LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE

Went to the new Landmark Keystone Art Cinema last night to check out Ang Lee's big buzz flick Brokeback Mountain. The film is unique in the fact that it's the first gay love story geared towards wide audiences, as opposed to a just a niche "gay-only" market. Will mainstream America be ready for such a story? It offers fine performances from Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, along with breathtaking scenery and cinematography. It's been a critical favorite, but I'm not so sure that the average red state patriot is ready to see two cowboys canoodling on the Big Screen. Local attendance seemed high. The 8PM show was sold out so I purchased tickets for the 10:15. Walked around the mall a bit while waiting and ran into the always-adorable Kate Dobson in the Apple Store. Kate played Mary in my first film Immaculate, but I haven't seen her in years since she left for school in Michigan. We got caught up and then later I saw her in line for the show. "Good choice," she shouted. I'd have to agree.

A SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Forget the classics like Miracle On 34th Street or It's A Wonderful Life; my favorite Christmas movie of all time is an oft-overlooked little gem called A Smoky Mountain Christmas. This 1986 made-for-TV musical fantasy (directed by Henry Winkler) stars Lee Majors, John Ritter and, of course, Dolly Parton. With a depressed singing star, seven orphans on the run and a mountain witch, this movie really has something for everyone.


So why isn't it more popular? I can't find it in video stores and haven't seen it broadcast in years. Surely TBS could air A Christmas Story only 22 hours a day to alot for 1 showing of Smoky Mountain Christmas. But thank God for eBay! I finally found a copy online yesterday. Julie from Georgia was supposed to mail it this morning, so hopefully it's on its way as I type. Happy Christmahanukwanzakah everybody!

BECKY ARCHIBALD FEATURED ON NPR

Composer Becky Archibald was featured on NPR's All Things Considered today where she was promoting her latest effort, a Christmas album appropriately titled The Christmas One. Becky is a talented lady and I was fortunate to work with her as she composed the original score for Coming To My Senses. You can listen to the show by clicking here.

JEAN BROWN FEATURED IN STAR ARTICLE

A nice article about Jean Brown and her salon, the "subject" of my documentary, appeared in the Indianapolis Star today on the front page of the Indiana Living section. The story can also be found online. Read "Visionary Finds Her Role".

A NOT-SO-HAPPY ENDING AFTERALL?

I got a call from Jean last night. She was in tears; saying she was afraid she was going to have to close her business. The spa just isn't getting enough clients and she's afraid she won't be able to make January's rent payment. My heart sank. I've been told that when making a documentary I'm not supposed to get emotionally involved or "act" on my subject, but screw that. How am I supposed to not feel attached when I've been following this woman since April? I've probably spent more time with her this year than I have with much of my own family and friends. It's been a life-changing experience for me and I've learned a lot. I'm involved. I'm attached. And I want my film (her story) to have a happy ending. I stopped by the salon this morning to talk with her. It's been the first time in this entire process that I've seen her cry. Jean is a strong woman who doesn't like to cry. "It makes me seem weak," she said, "and I ain't weak!" She fears that lack of funds for marketing and advertising has been the biggest problem; a common concern for many small businesses. A loan she was hoping to receive was not approved so I told her I'd fast track the documentary and cut a short version first, or even just a promo, to mail to media outlets (including Oprah) to, hopefully, help drum up some business. But time is running short. If you're in the Indianapolis area, and in need of a haircut, facial, manicure or massage, I encourage you to check out Jeanie's Relaxation Beauty & Barber Spa. Gift certificates are also available and make for wonderful holiday gifts (wink wink). Click here for a map and driving directions or call 317-824-0143 to schedule your appointment today.

MEET JEAN BROWN

I originally posted this on July 2nd, but have bumped it up because several new comments have been recently added. You can also listen to Austin Burbridge's Cinema Minima podcast about the film by clicking here. More can also be found on the sidebar of this site.

