Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
GW: I am attempting to become a writer/director/producer (filmmaker) in order to have the freedom, knowledge, and power to create a story. I would like to create journeys, characters, and worlds that people can wake up and run around in. Film/video is a powerful tool, I have only scratched the surface on how to use it in my own upside-down-backward-sort-of way. I enjoy the team aspect of the film industry and will continue to write and direct passionate stories.
Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
GW: Poetic Burden is a Ghimself Productions and Burning Script Pictures 2018 Denver 48-Hour Film Project submission. Our entire film was written, shot, edited in 48-hours (Friday evening -Sunday afternoon). This sleepless weekend challenges your team’s drive as filmmakers, yet also empowers your team to create. Poetic Burden, follows a crippled sheriff’s code when he learns his daughter is being held, hostage.
With this family-like cast of Eric Tausch, Dalena Nguyen, Matt Fellers, Julia Winstead, and a multi-talented crew, I am proud to call “Poetic Burden” my Victor, Colorado Western.
2018 48-Hour Film Project Parameters:
- Randomly Selected Genre – “Western”
- Prop – “a stuffed wallet”
- Line of Dialogue – “Stop copying me”
- Main Character’s name – “Ruby or Rubin Starr”
Q: What else are you working on?
GW: I currently work as a Production Assistant and 1st AD in the commercial, narrative, and documentary film industry here in Denver. I am fortunate enough to work here in Colorado and all over the United States. Between those jobs, I am writing and rewriting original feature and television screenplays. Beyond commercial client projects and wedding videography, this Summer marks our team’s 4th 48-Hour Film Project year. It will be fun to “up the production value” this year and continue to create.
Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
GW: Not weird, but the best part of the production… filming in the mountain town of Victor, Colorado. It was a wonderful traveling experience due to the filming location, The (run-down and abandoned) Black Monarch Hotel run by Timber Smalls. The old historic hotel has since been remodeled!!! CHECK IT OUT!!!
Our August filming date helped us lock down this amazing, creepy, and dated location. The “Western” feel would not have come through without Timber Smalls and that abandoned hotel. The locals of Victor were friendly and accommodating. There were multiple helping hands who just wanted to be involved and understand the process. I have known a film set to bring people together quickly and our time in Victor, CO was unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who was involved.
Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
GW: Thank you for the follow / clicking around. Feel free to reach out and connect, collaboration is key!
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
GW: The Emerging Filmmakers Project has been a great supporter of my work as well as fellow filmmakers, colleagues, and creatives, it is my “home theatre.”
I cannot explain how much I appreciate participating in the monthly EFP event. The Bug Theatre, in general, is a hub of comedy and drama works. One of my favorite aspects of the EFP is, the evening invites filmmakers to share their work, behind the scenes stories, camera suggestions, production secrets, as well as offers a chance to reflect on the writing/character process. Cheers to more to come!
Poetic Burden will screen at The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, June 20th at The Bug Theatre.
