Author: patricksheridan

MEET THE FILMMAKER: Lewis Leslie.

Lewis is screening the “The Music Box” October 18th at The Emerging Filmmakers Project (EFP), Denver’s longest-running, locals-only independent film screening event. EFP Host Patrick Sheridan, who worked on “The Music Box”  recently caught up with Lewis.

PS: Tell us about yourself and why you’ve become a filmmaker.

LL:  I have been writing screenplays for about ten years. In 2010, after being part of a few small productions, I realized that I wanted to be more involved in the filmmaking process.  I jumped right in, directing the feature film “Killer Ink”. Many doors have opened, and I have directed 9 short films since. I will be directing my 10th next month.

PS: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere. What are your plans for it?

LL: We are showing “The Music Box”. It’s a movie about a couple that has grown apart because it takes all their energy just to make it through each day. This film won best picture in the 1 Story 3 Visions contest held by the Phenom Film Fest Sept 6th-9th in Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana.

PS: A little side note to our readers: I was offered the role of the husband. I jumped at it because Lewis had already cast one of my favorite people, local actors Laura Mayo. I then helped out with the script and helped produce it. I even helped teak the final edit with the movie’s extraordinary editor, Ryan Carroll. Thanks for letting me be part of it, Lewis.

LL: You’re welcome.

PS: What else are you working on?

LL: Under Fire Studios’ feature film “Killer Ink” is being re-cut, and will screen this winter in Denver. My first faith-based film “One Way” is filming at the beginning of November. My short film “The Monster in the Basement” is nearing completion. It’s part of a feature-length horror anthology titled “The Dead Speak Tales”.

PS: Tell us one weird thing about you or your movies.

LL: I like to use names of friends and family as characters in my films.

PS: Where can people go to find out more about you? My website is www.underfirestudios.com. And I have a facebook  page: https://www.facebook.com/underfirestudios

PS: Anything else you’d like us to know about?

LL: I have always had a deep love for film. I am very grateful to have a community like there is here in Denver to practice and showcase my work.

PS: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?

LL: EFP is a great way to showcase local films and meet local filmmakers. I’m really looking forward to the screening on the 18th!

MEET THE FILMMAKER: Jesse Gray.

Jesse is showing “Busted” at The Emerging Filmmakers Project (EFP) on October 18th. The EFP is Denver’s longest-running, locals-only, independent film screening event. “Busted” is a movie about a couple that has to deal with issues of trust when a hidden stash of dvd’s are found in their home.  It features Rachel West and Michael Haskins as the couple. Ken Hendricks shot it. Sound and lighting by Jim Brennan. Jeff Deel edited it.  Music by Don Martineau.

EFP Host Patrick Sheridan recently had a chance to chat with Jesse.

PS: Why did you become a filmmaker?

JG: I was about ten when I first tried to replicate the inspiration and entertainment of movies by getting the neighborhood kids (and parents) together to do an adaptation of “Return of the Jedi.” I would cast the roles and direct, and the parents would make the costumes. That never got off the ground, but the desire to create stories and immerse myself in that process never left me. I started getting involved as an actor, and while it was a lot of fun, I never felt fully satisfied.  Enter directing. I love bringing talented people together, watching them work, and guiding a project to completion. I am passionate about film, and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing than helping to bring a vision to fruition.

PS: How did “Busted” come about? Has it screened elsewhere?  What are your plans for it?

JG: “Busted” came from a desire to get something off my chest in a creative way. Admittedly it’s narrow with regards to its scope and target audience, but the statement it makes is unmistakable (if not trite). I posted it on YouTube, but I never had a real desire to pursue other venues (although I did), with the exception of the EFP.

PS: What else do you have going on?

JG: Currently I’m working on re-writes of a simple short called “Shoes” and bringing the necessary elements together to get it produced. I have a few features I work on from time-to-time, but right now I’m focused on projects that can feasibly be brought into existence in the near future.

PS: What is something weird or unusual about you or your movies?

JG:  I suppose something weird about me is that my imagination runs on words instead of images. When I read a book or a script, I don’t “see” things in my mind–my enjoyment of the text simply comes from processing it as-is. However, I hear dialogue crystal-clear in my head, spoken by a very real person who I simply can’t see in my mind’s eye.

PS: Where can people find out more about you and your work?

JG: I’m on Facebook and CASA, but I don’t really have anything geared towards presenting myself or my work to anyone. I guess that’s kinda weird too.

PS: Any thoughts about The Emerging Filmmakers Project you’d like to share?

JG: I am grateful to the EFP for providing such an in-depth and interactive presentation opportunity to starting filmmakers like myself. I believe the most valuable elements at this stage are exposure and connection, and EFP has the perfect set-up to accommodate both of those goals. It provides much more than a screen and an audience; it creates an atmosphere that encourages growth and has the potential to bring like-minded artists together.

PS: Thanks, Jesse. See you on the 18th!