My latest project is Persistence of Vision: The Eye-Opening Life of Jean Brown, a documentary which chronicles the trials of a 51-year old woman, blinded at the age of 23, as she works towards her life-long dream of opening and operating her own beauty salon. When I first met her I thought it was strange that a blind woman would want to be in the beauty business; ignorantly assuming it was something only the sighted would have an interest in. But as a former model (see photos below), Jean has always had a love for fashion and style. Her dream is now becoming a reality with the help of her brother Arthur, who acts as her "eyes," as well as generous contributions from Indianapolis contractor Manily "Kip" Darling III, CEO of 22nd Century Builders.



Nearly 75% of non-sighted people in the United States are unemployed; an even higher number lives below poverty level. But Jean and her husband Ron, also blind after a gunshot wound received as a teenager, are hoping to mobilize and inspire other non-sighted people (as well as minorities and women) by their efforts. I've always enjoyed stories about people overcoming obstacles and this film continues in my apparent, albeit unintentional, trend in exploring women and their senses on film. Production is nearing the end. Right now I'm trying to find investors and looking at my grant options so I can get this baby completed. I'll be in Louisville, KY over the 4th of July weekend to interview Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, at the NFB's 2005 National Convention and then Jeanie's Relaxation Beauty & Barber Spa will have its grand opening later that month. It should then be a wrap and we'll move into post. More updates on POV will be posted here regularly.

REMEMBERING KEY CINEMAS

There have been two places in my life that have had tremendous impact on me and opened my eyes to new people, possibilities and understandings of this thing called life. The first was Lockerbie Coffeehouse, which was torn down a few years back and remains nothing more than a gravel lot on the N.W. corner of College & Michigan east of downtown Indy. During my high school days, it was there that every Thursday night I would drive down from my little bubble in Zionsville for the "Living Poets Society" poetry readings. I continued going there almost on a daily basis while enrolled at IUPUI and took everyone I knew there. It was also where I drafted the first copy of Immaculate. There was such an air of creativity to the place. So many different cultures, attitudes, persuasions and conversations converged in this little run down building that it was impossible to not be inspired. To this day I have yet to find another coffeeshop or spot to write that has had the same effect on me. The second was Key Cinemas, which as of today will no longer be screening arthouse/independent films. I went there religiously to get my fill of non-mainstream cinema. It wasn't a state-of-the-art facility by any means. Sometimes the heat wasn't working and you'd have to stay bundled in a winter coat and hat. A couple of times I was there the generator went out and we had to be refunded our money. Many of the chairs were broken, the ceiling fans were squeaky and, occasionally, the bathrooms were without running water. All that just gave the place character in my opinion. I always said that when I "made it" I would give owner Ron Keedy whatever amount of money he needed to refurbish or relocate. He did so much for me, it was the least I could do. I wish I had "made it" sooner. Ron provided The Film Commune with an Indianapolis Underground Film Festival venue for four years at no cost and let us tape Indie Scene TV interviews there as well. He also opened it up monthly for the Filmmaker's Showcase, allowing budding directors to showcase their films on the Big Screen for free. He even received one of NUVO's Cultural Vision Awards for his efforts and contributions to local moviemakers. Key Cinemas really was more than just a theater to me; it was a place of solace and refuge. I will always look back at my memories and time spent there fondly. She will be missed.

Fellow Indy filmmaker/blogger Shane White has recently written about the closing of the city's other arthouse theater, Castleton Arts. You can check out his blog and read his thoughts by clicking here. And Intake has a story about the two closings in this weeks issue; read "The Fall of The House(s) of Art."

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Today is Thanksgiving, which marks the start of my favorite time of year. Next week is my birthday, then Christmas, then New Years all in a row. It's an exciting time...and a great excuse to avoid editing hours and hours of documentary footage! To kick things off last night I headed to the Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple with friends (I'm pictured below with Casandra who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee where she's pursuing a singing career).



Relationships mean more to me than accomplishments these days. It's far too easy to get caught up in your own shit and take people for granted, but I do appreciate everyone who has supported me and my dream. Your encouragement does not go unnoticed. So "thank you" to all and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

THE PULPIT MEETS THE UNDERGROUND -PART 2

As a filmmaker I don't think I could have asked for a better experience than the one I had last night at The Pulpit Meets The Underground. It was certainly the most in-depth and insightful post-screening discussion I've been a part of thus far in my burgeoning "career." The audience was incredible; encouraging and generous with their feedback. It's amazing to see how deeply cinema touches some people. It's a powerful medium. Before the screenings, Max (pictured with me above, along with Becky Archibald and Jane Rulon) read a poem which compared entering a moviehouse to going to church called A Supplicant At The Altar Of Film that really set the stage for the evening and provided some interesting food for thought. I'll try to get a copy and post it here for others to read. But, thanks again to everyone involved; especially Alan Archibald who emceed the evening.

