HFF 2015 Interview: Waffle Street Co-Director/Co-Writer Ian Nelms

This riches-to-rags tale is an adaptation of James Adams’ 2010 memoir of the same name, which chronicles the financier’s foray into the food industry. After being laid off at the hedge fund where he worked, and further jaded by his culpability in the crisis, Adams chose to work at a popular 24-hour diner where he claims “most of his financial knowledge has been gleaned.” Offering a fresh take on the fallout of corporate greed, Waffle Street tells the tale of Adam’s redemption and unlikely friendship found under the tutelage of Edward, the best short order cook in town. Waffle Street is a 2015 Heartland Film Festival Official Selection, Narrative Feature.

We spoke with Co-Director/Co-Writer Ian Nelms about his film:

HF: What is your film about, and how did the project come to be?

IN: The film is based on the memoir, “Waffle Street,” the true story of Jimmy Adams, a V.P. of a $30 billion hedge fund, who loses his job and winds up working as a waiter at a waffle shop. Amidst the greasy madness of the 24-hour diner, Jimmy befriends Edward, an ex-con grill master who serves up hard lessons about life, finance, and grits.

HF: What was your role in the production?

IN: Co-writer and director.

HF: Why did you submit to the Heartland Film Festival? Have you been to the Festival before?

IN: A film I produced, “Strangely In Love,” premiered there in 2014. It’s a great festival with excited filmgoing audiences that love inspirational films.

HF: What has inspired you to become a filmmaker?

IN: We’ve always loved movies and telling stories, and there’s nothing more addicting and joyous than creating something that inspires, humors, and affects people.

HF: What is something that you know about filmmaking now, but you weren’t told when you started your career?

IN: I think the amount of problem solving was the biggest surprise. Every day brings new obstacles and challenges that test you way beyond trying to find the best way to tell your story.

HF: What are some of your favorite movies? What’s your favorite worst movie (you know it’s bad, but still love it)?

IN: A few of my favorites are: Blood Simple, There Will Be Blood, True Romance. My favorite “worst” movie is probably Starship Troopers. And I’m not sure it’s really all that bad. It has some great moments.

HF: Heartland Film Festival moviegoers love filmmaker Q&As. Let’s say a Festival attendee wants to earn some brownie points—what is a question that you’d love to answer, but haven’t yet been asked?

IN: What part of the film, if any, changed the most during the editing process?