The Micheaux Manifesto
My personal manifesto as a filmmaker is named in honor of Oscar Micheaux because he exemplifies my intentions as a filmmaker. As he I have also and intend to continue to have artistic, political and financial independence from the decadent, materialistic, and "anti-art" rule of the racist and sexist Hollywood system. I am a filmmaker, I specify the word filmmaker because I make and I intend to continue to make "films" not "movies". Another reason I specifically choose to use the word filmmaker and not director is because the term "director" implies an authoritative figure. I see film as an collaborative art form and I see the art form too lucid to have rigid boundaries of roles set for a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, music director or screen writer. I intend to transcend these imaginary boundaries and be involved in all aspects of film making throughout my life. I see these different roles complimentary and for me the lines dividing the roles have blurred and meshed together. My desire is to make films with a crew of friends not co-workers or colleagues. As a group of friends we share responsibilities and work side by side to achieve a group vision, as opposed to an hierarchical military like dictatorship. Just as I wish for myself independence as a filmmaker I wish for my fellow filmmakers freedom. Therefore I intend to make film not as a employee nor employer but as a team member. I am opposed to the employee/employer relationship and refuse to be on either side of that reality. I want to be involved in films that I "believe in", projects that I see as valuable, inspiring, challenging and fun. I believe that the process is as important as the product. I believe that the entire journey from conception to delivery should be a valued experience and no stage in the process should be perceived as any more or any less important. Further I believe that the energy and vibes of the filmmakers will be infused and reflected in the final product. If filmmakers passionately believe in and enjoy the project the film will be a success regardless of all else. Film making is an art and we have much to learn not only from the film but the process as well. The act of making the film should be approached with care and consideration. I believe that film making is the greatest art form and noblest profession. I want to create original films with unique topics and plots, utilizing creative filming techniques, I want to create film that is provocative, thought provoking and revolutionary, I want every aspect of my films to be innovative and offering new options to society. I want to create films that stimulate the audience and I believe that the process should equally stimulate the filmmakers and society. The history, challenges and techniques of Oscar Micheaux's are just as inspiring as his films. I intend to follow his footsteps, honoring his example.
I intend to create art in the form of film
To work on projects that I "believe in"
To value, learn and enjoy the process
To work with individuals that I "believe in"
To not limit myself with titles or roles
To be politically, socially and ethically conscious
To neither be oppressed nor oppressing of others
To never sell out
I intend to make Films not Movies!
Films Vs Movies
What is The Difference between a Film and a Movie???
A "Film" is made for artistic, political or educational purposes
A "Movie" is made primarily to make money while sometimes being entertaining
I intend to create art in the form of film
To work on projects that I "believe in"
To value, learn and enjoy the process
To work with individuals that I "believe in"
To not limit myself with titles or roles
To be politically, socially and ethically conscious
To neither be oppressed nor oppressing of others
To never sell out
I intend to make Films not Movies!
Films Vs Movies
What is The Difference between a Film and a Movie???
A "Film" is made for artistic, political or educational purposes
A "Movie" is made primarily to make money while sometimes being entertaining
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Self Portrait
Working on my self portrait has been an interesting and fun experience. I knew what I wanted from my portrait but I did not exactly achieve it. My original plan has grown into something different and I think in ways it is better. The film project was very "organic" and kinda evolved into its own entity. Doing the project was kinda like painting a picture. The canvas spoke to me more than I spoke to the canvas. My role was to pay close attention to what needed to be said, done, shown, and to do it. The film kinda created it's self, I just assisted. As I observed which direction the film was taking it's self the project morphed into what it wanted to be. My final draft is different from my brainstorming and storyboard. And I have a lot of really great footage that did not make it into the final. I used two of my younger brother as actors to play the role as me at different stages but only one made it into the final. When I am drawing I look at my paper and the lines and the paper tells me where and how to connect contours and create shadows. It is like the creation speaks to me and tell me what to do. This is the best way I can explain what happen during this film project. The film spoke to me.
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