"This is D.I.Y. filmmaking at its best," said Dustin Lewis, a member of the three-man crew. "Sometimes you've just got to roll with it."

Though the rows of fold-up seats weren't overflowing, Lewis and crew were excited simply to talk about films and filmmaking. They have a love of the craft, the kind that keeps a person going during marathon editing sessions for a film that might not make much money.

They started their film company a few years ago; on many weekends, they gather to shoot anything from music videos to macabre horror shorts. During the day, Lewis is a radar operator at a bombing range near Pollocksville, and Mike Kirkpatrick is an electrician. Director Tony Murnahan spends many days watching his daughter and editing commercial projects, like music videos and the occasional wedding.

All three have a do-it-yourself mentality, using their expertise to build their own equipment and props. Lewis created a squat metal dolly, not unlike a skateboard, that can be mounted with cameras and used to get smooth, rolling shots from inches off the ground. Another homemade camera mount is shaped like a steering wheel, allowing the crew to do smoother pans and turns.

For many scenes, Stwrongtone filters its lights through round paper lanterns, a tactic that saves hundreds of dollars compared to professional equipment. The camera itself is usually a high-definition camcorder, fitted with a microphone and tripod.

That equipment -- and years of trial-and-error -- help the crew put out well-lit, professional-looking films.

Actually, many films at last weekend's film festival were pleasing to the eye, with tack-sharp focus and vibrant colors. Thanks to ever-dropping prices for many kinds of equipment, it has become easier and easier for outfits like Stwrongtone Media to get the gear they need to create high-quality visuals.

And thanks to events like the Smithfield festival, filmmakers across the state and country are better able to get in touch and share tips, techniques and resources.

"It's definitely about making connections," said Murnahan.

At the Ava Gardner Independent Film Festival, the men said, they had the chance to glean knowledge from professionals and offer up the knowledge they'd gained.

And getting better, they said, is what it's all about.

"Why would you make a movie that you make no money on, that you spend hours on?" asked Lewis, recalling the 300 hours he spent on a commercial project he hasn't seen a dime from. Well, he said, those countless hours were a time to learn and improve his craft, to get that much better at moviemaking and step that much closer to his dream.

"It's a side thing until it starts paying," Lewis said.

All three would love to see their company grow, they said -- and they have a few other goals too.

"I want to make a film and just be happy with it," Murnahan said.

"I want to continue hanging out with these guys," Lewis added. "The party is better after you've accomplished something."