THE PULPIT MEETS THE UNDERGROUND -PART 1

Lately, in addition to moving, I've been preparing myself for my program with the 10th annual Spirit & Place Festival this Friday from 7-9PM at North United Methodist Church. It's called The Pulpit Meets The Underground: Transformational Moments in Mainstream and Independent Film. The festival's official description of this little shindig is as follows:

View film clips of transformational moments and symbols, then discuss their meaning. Discussion will explore how images & dialogue speak to the movement themes of understanding life as a journey and of blurring boundaries between the sacred and the profane. Rev. Max Case of Café Cinema at St. Luke’s UMC and Chad Richards of Glitch / Indianapolis Underground Film Festival will lead participants into the inner workings of the films and their deeper messages. Clips will be drawn from Richards’ locally produced Coming to My Senses and mainstream works like Cast Away and Shawshank Redemption.

It'll be interesting for this lapsed-Catholic to have a discussion with a Methodist minister. I was unsure when first approached with the concept, but Max is an amazing fellow and to hear him discuss cinema is inspiring. This Tuesday he is also leading a discussion with Hotel Rwanda protaganist Paul Ruseabagina that I'm looking forward to as well. The "Rev" loves film on a level I'd never considered before really. I can only pray that I don't come off like a complete idiot (which is never hard for me to do.)

CATCHING UP WITH AN OLD FRIEND

Had the opportunity last night to catch up with my old friend Shannon Blowers. She moved to Los Angeles about 2 years ago to pursue an acting career, but we became close back in the day when The Film Commune was producing Indie Scene TV for RTV6 and she was the host. There was a lot of drama behind-the-scenes, but we always looked out for each other. She was like the hyper little sister I never had. Of course, pursuing the dream is never easy, but she's done well for herself in the short time she's been in L.A. She's been assisting several different casting directors and recently wrapped shooting a pilot for MTV called Juvies, in which she played (ironically enough) a runaway from Indiana. She's ambitious and driven and I wish her the best.

YET ANOTHER EXCUSE TO DRESS UP

Had another excuse last night to throw on my leisure suit (it's incredibly comfortable) as I went to a Halloween party at Invoke Studio with some friends. The event was hosted by Chad Brown, an actor I hope to work with on my what I believe will be my next film: P.D.A. After that we headed off to Talbott Street for more drinks, dancing and displays of jaw-dropping costumes. I've been enjoying my social life so much lately, but I seriously need to hunker down and get to work on my documentary. I also have to prepare for my program with this year's Spirit & Place Festival on November 11th (although more on that later.)

POLYESTER & PAISLEY: MOVIE PROM FASHION

Had a wonderful time at AnC's Movie Prom this past Friday night at Fletcher Pointe. Great concept. Great films. Great opening act (if you haven't seen Lord of the Yum Yum, I suggest you do!) My date, Gwen, and I opted for a 70's prom fashion theme. Gwen wore a stylish black, red and brown paisley dress with matching scarf from Another Time Fashions while I sported a brick red polyester leisure suit courtesy of Broad Ripple Vintage.



Of course it was fun to see everyone dressed in their favorite prom fashion disasters, but those did not outshine the films themselves. Charlie, Trisha, Barnaby and Phil are some creative folks and I look forward to seeing what's next from them. If you were unable to attend the prom, you can still catch a glimpse of the films they screened by clicking here.

