Austin Film Festival Exclusive Interview on 'Rainbows End'

Since his youth, Eric's dream was to someday make a film, and that he did! The story began one summer, between 7^th and 8^th grade, when Eric Hueber bounced ideas for a film off Brian "Birdman" Birdwell, while fishing in a flat bottom boat in his neighbor's pond. Although they didn't catch a single fish all summer, Eric's first script was finally born.

As an aspiring film maker, Eric set out to find actors. Since, Eric lived in a small town outside Nacogdoches, Texas, called Looneyville, he had little access to seasoned actors; but, surrounded himself with people that had natural character one can only find in deep east Texas. As luck would have it, these friends shared their zeal to attain life-long goals; and, when Eric realized that all their dreams could only be realized out west, he suggested that they travel together. Hence, "Rainbows End" had the spirit needed to become something more than just another film; undoubtedly, it became a documentary of a journey born from deep passion, passion that only true dreamers have the wherewithal to arouse.

The Trip Begins (2003)

In 2003, Eric realized that he had real characters, a school bus nick-named "Green Hell," and the momentum necessary to write a treatment for a "road-trip documentary." After the Austin Film Society granted Eric $7000.00 to make the film, the group committed to the journey. Spirits were high the day their three man crew, and six-man/two rooster cast headed for the west. A crowd gathered to see them off, and all was well; at least, until their big green (1977) school bus broke down. For Eric, it was an embarrassing failure; especially since the crowds watched the bus being towed back into town; and it hadn't even left the city limits! Unfortunately, that wasn't the worst of the story! Sadly, the grand total for bus repairs was a whopping $7000.00, which happened to be every penny the Austin Film Society had entrusted to them for the trip! Clearly, the trip was on hold . . . indefinitely!

The summer of (2004-2010)

Finally, they made the expedition out west, but the long journey in the school bus was anything but comfortable! Without a doubt, that bus earned the nick-name, "Green Hell," because it broke down in the worst circumstances, and definitely many more times than any vehicle ever should!

After the trip home, Eric was faced with 110 hours of random footage of "Rainbows End," that still had to be edited and pieced together. Moreover, Eric struggled with some doubts about the film, and grappled with his personal feeling about the outcome of their journey. Eventually, Andy and Eric revisited the film, and realized its potential. With new enthusiasm, they spent hours polishing their treasure until; finally, in (2010), Andy and Eric screened a rough cut of "Rainbows End" at the Alamo Draft House on South Lamar in Austin. To their delight, the audience response was positive, and in Eric's words, "it was a beautiful night, one I'll never forget."

A Message from Eric Hueber:

"For me, 'Rainbows End' is a story about the journey, amazing characters, and the act of telling a story. Most of all, I hope it inspires people to try . . . always try" (Press Kit, Alonestar Films 2010).

*Note: This was written by an Associated Content contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own movie articles.