Q: How do you guys come up with the ideas for each movie?

A: We have no idea. Once the holidays are over, one us thinks up a scene, genre, song or even a prop, and it takes off like wildfire from there!

Q: Do you create all of the music and vocals yourselves? How did you learn to do what you do?

A: Indeed, the song is made thanks to some geeky music software, manipulated by Alex who has been recording ditties for years.The rest of the incidental music is typically royalty-free stock or bits and bobs. Hannah has been known to re-imagine lyrics on accident (or to match her mood), so it's always fun to rework a Christmas song to suit the plot. She has also been diligently practicing her shower singing since she learned to multi-task, so that comes pretty naturally during recording. 

Q: How long does it take to make each movie?

A: Typically between one and three weeks. A few days to write the script and the new lyrics to the Christmas song, a week or so at the most (a few weekend days, we guess) to film it, and a week or so to edit, do any special effects, record the song, do titles, etc.

Q: What kind of equipment and programs do you use for the shooting, music, and processing?

A: We shoot with a Canon 550D and we've got a few lenses: a Tokina 11-16, a Canon 50mm 1.4, and a Helios 44-2. We use After Effects for compositing and greenscreen antics, and a 3d program for other special effects.

Q: Will my kids like these movies?

A: Someday, if they grow up to think poop jokes, death and other raunchy humor are funny (and this may never happen, no matter how old they are), they may love it. :) Our movies probably aren't for kiddies or the easily-offended. Sorry, but we make them to be selfishly entertained, and just don't think our holiday movie would be true to us (and fun to make!) if it were all candy canes and cute elves.

Q: What do you do when you're not working on your Holiday video?

A: Alex makes things move, explode, appear and disappear (and explode again) at his motion graphics/fx job in the Pearl District of Portland. Hannah gives research MRIs and manages a neuropsychology lab at the Portland VA/OHSU. She also sews scarves and works with her sister Kelty at Steep Street. In their spare time, they like to hang out with their dogs, do their own little video/sewing projects, explore Powell's Books, go to the movies, and take long, long naps.

Q: How can I contact you if I have more questions?

A: You can get it touch with us through Alex's website at www.QuimbyPDX.com, or you can email Hannah at Hannah@OlaCollection.com