INDIANA: THE BIRTHPLACE OF COOL

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of probably the most famous Hoosier, James Dean. I'm not a fanatic, or a "Deaner" as his die-hard fans call themselves, but I do find it interesting that this Hollywood icon was born and buried only an hour from where I live. My friend Caleb and I drove up to Fairmount this past Sunday for the annual James Dean Festival. First stop was the Fairmount Historical Museum, where we encountered a Parisian camera crew taping a show for French TV. For being a small town in the middle of a cornfield, Fairmount has had some amazing residents. Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, is also a native. Next stop was Park Cemetery, where we paid our respects at Dean's grave by placing cigarettes and pennies on his headstone. Others had left flowers, beer and even women's underwear. And, finally, we made the short drive to Gas City to visit the James Dean Gallery, an exhibit and archive that contains the world's largest collection of Dean memorabilia. In life, and even moreso in death, he truly is the definition of "cool."

INDULGING MY SENSES AT ORANJE

Had a lot of fun this past Saturday night at Oranje. The screening room was standing room only most of the night and the reception to Coming To My Senses was great. Big thanks to Chris Commons for organizing it all. Also got a chance to see my old co-worker Sami Mustaklem of Infamy Films and hang out with the ANC Movies gang (I'm pictured above with Charlie and Barnaby) who were there promoting their Movie Prom to be held Friday, October 14th. Looking forward to that as well.

TAKING THE BAD WITH THE GOOD

Of course I was pleased when critic John Oak Dalton at Microcinema Scene gave Coming To My Senses a wonderful 4 star review. Most of what I've heard from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive. So I was surprised to read the latest review from Film Threat critic Greg Bellavia. He gave it only 1.5 stars, saying that "while ripe with possibilities, the director seems content to show his heroine on a much more banal journey. Coming To My Senses certainly looks great for being shot on DV, but Chad Richards may want to include a story in his next film." OUCH! It's amazing how two people can see things so differently. But that's part of the game. You don't win them all. And, while I disagree with Mr. Bellavia in most regards, I do appreciate him taking time to watch my film and share his thoughts.

NEW INSIDE REPORT INTERVIEW

You can now catch me discussing Coming To My Senses on the September edition of the net's #1 indie film show Inside Report. I did the interview with Sky Wilson back in April (before I cut off all my hair) when she was here in the States. Great lady. I love the British.

TWO SENSES SCREENINGS IN SEPTEMBER

The are two screenings of Coming To My Senses slated for September. First will be Saturday, September 17th in Indianapolis as part of the ORANJE progressive art and music showcase. Should be a inspiring night of fine art, film and music. The following Saturday, September 24th, CTMS will screen in Cleveland, Ohio at the TwistedSpine Micro Film Festival. I have a special place in my heart for Cleveland with it being my birthplace and all so I'm looking forward to that trip.

A GAY OL' TIME AT THE INDY FRINGE FESTIVAL

Went down to the Phoenix Theatre last night to see Shawn Whistler's play A Midsummer Night of Fairies and Asses. It's "a gay comedy...and not the way Shakespeare intended" that's part of the 1st annual Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival. I'm not much of a live theatre-goer (as I prefer movies), but Shawn (pictured with me below) is a friend of mine and I had a good time. Laughed myself to tears really.



Irreverant, raunchy and fun, the play still delivers the strong and, in my opinion, important, message that the government should not be in the business of regulating love between two consenting adults, no matter what their gender. The play also contains a tribute to Bette Midler's Beaches, called "Biotches" that is not to be missed. And you don't have to, the play is still running two more times this week. More at www.indyfringe.org.

MY MICROCINEMAFEST EXPERIENCE

Had a good time in Chicago this past weekend at Microcinemafest. Saw some great flicks and met some great people. It's inspiring to see the amazing work that people are creating with limited budgets and resources. I highly recommend Memories of Tomorrow and Streets of Wonderland .



The Coming To My Senses screening and Q&A went well, although due to my "technological retardation" I was unable to answer some of the tech-related questions. Something about staying in a hotel always inspires me to write. While I was gone I got a chance to work a little bit on two scripts I've been writing: PDA (a short) and anyone but who i am (a feature). But more on those much later. I've got a documentary to finish!

HAIRKUTT AT KEY CINEMAS

Went down to Key Cinemas this past Tuesday for the return of the free Indy-Indies screening (formerly known as Filmmaker's Showcase). Watched Hairkutt, a graphic documentary about four friends from St. Louis who travel to a remote mountain cabin in the Smoky Mountains with the plans of breaking Bryant "HairKutt" Johnson of his fifteen year addiction to heroin. Directed by Curtis Elliott (pictured with me above), it was a wonderful film; moving, at times funny and at times uncomfortable to watch. I've been viewing a lot of docs lately (as I'm production on one) and this one gave me some great "hints" on story structure and pacing for Persistence of Vision. For more on Hairkutt, go to the film's official website at www.itstoughtogetoffdrugs.com.

