Interview with Aspiring Filmaker Tim Warmanen
by: Matthew Hundley
Former Wartburg Student/Director Tim Warmanen's second film, "At First Site" got a “Hollywood style” premiere—complete with limos and paparazzi—at the Palace Theatre in Waverly. Now you can catch a bit of the hype on DVD.
THE SCOOP
“It was great to finally see the movie on the big screen after all of our hard work,” Warmanen said.
The movie, which includes an all-student cast and crew, describes the ups and downs of searching for the perfect someone.
It follows Nate, played by Tyler Struck, a University of Northern Iowa senior, while he does his best to get the attention of Vanessa, played by Wartburg junior Emily Friedman. In the end, Nate learns he only has to be himself to get the girl.
The romantic comedy was shot in May at Wartburg and other Waverly locations, including HyVee, Radio Shack and the East Bremer Diner. Warmanen spent the summer and fall editing the movie.
“We appreciate the support of all of the Waverly businesses that let us come in early and stayed open late so that we could shoot,” producer Matt Skilling said. Skilling is a junior at Wartburg.
“At First Sight” is the second movie Warmanen has done while at Wartburg. The first, “PLAYED” premiered the fall of 2002.
THE INTERVIEW
CVEA:
This is not truly a “film” – what did you shoot this on?
Tim Warmanen:
”At First Sight” was shot on Mini-DV and edit in Final Cut Pro.
CVEA:
So who’s your biggest influence?
Tim:
The Coen Brothers and their films (Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, O’ Brother Where Art Thou). Also great films like “Citizen Kane.”
CVEA:
Give us a little production history here…
Tim:
This is my second feature. Both are romantic comedies. The first was “Played” and now we’re releasing “At First Sight.”
CVEA:
How about production notes…
Tim:
We shot most of the film during May term of 2003. There were more than 25 students involved in the making.
CVEA:
Who are your principals for this production?
Tim:
Tyler Struck, who’s at UNI, plays the lead role of “Nate.” He’s your typical underdog. The guy who likes the girl, Vanessa, who is played by Emily Friedman. She’s a junior at Wartburg.
CVEA:
So what’s it all about?
Tim:
To borrow from the tag line, “It’s a story of love, lust and losing your mind.”
CVEA:
Did you write this as well?
Tim:
I co-wrote this production with Jacob Rosdail. You’ll see him playing a bit role as “the waiter,” I’ve got a cameo in this as well.
CVEA:
So how does the title play into this production.
Tim:
It’s about “love at first sight,” first impressions and how once you start to look more closely your impressions can be completely wrong. I think we tell this in an interesting way.
CVEA:
What happens after the Thursday premier?
Tim:
After Thursday you will have to buy the DVD. It’s fairly short…45 minutes. So I’m not sure if I can submit to any festivals or anything.
CVEA:
To close, what did you learn?
Tim:
With “Played” I had to learn to handle lots of different jobs and work with lots of different people. With “At First Sight” I spent more time on details and scenery. We shot a lot of this on campus and we realized quickly the restrictions associated with the location.
CVEA:
And what’s next for you?
Tim:
I’m hoping to land an internship with Universal Studios in LA. I’ve got some connections in LA and Chicago. I hope to get into the realm of editing.
To order your copy of "At First Sight" on DVD drop an e-mail to: timothy.warmanen@wartburg.edu - he is selling the DVD for $7.
Posted: April 08, 2004  
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