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Loki Mulholland, the writer and director of the movie "Believe", took time to answer some questions about his new movie and two cast members, Jodi and Graham Russell.



NAF: Would you give a brief synopsis of the movie to set the scene for us?

LM: "Believe" is an award-winning comedy about the surreal world of multi-level marketing. Adam Pendon (Larry Bagby, "Walk the Line") loses his job when the steel mill closes down and is approached about an amazing "business" opportunity. Soon, Adam finds himself thrust into the fictitious world of Believe Industries and meets the people who populate the world of multi-level marketing. There are the social groupies who will never succeed no matter what they do, the super slick car salesmen and the ultra-committed die-hards that will sacrifice everything to win. Despite himself, Adam achieves great success, but that success comes with a price and he must make a decision. Does he keep believing or walk away from it all? It is rated PG and we have found that people from all age groups and walks of life enjoy the movie whether they know anything about multi-level marketing or not.

NAF: What prompted you to write a screenplay about multi-level marketing? Have you had first hand experience with it in some way?

LM: There's never been a movie about multi-level marketing. It's a funny and quirky world. I wanted to give people the inside experience and have a chance to laugh at the same time.

I did have some first hand experience. I was in Amway for a number of years. I now, jokingly, call it "undercover research" but my wife knows better.

NAF: What led you to leave it?

LM: At a certain point you begin to realize that pounding a square peg through a round hole doesn't work. I realized it really doesn't work for most people. In fact, I came to learn, it doesn't work for 99% of the people! A recent study was done that showed you had a better chance of succeeding in Vegas than you do in multi-level marketing.

NAF: "Believe" is a funny movie and many may identify with the trailers they have seen on the movie website. Why did you opt for humour rather than drama to present the message?

LM: The first idea was to do a documentary but I figured it would be so depressing that no one would want to see it. Besides, multi-level marketing companies try to keep things very hush-hush so it would have been very hard to do a real documentary and not some sort of reality television show.

Thus, I opted to make a mocumentary. People get the sense that they are watching a documentary but everything is made up and funny. Comedy is a great vehicle to engage people. We wanted to inform people...to turn the lights on. If they want, they can then dig deeper on sites like www.merchantsofdeception.com by Eric Scheibeler, a former Emerald in Amway, who really lays it all out on what's wrong with MLMs.

NAF: The satire aside, is there a larger message, a serious message, you are trying to communicate or is the satire an end in itself?

LM: The movie, while a satire and funny, has some nice dramatic moments as well (it's what makes the comedy that much funnier). If it's too good to be true it probably is. Nothing worth having is free in this world. There are no quick fixes.

NAF: In what ways would the movie have been different had you decided to take the drama avenue rather than satire?

LM: It would have been a completely different story and would have probably had to be a very dramatic piece. In the end, it would've probably come across as a gloried movie of the week because of how serious the subject matter is. I'm sure a comedy in a normal narrative format could've been done but no one would believe it nor probably relate as well to the characters and story as they do with "Believe".

NAF: What counsel would you give to multi-level marketers and their organizations?

LM: Tell the truth. Don't hide your business with deceptive tactics. If you're in Amway then tell them it's Amway from the get-go and not some song and dance that wastes people's time. If it's the greatest business opportunity in the world then why hide it? Either make it a business where anyone can truly succeed if they put the effort in or, otherwise, tell them the truth that you have a 99% chance of never making any money.

NAF: What counsel would you give to those approached by multi-level markers and thinking of venturing into this field?

LM: For those who are approached and don't wish to be. I recommend they go to the National MLM Do Not Contact Registry at www.donotcontactlist.com and register their name. If you are thinking about venturing into this field, watch Believe, read the resources available to you about the industry on the web, and do not follow your emotional response to get in because then you've automatically disengaged your brain.

NAF: What kinds of response have you received from those who work in multi-level marketing?

LM: Some people have been very opposed to us. In Michigan, where the initial theatrical release is taking place, we have faced a lot of opposition from Amway. They've attempted to smear and marginalize our film while releasing commercials to bolster there image in Michigan as a direct response to our movie. It tells me that they have something to hide.

Most MLMers enjoy the movie because they see it for what it is...a great light-hearted, family friendly movie. We even had one owner of an MLM company tell us it is exactly what the industry needs. It's a wake-up call and he hopes it does well.

NAF: What was the atmosphere like on the movie set?

LM: Everyone was very professional. When it was time to get serious everyone knew their part. When we weren't shooting it was a rather easy going shoot. People had a good time and were very relaxed.

NAF: Will the movie be released outside of the United States?

LM: We have received numerous requests from across the globe in such far off places as Australia, India, Germany and the UK. If the demand is there, we will do our best to get the movie to those places. Of course, when the movie is out on DVD, and because of the internet, we'll be able to get to whoever wants it.

NAF: Are there other organizations or vocations that may become the targets of your witty pen?

LM: Border Patrol Vigilante Groups.

NAF: Had you worked with Jodi Russell prior to Believe?

LM: I had never worked with Jodi before. It was my first film.

