This week, several of our Kickstarter contributors were on-set for the filming of “Atlas Shrugged: Who is John Galt?” Our Students for Liberty interns sat down with them to find out more about their experience. This interview was conducted by Cody Morgan.

Name: Janice Toma

Question 1: How did you hear about the Kickstarter campaign and what motivated you to contribute?

I heard about it through my significant other who helped introduce me to Atlas Shrugged and the whole philosophy. After learning about the message behind the book it was hard to not want to be a part of this movie. The message in the book, that I feel strongly about, is this thought that if creativity, wealth and profitability are no longer viewed as positives the world in a way ends, and that is extremely frightening. So that really spurred the desire to donate and bring the message to the masses, in a way that people can see it in movie form.

Question 2: What has your experience on-set been like or what did you find most interesting being on set?

It has been an awesome experience. You get to see all the little things that go into making a movie that you don't get to see, and learn about, otherwise – like set construction. You realize the costs that go in, and why it's so vital to contribute to a project like this. Everyone we have met has been extremely nice, and the level of enthusiasm has really been evident. It's been very exciting to be a part of it all.

Question 3: How has Ayn Rand/ Atlas Shrugged influenced your life or thinking?

As a mother, it has influenced me to stress to my children that they need to treasure creativity, treasure their independence, and should the fruits of success come to them, they should be excited about that because they've earned it. My concern is that we are living in a time that does not, and is not, fostering that message.

Question 4: What, if anything, do you wish to see the film accomplish?

I would like to see it reach younger people. I'd like it to be thought provoking and encourage young people to start asking questions that they are not being encouraged to ask otherwise. After all, they are the future.

Question 5: Do you believe that stopping the motor of the world, or a similar occurrence of innovators going on strike or “vanishing” must occur before the world you want to see is created?

I think that the strikes and disappearances in Atlas Shrugged are symbolic of people standing up and saying “No more!” or “I'm not going to take this!” not them literally leaving the world. Do I believe that has to happen to make things change? Yes. Absolutely I do.

Question 6: Are your closest family members/ friends supportive of your decisions (or “in the know” of Ayn Rand philosophy) in taking a larger role in the financing and production of Atlas Shrugged Part III?

Yes, for those who know what it's about. Others though, that don't know the story, aren't quite as supportive, but the thing is, most people don't know what it's about. They don't know the story whatsoever. Most people have never read it, haven't been exposed to it. That's why it's most important for them to see it.