FHTA filmmaker - Sarah Fisher
In preparation for the upcoming From Here to Awesome theatrical screenings in Allentown, NYC, London and Calgary - we’ll be posting a series of interviews with various From Here to Awesome filmmakers.
Meditate and Destroy is a feature documentary focusing on bestselling author of Dharma Punx and Against the Stream, Noah Levine. Tattoos, motorcycles, and an engaging punk rock soundtrack are featured in this hard-hitting look at how Buddhism has a place in the world of punks. We are currently holding community and festival screenings around the world. Our DVD will be released in early 2009.
What is currently wrong with the film industry from your point of view as a DIY filmmaker?
The film industry doesn’t currently foster exposure or ease of distribution for independent filmmakers. There are too many hoops to jump through to get your film distributed widely. While the production process has become democratized, theatrical distribution remains in the hands of a few gatekeepers. The film festival system is broken and a sham. Festivals promote themselves as supporting filmmakers, but this is a big myth. Film festival committees operate in a very politicalized way that neither brings income to filmmakers and doesn’t provide ease of discovery. It’s fiercely competitive to get in to festivals and if you’re lucky enough to get in– entering a state of prostitution begins.
If today we are “here” describe “awesome”, what is the most ideal digital filmmaking utopia in your mind?
The most ideal utopia would be a system that broaden the channels of distribution (both online and theatrical) so that independent voices can be discovered and simultaneously filmmakers will manage to monetarily sustain themselves. Film festivals should help filmmakers sustain themselves and not leave the fate of films to a lottery system. . Filmmakers have a better chance getting into an Ivy League school than they do having a film accepted into one of the “Top Tier” festivals. A system that doesn’t rely on the choices of a few film festival committee members who cater to Indywood companies would be revolutionary. I look forward to this day.
What was the experience like of being one of the Pioneer From Here to Awesome Filmmakers?
What’s great about From Here to Awesome is the opportunity to be a part of a collective of filmmakers who are all supporting one another. We are like the underground railroad of filmmakers- the rest of the industry has said they don’t want us but we will not be shut out. We are all empowering one another to take the great leap forward into the unknown- on the route of successful distribution (where most filmmakers hesitate to go). From Here to Awesome festival is innovative in bringing digital distribution and alternative theatrical screening opportunities to filmmakers simultaneously.
FHTA has a great vision to change the film industry. I think like any alternative system, it will take time to successfully operate in a reverse scenario from the current film industry. In five years from now, I expect the rest of the industry will be taking notice and looking at how they can follow in the FHTA footsteps.
If you had the attention of the entire film industry right now, what would you tell them?
I don’t want the attention of the whole film industry nor do I have anything to say. I think it’s pointless to speak someone who doesn’t understand your language. I think it’s exciting to be on the fringe, off in the shadows. This where excitement and provocative things happen. Sorry to anyone who’s missing out. I love being marginalized- I embrace it!
What would you say to other filmmakers considering being a part of future renditions of From Here to Awesome?
Do it and don’t hesitate. The only thing you have to lose is your misguided way of thinking that the film industry is going to do something for you because you made a film. Reverse your thinking and go From Here to Awesome.
Describe your next project and whether your involvement with From Here to Awesome or DIY DAYS has informed anything about how you’ll proceed in the future.
I have no big projects other than fulfilling my dream of seeing Meditate and Destroy reach it’s highest potential. We are bringing the film to communities around the world for the rest of this year which is really exciting. DIY Days has inspired me greatly. I will proceed with a lot more knowledge on self-distribution and building an audience on my next project. I will employ the strategies I’ve learned as soon as possible after the film is done.