NAF: Why did you select Jodi for the role of Betty Fuller?

LM: There were several reasons. Most importantly, she's a great actress. We get a lot of compliments for her performance. Every scene we shot of her is in the movie (of course, some of the scenes are shorter than others because that's just part of the editing process). Second, she's beautiful. Third, she worked well with Lincoln Hoppe. Finally, we knew she would be fun to have on the set.

NAF: What surprised you most about her acting during filming of the movie?

LM: When you put a beautiful woman on the screen most people can't get beyond that. They focus on the beauty and then discredit their acting ability because they figure their looks are what they were hired for. We get a lot of compliments about Jodi and it proves that, despite her beauty, people accepted her and her character. Jodi's character is a complicated character. She doesn't say a lot and must convey her message through her face and eyes. Jodi completely understood that and really nailed the role. She was really one of the most important characters in the movie because of who her husband was. It was critical to have the proper balance and she did it.

NAF: What impressed you most about her?

LM: I was amazed at how fun she was. You never know with some people. She loves to laugh and people enjoyed being around her.

NAF: What was the reaction of the other cast members to Jodi? In what ways were their performances affected by her?

LM: There was only one character that worked with Jodi but the cast and crew alike had a lot of fun being around her. Film sets are a very hectic and intense pressure cooker. Jodi was a ray of sunshine on our set. We looked forward to her call times. There was a huge gap from the first scenes she shot to the very last scene (on the last day). When we saw her again it seemed like a million years had gone by and we all bonded like long lost friends.

NAF: Are there any humorous stories you can share about Jodi that came up during filming?

LM: In all honesty I can't remember any at the moment. I think one of the funnier things that happened on set was when her movie husband says "I know it was you" to his "daughter". It was a very funny scene but the way he said it was real creepy. It sent chills down your spine. After the scene, Jodi blurts out, "You're a monster." Unfortunately, the portion of the scene I'm describing was cut short and so what I'm referring to won't be seen until the DVD where it will be a DVD extra.

NAF: When casting for the role of Jon Loch, the Believe balladeer, were there other persons, apart from Graham, you considered? Would you name them?

LM: The film was made in Utah and so we thought it would be funny to get Donny Osmond to play the character of Jon Loch. However, he wasn't available. We were coming down to the wire when our casting director mentioned that Jodi (whom we had already set in our minds as one of the leading females) was married to Graham. We asked her if she thought Graham might be interested. She checked and he said he would be if he liked the song. The rest, as they say, is history.

NAF: What sold you on Graham for the role?

LM: The look, the chops, the professionalism. When you have someone of his caliber and star wattage it's not hard to make that decision.

NAF: Graham and Jodi live in Utah. Did that play an important role in selecting them to be in the movie?

LM: No. We were looking for the best people in each role. In actuality, Graham's schedule, as you can imagine, was quite chaotic but he moved heaven and earth to make it work. He flew out from New York for some shooting on a Thursday, went to his son's wedding in California on Friday, and then flew back to do the concert scenes on Saturday.

NAF: Did the Jon Loch character turn out exactly as you envisioned him when you wrote the part? In what ways, if any, did Graham's personality change the character?

LM: Great performers add nuances to characters beyond what even a director envisions. Graham was no different. While he is first and foremost a musical artist his years of performing in front of millions of people didn't hurt. I think the biggest surprise was his accent (I had never heard speak...just sing). It added an international quality, and thus, a grander scope to the film.

NAF: Those who have seen Graham on stage with Air Supply know he is a great performer. How would you rate his acting in "Believe" and were you surprised?

LM: He delivered. I'm embarrassed to say it but I was surprised by his concert performance. I had never been to an Air Supply concert and knowing Air Supply for their incredible ballads I had no idea that he could rock the house. Right before we started, I said, "Now, just give us a big exciting sort of performance." He looked at me like I had just come from the moon and said, "You've never been to one of our concerts have you." I shook my head. "Well then," he said, "don't worry about a thing." The music kicked in, the fire works exploded and my jaw dropped. I knew then and there we were going to have some fun.

NAF: How would you describe working with Graham on this movie?

LK: Pure professionalism. It was an honour to work with him; a real treat. He loves his fans and knows how to treat them well. I remember when he showed up. The extras had been there all day and were getting restless. I came to him and asked if he would mind working the crowd up a little bit. We gave a brief introduction and he came out to a roaring and appreciative reception. He then promised them that if they did their part he would give them a private concert afterward. People told us later on that it was the best shoot they had ever been on. That's what it is like working with Graham.

NAF: What is your opinion of his musical abilities? What stands out?

LM: He's great. He really is. You never know how much is studio production and how much is real. It's the real deal with Graham. You can't stick around as long as they have without delivering. Anyone who can write the hits he has and still galvanize crowds after all these years deserves the respect they have earned.

NAF: Have you seen Graham perform on stage with Air Supply?

