Photo by: Shauna Kommrusch
Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
A: I am still growing into the filmmaker I wish to become. My creative shaming document grows with every production I produce, script, and direct. I only wish to RISK CREATING SOMETHING while BEING UNAPOLOGETICALLY MYSELF. This is the motto I encourage myself to run towards. My individual writing/directing voice as well as my point of view/camera language will be forever changing, but at the helm are unconventional and unique ideas. And I hope those ideas, when they become reality, help people, serve people, challenge people, and encourage people.
Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it been screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
A: “The Cycle” has screened at four different film festivals in 2021. Niagara Falls International Short Festival, Hollywood Verge Film Awards, Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival, and the 44th Denver Film Festival. We are currently waiting on the 2022 film festival judging, so this is the first 2022 screening of this music video. I am so happy to have been part of the April EFP and among other Denver creatives. For all five “Impaired Vision 2021” music videos check out O.D.D.I.T.Y live on his YouTube Channel.
It has been an honor working with such a talented artist. O.D.D.I.T.Y and I have known each other since our high school creative writing and poetry class days. Working on the visuals for his 2021 “Impaired Vision” album has been life-altering. I hope you enjoy “The Cycle.” This music video is based on his home life and upbringing around drug abuse. The powerful music and visuals require a couple of watches… did you notice the plant? Enjoy, doubt, and listen to the unconventional lyrics while contemplating what CYCLE you continue to repeat.
Check out the BTS VIDEO – The Making of “The Cycle” Music Video (LINK HERE)
Here is a blurb from our film festival run last year:
“Welcome to the world of O.D.D.I.T.Y, – 2021 “Impaired Vision” his debut studio release. “The Cycle” hits close to home for O.D.D.I.T.Y, as it is loosely based upon true-life events he experienced as a young man. His father’s recent passing opened the door for what is one of the most personal entries in his journal. ‘The Cycle’ doesn’t disappoint, featuring vocal contributions from featured artist Keiana Whatley. ‘The Cycle’ is real, in your face, and unapologetically liberating and truthful.”
Here is the 44th Denver Film Festival page on the project page – Music Video Mixtape 44th Denver Film Festival
VIDEO CREDITS Executive Producer: E.M. Lysonge , Producer / Writer / Director: Grant I. Worden, Assistant Director: Jackson Lowry, Cinematographer: Andrew Hanson, 1st Assistant Camera: Dylan Krause, 2nd Assistant Camera: Leah Dory, Production Design: Mike Wallace, Gaffer: Dan Stubbs, Key Grip: Joel Keiter, Wardrobe / HMU: Molly Murphy, HMU: Lauren Minder, Lead Editor: Kyle Homan, Sound Design: Kyle Homan, Colorist: Dan Stubbs, BTS Videography: Erin Homan, BTS Photography: Shauna Kommrusch, Production Manager: Shauna Kommrusch, Production Assistant: Jordan Aburto, Covid Compliance Office: Gerad Woolsey, Location: Public Works & Battery 621, ENGINEERING CREDITS Produced by: Mike Bland, Tracking: Stone Tree Studios, Mixing: Lance Powell
Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
A: “The Cycle” in particular was weird because our team needed to camera prep, prop prep, and choreograph prep all while sixteen people interacted with O.D.D.I.T.Y rapping at quarter speed. The movements and timing in the video were based on the two makeup artists having enough time to apply their different looks. While O.D.D.I.T.Y rapped at quarter speed, the makeup artists were acting in real-time. The three acts structure holds thirty different choreographed moves. This was a very collaborative set, meaning that it had three shots with a 12-minute “oner.” If our team’s timing was off in the choreography or O.D.D.I.T.Y flubbed a verse, there was not enough time to let the twelve-minute take run its course. Our 1st AD would yell “CUT! Back to one,” and we would start over. We fined tuned the choreography in six takes total and were able to edit on-site.
Our lead Producer and Editor broke his back a week before our filming date. He produced from his hospital bed and was on set days after surgery… but that is a different story. HA!
Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
A: Find my work here – Ghimselfproductions.com
Instagram: Ghimselfproductions
Thank you for watching and reaching out!
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
A: I have been showing at The Bug Theatre in the EFP, Filmapaloozas, and 48-hour film screenings since 2017… and I have never appreciated the hard work more than now. I would love to speak on the element of acceptance. I always feel extremely welcomed whenever I attend an event at The Bug Theatre. A large amount of creative empathy, love, and laughter fills the room. I always leave the theatre thankful for showing up, sitting in the crowd, watching the films, and listening to the artist share. So lastly, thank you for caring and showing the films. I encourage other filmmakers to submit their work to the next round of EFP (LINK HERE) showings because people want to hear about the “who, what, when, where, why, and how,” of your production and creative choices. Cheers.
O.D.D.I.T.Y – The Cycle feat. Keiana Whatley (Official Music Video) will screen during The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at The Bug Theatre.