SENSES TO SCREEN AT MICROCINEMAFEST

My short film Coming To My Senses has been accepted into the 5th annual Microcinema Fest in Chicago and will screen on Saturday, August 13th. The lineup looks fantastic. I'm looking forward to seeing some great flicks and meeting the other directors. Plus, I'll have just wrapped shooting on Persistence of Vision so I'll be more than ready for a vacation and a few drinks. I'll post pictures from the trip when I return.

You can now also listen to and download a podcast of Austin Burbridge's Cinema Minima story about Persistence of Vision. A link has also been added to the sidebar of this site under Press/Interviews/Reviews.

IMMACULATE AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE VIEWING

My very first cinematic attempt, Immaculate, is now available for viewing online at UndergroundFilm. Shot in the summer of 2002 if I remember correctly, the film stars Kate Dobson, Grant Williams and Zane Seal. Poor writing, poor shots and poor sound make this baby a gem. There's a reason I never screened it publically. The film is bad (at no fault to the actors) and I take full responsibility for it's shitiness. I did learn a lot from it, however, if that counts for anything. I'd like to think that the films since this one have been better and will continue to get better as I grow in my craft. So why show it now then? I don't know. Why not? People ask me about it frequently and it's fun to see where I was then as compared to now. Click here to view if you dare.

KIND WORDS FOR PERSISTENCE OF VISION

I received an unexpected email today from Austin Burbridge, editor of Cinema Minima, saying that he had written a story about Persistence of Vision. I had never talked to him so it came as a pleasant surprise. The story primarilly references the interview I did with Diana Rooks for IndianapolisFilm.Net, but it goes on to say:

"This is precisely the kind of movie making that ought to be supported, encouraged, and emulated. It is local. It is about ordinary people, doing the most remarkable things of all, making the most of their own lives — playing the hands that Life has dealt them. The director, instead of reaching for something celebrated or fantastical, has elected to participate in the life of his own community, and has made himself available to its wealth of stories. As an American politician had remarked that “All politics is local,” this production demonstrates that all documentary is local, too."

Thank you for the kind words and coverage Austin. I appreciate that and will pass it on to Jean as well.

MY KENTUCKY WEEKEND EXCURSION

Went down to the Galt House Hotel in Louisville this past weekend for the National Federation of the Blind's annual conference. Staying in a hotel with 3,000 blind people from all 50 states (as well as from Puerto Rico, Guam and 37 foreign countries)and being a sighted minority was a bit of a surreal experience to be honest. I was unable to interview Dr. Maurer, my original reason for going, but it was the 4th of July and I was able to catch fireworks and a free K.C and the Sunshine Band concert before coming home (see photo below). So I suppose the trip was still worthwhile!



Jean is still down there until July 9th and then she'll be back and busy with finishing touches at the salon before the grand opening (now scheduled for Saturday, July 30th). All are invited to come and check it out. I'll be there shooting. If you'd like more info and/or directions, just send me an email.

An interview I did recently with Diana Rooks about Persistence of Vision is now available online. Check it out if you'd like to learn a more about the film.

MAKING A TOLERANT [FASHION] STATEMENT

Mingled with an uber-hip crowd this weekend at Lulu's for the global launch party for Coexist, a clothing line with a conscience created by Indiana's own Joseph Sadler, Kyle Boyd, Chris Tierney and Mike Irving. I'm always inspired by others creativity; whether it's film, music, fine art, or, in this case, fashion. Plus it's always encouraging to hear about local boys gone good. And the line's message of tolerance, unity and beauty in all ways of life is certainly something the world can use. For more on Coexist and to find out where you can purchase these thoughtful threads, check out the official website.

