Story by Agent Xero

Team Xpanse would like to thank each and every team member for their part in the making of Levity – Xero Error Minus1. This is the first of  our feature stories about them.  Agent Xero met up with Vonnie Maddox who works full time for Xpanse CGI, and was the Production  Coordinator for Levity – Xero Error Minus1.

Levity - Xero Error Minus1 will be playing at select film festivals until 2011.

Vonnie, a 41 years young American mother of 3 teenagers, answers a few questions about her involvement in the making of Levity below.

How did you find out about Xero Error / Levity?

I met Ashraf Ghori on Twitter, where I saw his biography and link. I checked it all out, and after becoming friendly through tweets I offered my  help. I had a gut feeling that this was something good and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I wasn’t sure how I could help, but knew I  wanted to help in whatever way I could. So, after a few chats Ashraf, and I decided that Production Coordinator fit me and what we needed  for the Xero Error team. That was the end of August 2009, and here we are.

How do you feel about how Levity is doing at film festivals, and the exposure it’s getting?

I’m thrilled. I believed all along it would do well. I believe in the project, in the team, and just knew in my gut that it would go far.  So I’m not surprised, but extremely thrilled and excited for us all.

When do you come into the picture (what part of the process)?

As I said earlier, I have been working with Ashraf and the team for Xero Error since late August 2009. I am in the entire process – from  conception to getting it out at film festivals, and the PR.

What challenges did you face?

There are a lot of challenges when making a film with no funding and using all volunteers. So I think that would be the biggest challenge,  and trying to make it happen under these circumstances. The other challenge would be to coordinate and get people to keep moving when they  are everywhere.

How did you handle it?

First and foremost I am a pretty organized person with a planner. I talk to Ashraf daily, where we go over things, keep him and the other  members of the administration informed, try to stay on top of matters, lots of communication with everyone, and push push push. lol

Is there anything that you would do different?

Probably more communication with the team. I think we are pretty good communicators, but more would of course be better.

Did you learn any lessons during the making of your first film?

Lots! Not that I didn’t respect others before, but I’ve learned how to respect them and their contributions better. I have a whole new  outlook on what it takes to get the job done. Not just my job but each person’s.

I also realize that we are working with volunteers, and  when in the position of a leader, you have to respect them both as people first, that they have a life and families, the fact that they are  doing this only for exposure, and that time can be an issue. So, learning to balance that and give them as much time as they need to get  the job done, but also hold on to our goals and have realistic dates to complete things.

Tell me about your duties?

I have my hand in many pots. Lol I organize the team, support them, make sure the job is getting done in a reasonable amount of time, and  do what it takes to make that happen. I handle a lot of the administrative duties. I’m also lucky enough to be involved in some of the  brainstorming and offering my opinions.  I do a lot of networking, handle some of the PR work, and write stories. My favorite part of the  job is communicating with the team members. I love chatting with all the team, but it’s through mine and Ashraf’s daily chats that I’ve  learned more about firstly the man behind Xero Error, his art, his dedication, what it takes to really pull something like this off, and I  have a new respect for him and the process.

I love the communication with the team, because it helps me to learn more about them and their jobs; also getting to know them as people,  instead of just a member of the team. It’s a really good feeling to share the excitement of things when you’ve gotten to know someone  personally. Networking is also a really cool part of my job. I have had the opportunity to talk to some greats in the field, such as Floyd  Norman, Greg Hildebrandt, Tony De Zuniga, Don Bluth, Dean Yeagle, and Dr. Naif AlMutawa. I feel that networking helps me to learn how to  reach out to people and do my job better.

Apparently you enjoy your job, is there anything that is difficult or surprises you?

I absolutely love my job. I have the best job and boss in the world. Getting people to help out without pay and in a reasonable period of  time is a real challenge. What surprises me is that sometimes people don’t want to volunteer, even if they are getting a lot of exposure  and experience that would help them in the field and become known.

Was this your first time as a Production Coordinator?

Yes. But I feel I’m doing ok.

How do you organize the team and network with everyone being all over the world?

Through the magic of Google. Gtalk, emails, Google Wave, messengers, Facebook, file sharing programs, and sometimes the phone.

What about the team? Do you feel you were part of a team and that the team members were supportive and helpful?

I do feel like I am in a strong team atmosphere. We all respect and support each other. I can’t describe how much that helps me do better  at my job.

How important do you think that was, or affected the making of this film?

I know it made all the difference. Because when you’re doing something like this, everyone has their own lives and it’s hard to sometimes  pull it all together. But when they respect and support each other big things happen. That’s what happened with Levity. We did our best,  have the utmost respect for each other and the film, and support each other immensely. It’s really an honor to know the team and be a part  of it.

How does it feel to be a part of history for the 1st CG film from the UAE?

Awesome! In every sense of the word. I had a part in history. Who would have thought…

Anything you would like to add?

I’m just so honored to be in the position that I am. I have made true lifelong friends, been a part of an awesome team that got the job  done beautifully, get to make great connections, am learning more than I ever dreamed I would about the film making process, and have a  hand in history. As I said before it’s just awesome, and I’m deeply honored.

Follow Vonnie on Facebook & Twitter:

http://www.facebook.com/vonnie.maddox

http://twitter.com/VM_DesigNut

Vonnie on IMDb

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Other links:

Floyd Norman

Greg Hildebrandt

Tony De Zuniga

Don Bluth

Dean Yeagle

Dr. Naif Al Mutawa