great spirit of collaboration. They both came to work with great ideas, ready to work, passionate about the material and their roles. And of course as many will see once the film hits theaters, Demi and David have an undeniable chemistry.
CW: After you finished writing THE JONESES, how did you end up teaming up with Echo Lake Entertainment?
DB: What I really liked about Echo Lake (Tsotsi, Away From Her) was that Doug Mankoff and I really were partners, along with Producer Kristi Zea, on this from the get-go. We all were very passionate about the script and knew that we could make something great. I’m very happy that I got to make this film with Echo Lake and I think we made a really great film together. [Echo Lake] has such a tremendous track record in developing and producing quality films so I knew I’d be in good hands.
CW: You have lots of experience with commercials and are just starting to refocus your career as an emerging filmmaker. Considering the fact that this was your directorial debut for a feature film, did you have butterflies on set?
DB: The anticipation during pre-production was a little stressful, but once we actually got into production it was a regular day of work for me. I think I’ve spent more days on set directing commercials than people who’ve done two to three features. The amazing talent of the actors was also an enormous help!
CW: I understand that your next film THE ZERO is in development. Can you tell me a little bit about what kind of movie audiences can expect?
DB: That’s correct. The Zero which we are basing off of the popular book [from author Jess Walter] will be adapted by by Brandon Boyce (Apt Pupil and Wicker Park). It’s kind of a dark political satire: think Memento meets Being There meets 12 Monkeys and Fight Club. Part psychological thriller and part satire. It’s easier for me to use reference films to describe it. The material itself is darker but also asks a lot of questions and illuminates things within our bureaucracy.
CW: If someone walked up to you on the street and asked you why they should go to the theater to see THE JONESES on April 16th, what would you say to them?
DB: I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a film that is an entertaining ride with great laughs, as well as personal stories set against a backdrop of serious social issues. Once the ride is over, I think the effect will sit with people, leaving them with something to talk about and discuss.
For more information on Derrick Borte and the upcoming release of THE JONESES please visit their website here.
Charlie Wachtel is a Senior Writer for The Film Crusade and Founder of www.filmcrusade.com.