AN EVENING OF KITTY PORN

Last night I went down to the Alternative Film Series at Dorman Street Saloon with friends Grant, Courtney and Michael. We arrived late, but just in time to catch what just may be the strangest movie any of us had ever seen. KatteManden (The Cat Man), directed by Danish filmmaker Mads Feldballe. The film's website describes the film as "a special man with a very special problem searches for love in a world less ordinary." Basically a loner starts finding himself attracted to cats (yes, sexually) after people porn leaves him unsatisfied. As the attraction grows stronger he slowly begins turning into a cat himself (much like Teen Wolf) until he finally has an "encounter" with an alley cat that transforms him forever. This "encounter" is unbelievable. At one point Grant leaned over to me and asked, "What is this? Kitty porn?" I usually love the Danes and their crazy sensibilities (Thomas Vinterberg's Festen is one of my favorite flicks), but even after having a few beers, I couldn't really say that I enjoyed this movie. Upon further consideration, however, it's not as bad as the two-thumbs down I'm giving it in the picture; I think it's growing on me. If you're feeling inspired, you can catch the trailer on Feldballe's website.

CHECK OUT THE RAMBLING OF GRANT WILLIAMS

I just wanted to take some time to mention my friend Grant Williams' new blog The Rambling (yes, everybody's blogging). Grant and I go way back and I was even ordained online to marry he and his wife Courtney last July. He's a great writer and one hell of an actor. In addition to being in several plays, he played the lead in my never-before-screened first short film Immaculate (which will soon see the light of day online, however). And you'd never be able to tell by looking at him, but the guy is also quite the underground hip-hop aficionado. He's always schooling me on the most obscure of artists to help maintain my non-existent street credibility. So if you've got some time, check it out. I'll add a link on the sidebar of this page as well.

INDEPENDENT MUSIC + ART FESTIVAL FUN

I neglected my Top 40 loving ways for a few hours this afternoon to attend the 2005 Independent Music + Art Festival at the Harrison Center for the Arts with my friends Caleb, Michael and Speed. I've been so consumed with the production of POV lately that I needed to get out and expand my horizons. Plus, I've been told that supporting local bands improves your karma. Give me some of that.



I'd wanted to hear Soda Over Pike as I've heard people telling me about them a lot lately, but we got there just as they were finishing their set. I was really impressed with Jenn Cristy (pictured below) and Pravada, however. It was my first time hearing both. Bought some CDs and plan to catch their shows in the future; maybe even make a few soundtrack requests.



Perhaps next year the organizers can incorporate some film screenings? Make it the Independent Music, Film + Art Festival? I imagine that the same people who are down for local music and art would also be down to catch a few locally-produced flicks.

HONEY: A GUILTY PLEASURE

I went down to Key Cinemas this past Saturday for my weekly dose of arthouse fare. I watched Korean director Park Chanwook’s oldboy. The film won the Grand Prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and I missed it when it screened at the Indianapolis International Film Festival a few months ago. Amazing flick. But it’s dark and depressing nature left me craving something a little lighter the next day. Enter Honey, the 2003 film about a hip-hop dancer and aspiring music video star (played by Jessica Alba) who overcomes all odds to make her dream come true. I saw it in Wal-Mart and just had to have it. Only $5.96 and on VHS no less. As expected, it was predictable, clichéd and poorly acted; it had me cringing and laughing the whole way through. But I’ve always had a place in my heart for cheesy dance movies. Guilty pleasures, really. Save The Last Dance, Fame, Center Stage and Flashdance…I dig them all. They’re fun. They’re fluff. And Honey was just what I needed to provide the yin to oldboy’s yang.

THE FALL OF COMMUNE-ISM

Out with the old, in with the new. Yes, after 4 years, The Film Commune has disbanded. Blame "creative differences" if you will. Despite the many incarnations the group had and controversies it caused, I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish(from the yearly Indianapolis Underground Film Festival to the short-lived Indie Scene TV on WRTV6 to the successful premieres of Fake ID and Coming To My Senses this past December). Of course, nobody is perfect. There were mistakes and mistreatments along the way; I do have regrets. But, for the most part, it was a wonderful experience and allowed us to work with so many talented and creative people. Change is good, however, and I'm excited for what's next. Thank you to everyone who supported us in the past. I hope you will continue supporting our new individual endeavors in the future.