2010
It’s true filmmaking is a horrible business, Francis Ford Coppola was right when he said so, at least there are times when a filmmaker wonders just what business he is actually in? because the demands for funding never cease and we are driven to doing (at times) unbelievable things for the privelage of applying ourselves to our craft and art. And then there is “life” with its so many nooks and crannies, all its complications and those good ol’ ups-and-downs.
All this (and more) make up a filmmaker’s life. Frustration, progress, more frustration and the odd miracle make every day a phantasmagoria of thoughts and possibilities. With the right brand of perseverence and an understanding of “what you are getting yourself into before you yell “ACTION” ” you just might make it if only others will believe in you, believe in your vision and your goals. This is the key, to ally yourself with the right people who understand you, believe that your film will accomplish something important, and that they want to be a part of, to contribute their talent to, your vision.
One of the most wonderful aspects of filmmaking, and one of the most dissapointing ones for those who begin to understand what making a film actually entails, is wherein a Director doesn’t actually make the film … What? you ask. The best a Director can do is find what is pallatable to the audiences at any particular time in history and tailor a product for a part of the market. In doing so he has to sell the film to many, many interests and people including above the line staff who simply must believe in the vision of the film and in the Director’s vision of how to make it a reality. Where does this connect? The importance of dedication to our vision is paramount. The people who believe in the vision are the ones who will shoot the camera, capture the sound, tell you when the light is inadequate or bleeding through, they are the ones who will “make your film” while you watch it all unfold. They are the people who will be there with the phone when you need it, who will wipe away your tears ewhen you are frustrated, who will tell you like it is when you are begininning to tilt. Yes, your plans will all be in the hands of others … eventually.
Of course the above is made as a commentary on the actal process of filmmaking and doesn’t include the heartbreaking addage that “there is no such thing as a fantastic or even good script.” You gasp at this point but the industry truth is that all scripts are put through a grinder, or maybe it would be more accurate to say that they are like square pegs pushed through round holes. Somewhwere in the offices of the diabolical editors your hard work will be commercialised. What to do? Once again, keep your eyes open and clear, keep your head up. Find out what you are getting into and prepare your work accordingly. You can survive the industry. Even consider being an independant.
The past eight months have presented all of the above and more, with the exception of the Editor (although I must become my own script-Editor in the coming weeks), and so it is with Taste Your Freedom that the process of documentary filmmaking unfolds just as most other films are born from the dissapointments, the highs, the lows, the pure miracles which present themselves to those of us who dare to dedicate part of their lives to projects like this film.
The energy and will to persevere with Taste Your Freedom comes, to a great extent, from the people around me who believe in my vision, in the film’s goals and its potential for social education and information, who understand the value of this type of docudrama. To these people I want to express, particularly at this juncture of the film’s process, my deep appreciation for all your uplifting, patience, understanding and dedication. You are all incredible at what you do and I can only thank you and tell you how humbled I am at times by your endurance and energy. You are contributing to something highly symbiotic, something meaningful.
With all this happening my other projects march on and I am keeping busy. Here is a shot of me at Bourbon Street West, in Pointe-Claire, shooting an interview for a CD release. All the while my musical projects are coming to fruition with me doing some recording and preparing for more live work.
Director Kirk Bennett shoots at Bourbon Street West January 2010
Filmmaking is more than just writing scripts and pointing cameras while someone else holds a microphone, it is a labour of dedications like the painter puts his soul into his brushstrokes. Filmmakers, I have been taught, are the conscience of society and I am blessed to be a bit more than a neophyte charged with the telling about our times, at least a part of these times, which delve deep into the heart of darkenss so many of us live trapped in our own lives, victims of our own destinies. Documentary filmmaking involves coming up with plan after plan as the stories unfold before our eyes, as the bankers play games, and fat-cats eat away our resources. Yes, I am a documentaray filmmaker, I have something important to say. I only ask others to listen, to see their world, the hear their stories and then to taste their own freedom.
Shooting resumes this week.
Can YOU taste YOUR freedom yet?
