"Project No Light"
Are there enough adept filmmakers in Kosovo, let alone the town of Mitrovica, to create compelling short films for use in our documentary? In some ways I don’t know that we’re looking for polished, Oscar nominated short films (although one or two wouldn’t hurt). Instead, we’re looking for raw story. I think it will potentially make for a more compelling story – not necessarily a more entertaining short film. My buddy Jonathon mentioned HBO’s “Project Green Light.” I guess you could call ours “Project No Light.” Most likely there will be no lights, because there will be no electricity, no budget, no experienced crew, no polished actors etc…which, should make for an interesting story, especially as we are documenting them tell theirs.So, what do you think…do we set this up as a film festival, where we have an open call for entry, asking for short films that share a to be determined theme? Or, do we have an open call for script submissions, then choose the best scripts and match them with local filmmakers we feel could best tell the selected stories?
As for a theme for the short films…what should it be? Reconciliation, redemption, hope…? Would the song idea work as well? I agree that getting the rights to license a song can be expensive, although we don’t really need the song in the films. U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” is 4:36, which could be longer than some of the short films. Of course it would be great to get the rights…so that we could use the song in the documentary...and maybe we’ll have Bono as our narrator while we’re at it! (I just spoke with U2’s management company in New York, and they told me to fax them regarding the song…you never know – does anyone have an extra million dollars lying around?)
11 Comments:
I like the idea of an open call for script submissions, then choose the best scripts. What about a theme like, "Signs of Hope"? It could show different perspectives of what hope looks like in a place of war.
"Project No Light" sounds like a great way to let the people tell their own story. I'll let you know if my million comes in, but I haven't seen it yet. I'll think this over and get back to you with more thoughts later.
If I had an extra mill, I'd donate it to you. Seriuosly (note the word EXTRA).
I think you are on the right track here, this sounds really powerful. What's your time frame for making it happen?
Script submissions could be good if you have filmmakers lined up first. I don't think you'd want to get peoples' hopes up by taking their scripts without any way of getting them made:) Would the filmmakers want to tell their own stories though? A song could be good, but would that inhibit the artistic variety that could come about? Also, would an American song impose too much of a Western overlay? I think you're on to something great, but I'm interested how it can be done with real kosovars who are filmmakers and without taking away too much artistic freedom. I know that "Project Greenlight" allows for a wide variety of script submissions, but that they must all fit the category (drama, action, horror, etc.). They also have filmmakers shoot short films. Then they choose a filmmaker and a screenwriter out of the contestants and pair them up to make a film together. I think that this festival, film competition is on the right track if you can tap into the talent, writers and filmmakers already working there. What do you think?
-Jonathan
i'd make a call for films specifically about kosovo... dont limit. sky.
Thank you so much for the kind words you left in my comments! I appreciate the encouragement.
Wish I had some great input for you on this.
COOL PHOTO!
I like the idea of "Project No Light" (it's soooo you ). I thought of a couple of things that I have seen in these kind of situations that have worked in docs. I saw a documentary last year at Sundance, where the director gave three or four inner-city street kids a camera to tell their personal stories of gang violence in their neighborhoods. Some of the kids did an news story approach to their story, some kids did a music video, while others did a heartwarming tribute to their friends that had been killed. Then the director weaved all of the footage together to tell a complete story. It was amazing.
Another thing I was thinking about is to have a project that a group of people have to work together to complete ( much like they do on the "Real World" ) such as starting/running a business, restoring a farm back to a productive state, or rebuilding a school, etc. Nothing gets people to work through issues then having to labor together for a common goal.
I agree with the thoughts posted by Jonathan. I think it is better to stay culturally sensitive and connected.
In determining a theme/title my biggest question is, what is the purpose behind making this film. Aside from "telling a story," what do you want to accomplish? I think clarifying and focusing these thoughts will give greater depth in understanding the necessary steps ahead.
PS- Safeway has an asbestos problem.
Do not Underestimate the Albanians' sense of creativity. If you are going to give them themes, make sure that the themes are slightly vague and interchangable. In a city like Mitrovica with a high rating of nationalities, what you want is for the stories to corroborate.
Like, you want to be able to have the Albanian's story connect with the Bosnian's story on a core level. Because inevitably they will arrive at similar if not identical conclusions about life in Kosova. it is at those points where your audience will sense the veracity of the films within the film. Keep in mind that all 4 films should have connecting points. Not all the same points but that all four should connect to make an intricate pattern, that is discernable.
Mustafa
Do not Underestimate the Albanians' sense of creativity. If you are going to give them themes, make sure that the themes are slightly vague and interchangable. In a city like Mitrovica with a high rating of nationalities, what you want is for the stories to corroborate.
Like, you want to be able to have the Albanian's story connect with the Bosnian's story on a core level. Because inevitably they will arrive at similar if not identical conclusions about life in Kosova. it is at those points where your audience will sense the veracity of the films within the film. Keep in mind that all 4 films should have connecting points. Not all the same points but that all four should connect to make an intricate pattern, that is discernable.
Mustafa
Do not Underestimate the Albanians' sense of creativity. If you are going to give them themes, make sure that the themes are slightly vague and interchangable. In a city like Mitrovica with a high rating of nationalities, what you want is for the stories to corroborate.
Like, you want to be able to have the Albanian's story connect with the Bosnian's story on a core level. Because inevitably they will arrive at similar if not identical conclusions about life in Kosova. it is at those points where your audience will sense the veracity of the films within the film. Keep in mind that all 4 films should have connecting points. Not all the same points but that all four should connect to make an intricate pattern, that is discernable.
Mustafa
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