These days describing myself as a filmmaker is met with informed sympathy to the plight of the film in industry in Vancouver.
I explain that this challenge does not apply to me specifically because regardless of the strength of the dollar or the tax credits, the same projects remain on my plate because I created them. For the struggling independent there aren’t the same booms or busts.
It's best to keep our heads above ground and avoid saying, “You babies. You want BC film production, then make it happen in BC instead of wishing daddy bigbucks comes up for a visit from the south.” Only sometimes do I succeed in avoiding this unproductive negativity.
Today I experienced a new breed of production. An indigenous effort that sounds like it is a project divinely inspired. Hit ‘n Strum.
Kirk Caouette (Writer/Director/Actor) explains it as a story that came to him as though he lost his mind. He financed it. He had the talented team around him that was sitting idle. A month of prep, a month to shoot, and eight months to edit. And it’s a spectacular film. It’s exceptional in so many ways.
It deserves to take off in flight at this moment, but with such a Canadian edge it’s best hope is for some meager exposure within the commonwealth. American’s rarely buy films set in Canada. It may receive an award ( or ten ) but it’s unlikely it will make bushels of money. That said, the sales of the excellent soundtrack will probably cover the production costs.
If as audience members we would vote with our dollar in the way West Coasters do at the grocery store, we would end up with the same nutritionally rich, non genetically modified bounty in our theaters as we do in our vegan/organic/informed food sources. We see the successful effect of this action in Quebec’s unyielding support of the cultural products that reflect it’s own unique spices.
Let's dream that one day we won’t need legislated support, and the viewer who demands intelligent entertainment will go to Canada Screens or Superchannel and invest in the campaigns that support creative enterprise, allowing these avenues to then invest in the production of this new flavour of film.
In the meantime, people who thirst for this kind of film can find it at the kinds of theatres who go out on a limb to program these offside stories. With the continued efforts of the distinguished First Weekend Club we have a chance to hear about these fleeting opportunities during the flash of time that exists on an independent theatrical run.
I’m grateful that they’ve brought yet another exceptional title into my field of awareness.
10.3.13
13.2.13
Victoria Film Festival 2013
My first foray into the film community in Victoria was via the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival more than a decade ago. I volunteered for everything they would allow me to. I saw a slew of films and met a unique collection of Victorians.
Originally born from the CineVic Society of Independent Filmmakers Co-operative, it is now its own animal and has been rebranded as the Victoria Film Festival.
The VFF holds little value in the festival circuit. There are no buyers or programmers shopping its program. A premiere here holds little cred. Any festivals are, however, always wonderful opportunities to win awards and press coverage, as well as gain audience for your cause of online presence. Personally, Victoria has become one of my favourite film events.
2013 was much less attended by the local community, yet still felt like a gathering of family that can only happen in our sweet island city. This industry here is supportive, collective, collaborative, and far from competitive. There's no doubt that I feel this place to be unlike any other due to the amount of time I have invested in it.
My last few projects have not fit into the VFF program, although they enjoyed sales and screenings at prominent festivals and on television around the world. This year I decided to make a film for Victoria.
With the deadline approaching in three days, I reflected back on the last film I had screened in Victoria.
Back far enough in time that we can remember how poor online compression quality was.
I took my dog for a walk, pondering the VFF program tastes. I have been so inspired by the way this animal friend of mine has adapted to old age. I watched her leaping with glee at the simple and immense pleasure she enjoys from chasing and destroying sticks, despite having suffered and recovered from several strokes that had almost completely immobilized her. She is a superhero. A very simple poem came to me finally.
That 1-minute creation turned into a Gold Pass to this year's festival. It saved hundreds of dollars, and got into any sold out film desired. I love this short format, it's so freeing.
Huge thanks to the VFF programmers for supporting creative works and showcasing local talent beyond the marketable products. I know several worthy films that were not included this year, and it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of some. We should remember that if there is more in store for those stories, they should be hoping for more than this kind of showcase.
Originally born from the CineVic Society of Independent Filmmakers Co-operative, it is now its own animal and has been rebranded as the Victoria Film Festival.
The VFF holds little value in the festival circuit. There are no buyers or programmers shopping its program. A premiere here holds little cred. Any festivals are, however, always wonderful opportunities to win awards and press coverage, as well as gain audience for your cause of online presence. Personally, Victoria has become one of my favourite film events.
2013 was much less attended by the local community, yet still felt like a gathering of family that can only happen in our sweet island city. This industry here is supportive, collective, collaborative, and far from competitive. There's no doubt that I feel this place to be unlike any other due to the amount of time I have invested in it.
My last few projects have not fit into the VFF program, although they enjoyed sales and screenings at prominent festivals and on television around the world. This year I decided to make a film for Victoria.
With the deadline approaching in three days, I reflected back on the last film I had screened in Victoria.
Back far enough in time that we can remember how poor online compression quality was.
I took my dog for a walk, pondering the VFF program tastes. I have been so inspired by the way this animal friend of mine has adapted to old age. I watched her leaping with glee at the simple and immense pleasure she enjoys from chasing and destroying sticks, despite having suffered and recovered from several strokes that had almost completely immobilized her. She is a superhero. A very simple poem came to me finally.
That 1-minute creation turned into a Gold Pass to this year's festival. It saved hundreds of dollars, and got into any sold out film desired. I love this short format, it's so freeing.
Huge thanks to the VFF programmers for supporting creative works and showcasing local talent beyond the marketable products. I know several worthy films that were not included this year, and it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of some. We should remember that if there is more in store for those stories, they should be hoping for more than this kind of showcase.
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