FHTA filmmaker: Gerard Elmore
Set in Hawaii, ALL FOR MELISSA tells a story about a young man whose obsession for Hollywood’s “It” actress leads him on a quest to meet her and win her heart, but in the process, he discovers he may already be in love with another girl, his best friend. Our film got picked up for distribution by Echo Bridge Entertainment and we are currently talking to the local press to do another push for the film.
FHTA page
Official site
1. What is currently wrong with the film industry from your point of view
as a DIY filmmaker? Not enough money to experiment with films that are outside the box. A lot of indies are now done by guys who have been in the business for years and they bring in the names and the resources to their projects. For people who have no connections in Hollywood, the point of entry is pretty non-existent. You have to force your own entry way with a high risk gamble. The competition is fierce and the industry is not as welcoming to the guerrilla dreamers.
2. If today we are “here” describe “awesome”, what is the most ideal digital filmmaking utopia in your mind?
Awesome would be a world where a lot more money would be given to undiscovered talent to develop their movies. As it is now, there isn’t a lot to go around. The only option now is to work hard, risk everything, and hope someone important sees you. More venues and more exposure are the key to the future.
3. What was the experience like of being one of the Pioneer From Here to Awesome Filmmakers?
Pretty cool. I think it’s where indie film makers need to go to. More web and more guerrilla. Build an audience with the Internet.
4. If you had the attention of the entire film industry right now, what would you tell them?
Scout for new talent and give some chances to the new guy.
5. What would you say to other filmmakers considering being a part of future renditions of From Here to Awesome?
Embrace it and work hard at it. It pays off if you put effort into it.
6. 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?
Not sure what’s next but I have learned a lot with From Here to Awesome. Embed, spread, etc. There are a lot of avenues to get your movie out there and FHTA helped me find those avenues.
