I've always been proud of my ability to make something out of nothing. Filmmaking on a modest budget is not only challenging--it's also incredibly rewarding for me. I've always been a left-winged thinker; a rebel--an outsider looking IN. The mere thought of being that guy who delivered the 'little film that could' on a shoestring budget that resonated with audiences and propelled his career in the process motivates me every day.
I've never had any money--not film money anyway. Real film money is grotesque in so many ways--with so many hands in the pot there's too many cooks in the kitchen. I prefer the Art of filmmaking--creative expression and a sense of accomplishment with the mere completion of your project at the top of an uphill battle. THIS is why I make movies! To tell my stories my way and to collaborate with who I want, when I want. I WANT to make 'Brown Baby'! Nuff said--
No Lights, No Budget, No Crew, No rehearsal, NO EXCUSES!
I'm a guerrilla film factionista. I'm deeply and passionately involved in the independent film industry as a screenwriter, producer, director, camera operator and editor. I've never had a film budget and it's never stopped me before, so why stop at a short film? Why not go ALL the way? Where is ALL THE WAY anyway? I know where I want to go with my storytelling--but I simply don't have the means or the resources in time and manpower to do it all now, but I'll do my best with what I have. Having said that, my production methods rely on talent, preparation and imagination. My tactics are unconventional but effective. I shoot with a small, experienced crew (when I can afford them) for stealth, speed and mobility in unexpected places to 'steal' the shot and keep it moving whenever possible. Rather than relying on excessive production budgets, my investment is time, energy and a passion that can only be felt when you're doing something you love to do. THIS is guerrilla filmmaking. Money makes films, but it certainly can't make mine--at least not without me.
Film Producer and industry visioneer Ted Hope spit a mouthful of a manifesto entitled, "Take Back What is Already Yours: 'Best Practices' for a Complete Cinema." I intend to reference his manifesto throughout all phases of 'Brown Baby' (including conceptually) from preproduction through post and beyond--building my 6 pillars and strengthening industry relationships. I'll continue to use social networks to garner audience support, loyalty and a community resource base for the long haul, because that's the guerrilla warfare ideology. Warfare? Yes indeed! We are at war with the media powers that be because they refuse to let US be. Being that they intend to sever our supply chains and choke off our distribution channels and dry up our revenue streams we're in a war for our economic survival. Lines have been drawn in the sand and the battlefield is the imminent domain we call cyberspace; knowing our audience(s) empowers us to produce films that satisfy their demands using current technology as a tool--our weapon of choice to wage this war.
Power to the People!
0 Say Something:
Post a Comment