Meet the 2012 Best First Feature Spirit Award Nominees #4: J.C. Chandor, 'Margin Call'

J.C. Chandor broke out in 2011 with his feature debut, "Margin Call." Featuring a cast of acting heavies like Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Paul Bettany, Zachary Quinto and Demi Moore, the financial drama was a success in limited release and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film is also nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.

Chandor says that his biggest challenge in making "Margin Call" was convincing financiers that there was an audience for the film. Thanks to the film's financial success and nominations, it seems like Chandor was right all along.

What's it about? The film follows a single piece of devastating information up the chain of command at a prominant NY based investment bank. How each of those characters react to that information hopefully gives audiences a window into how we got to where we are as a country.

Chandor says: "I have been making movies in one form or another since I was seven or eight years old. There was always something that drew me to it. In my later years the financial realities and responsibilities of supporting my young family almost pulled me away from film but I gave it one last shot with 'Margin Call' and it has been a heck of a ride ever since.

"It is humbling after all these years to have our film recognized by the Spirit Awards. I have watched these proceedings from afar and am so excited to come together to celebrate a great year for independent film."

Chandor's future projects: "I am currently developing several different projects and hope one of them comes together soon so I don't have to wait another 15 years to make my next one."

Chandor's take on his film: "Be first, be smarter, or cheat."

Indiewire invited Best First Feature and John Cassavettes 2012 Spirit Award Nominees to tell us about their films, including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they're doing next. We'll be publishing their responses leading up to the awards ceremony on February 25.

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