Director/producer Spencer Nakasako talks about shooting styles, sleep deprivation and short grain rice.

What do you hope to achieve with this film?

A lot of stuff, but if I had to zero in on what it always comes down to for me in the end, it'd be simply to tell a good story.

The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated?

I think I've come to accept the fact that filmmaking is my job. It's what I do. Just like gardening was to my dad. That was his job.

How did you figure out who would tell this story?

That was simple. From the beginning, it was always Mike. All the guys were part of a video workshop I was teaching a couple of years ago. One of the exercises I made them do was to take a camera home and talk to it directly—about anything they wanted—for ten minutes. Usually, it's a tough exercise, particularly for guys. Well, Mike came back and told me I didn't give him enough tape. He had talked for a whole hour about his family.

As a filmmaker, what was the most exciting thing about seeing Mike, David and Paul use their cameras?

Seeing their stuff in focus… just kidding. I guess it was seeing how they all came up with their own style of shooting, and how very different they all were. Mike had a kind of in-your-face approach. There was a fearless quality about his work. Paul's style was more of a fly-on-the-wall thing; he tended to not move around too much, but stood in one place and panned and zoomed. David's was perhaps the most thoughtful, he let his camera linger on stuff a lot, it was like his images were always affecting him in some way.

What didn’t you get done when you were making your film?

Didn't get enough sleep. Didn't spend enough time with my family. Didn't make enough money.

What do you think is the most inspirational food for making independent film?

Asian food! And at the center of it all has to be rice. I'm into short grain myself, but most everyone else around me are long grainers!

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?

If I can do it, you can do it.

Which filmmakers have most influenced your work?

Wayne Wang and Martin Scorsese.

If you could have one motto, what would it be?

It ain't about you, it's about the work.

What sparks your creativity?

Listening to stories.

What are your three favorite films?

Chan Is Missing, Goodfellas and Godfather II.