LM: The first time I saw him perform was at the film shoot. After we had wrapped, Graham and Jodi invited us to their concert in Sandy, UT back in 2004. I had never been to a concert before with my wife and, as you probably know, it never hurts to take your love one to an Air Supply concert. Afterwards, we went backstage to meet the band and hang out with Jodi and Graham. I think the neatest part was watching Graham interact with his fans afterwards. I've never seen an artist stick around after a concert and embrace their fans the way he does.

NAF: Readers may not know this, but you wrote the song "Believe", the song performed by Graham in the movie. Were you pleased with the result of Graham's performance? What did he bring to the song that made it satisfying to you?

LM: I was very pleased. It's a once in a life time experience to have a rock star perform one of your songs. What's funny is the song was meant to be rather tongue-and-cheek but Graham elevated it beyond that and people really get into it.

NAF: Do you have a story about Graham you would like to share?

LM: Sure. I have two stories actually. First, there's a song Graham sings in the movie that isn't "Believe". It's a very short verse and very corny. He has to sing it like he really means it (it's quite funny because he nails it so well). I had to teach him how the song went. He and I are sitting on some steps with the song in our hands. I'm singing him the song and he's singing it back to me. We're bouncing it off of each other. I'm correcting a few parts and then I look up and say, out loud, "I can't believe I'm teaching Graham Russell how to sing."

On a more serious note, after the shoot, Graham and Jodi were heading to their car. I went out there with my wife and thanked them. He was getting in his car when I showed up. He gets out, comes around the car and gives me this big bear hug and thanks me. It wasn't what I expected because usually these guys are rather pretentious but Graham was so down to earth and so human. It was a touching moment. He didn't have to thank me. He was the one doing me the favour.

NAF: You were the writer and director of "Believe". What are the pros and cons of doing both?

LM: The pro side of the equation is you really know your story and characters well. You live and breathe them. The con side is you really know your story and characters well. You live and breathe them. It can be a con if you think you have the singular vision for the film and nothing anyone else says to you is worth a hill a beans. If you're not careful you can put blinders on. It's critical for a director to listen to other voices but have the gumption to make the final call and live with it.

NAF: On a more personal level, how would you classify your writing and directing style?

LM: I don't know. I write for the director. When I direct, I allow people to do what they were hired to do. I work with the camera man to get the best shots to tell the story and then work with the actors to get the best reflection of the characters. When you are shooting a movie you never shoot it in order, so you have to know where you are in the story without thinking about it. In the end, if I've done my homework, chosen the right actors and crew, all I have to do is say, "Action."

NAF: What key influences have shaped your writing and directing style?

LM: Everything around me is an influence. Definitely, the movies I enjoy are an influence. I think some of the modern greats like Spielberg are a great influence but then there are some subtler movies like "Life is Beautiful" that help you shape a story. In the end, you have to trust yourself and be very observant of the world around you.

NAF: It was earlier mentioned that you wrote the song "Believe". Did you consult or collaborate with anyone in the composition of the song?

LM: I didn't. It was just a song I wrote. I write a lot of them and I knew this one was going to be the title track to the movie. I don't think I appreciate the gift as much because it is something that comes natural. It's part of who I am. Now, mind you, I didn't say I was any good at it...I simply said it is something that I can do.

NAF: Would you tell us a little about your musical background?

LM: I grew up listening to the songs of the '60s (my parents were hippies), John Mellencamp and Michael Jackson. I like all kinds of music but my tendency is towards the western/country/folk genre like Shane Jackman, Robert Earl Keen, Springsteen, etc.

NAF: Which instruments do you play?

LM: I play guitar.

NAF: Have you ventured into the realm of professional or semi-professional musical performance?

LM: I guess I would have to say I've done the semi-semi professional musical performances. I recorded an album and am working on a new one. I haven't performed lately only because of the demands of the movie. However, I hope to use the movie as a slight catalyst to further propel my music. I like writing music that anyone can enjoy. Even if you are not a fan of the genre you find yourself singing the songs long after the music has been turned off. I received an email about a couple who were moving from Maryland to California. They put my CD on for the first time and didn't stop playing it until they reached San Diego. Personally, I don't know if I would recommend that but it's great to know people like it that much. As an aside, I actually perform three songs on the movie's soundtrack ("Seen the Light", "Sometimes", and "Only in America"). It never hurts to know the director.

NAF: Air Supply Now and Forever is an Air Supply fans website and therefore I cannot allow our interview to end without asking "the" question -- are you an Air Supply fan?

LM: I am a fan. I didn't realize it until after I went to the concert and heard their music again for the first time in a long time. I forgot how many great songs they have and what they mean to me. I have them on my iPod.

NAF: Has working with Graham won you over to Air Supply?

LM: Yes. How could you not be won over? I've met several famous people over the years and there's one quality that makes them stand out beyond everyone else. The truly great ones don't think of themselves, they think of others. They don't make themselves the center of attention; they make the person they are talking to the center of attention. When you are with those types of people they leave a mark on your heart and you can't help but be a fan. Graham does that to people.

NAF: Is there anything else you would like to say that we may not have covered?

LM: I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in this interview and I really want people to know that Graham and Jodi really are as great as they seem. When they say they love you or appreciate you, they really do. I had a brief moment in time working with them and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life.