Interview with Clifton D. Cardin

James Barberousse: Why did you become a writer?

Clifton Cardin: I have many stories to tell. The answer non-writers don't understand is that I have these little gremlins in my head, and if I don't write they drive me crazy. Either way I have to get the stories out of my head and on paper to maintain what little sanity I have.

JB: How did the story for Ray of Sunshine come together in your mind?

CC: Just watched a lot of CSI and Law and Order shows one night and picked pieces I could use. So the story began as the search to solve an old racial murder.

JB: Is it based on any actual events?

CC: My work as Official Bossier Parish Historian leads me to help a lot of adopted children find their real parents. I thought that story line would make a good addition to Ray of Sunshine.

JB: Do you create characters with specific actors in mind?

CC: No. I do base some characters on people I know, but we have been extremely lucky to always find good talent.

JB: Do you think this movie has a message for its viewers?

CC: Yes! If it doesn't make a point why make it?

JB: What is the movie's message?

CC: The point I wanted to make was a question, Have we made progress on race relations since 1965 and how much further do we need to go?

JB: Are you working on any new writing projects now?

CC: Always. Had a new Civil War diary book just released. I pitched some historical novels to a publisher, and I am considering what to write for next year's movie.

JB: The BPCC Film Institute has been making one movie a year for a few years now.

CC: We just shot our fourth movie.

JB: How do they select a screenplay to produce?

CC: We develop several ideas and pick from them.

JB: Can anyone submit a screenplay for consideration?

CC: Yes. To submit click on this link http://www.bpcc.edu/DivisionofTelecommunications/scriptsub.htm