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 learned alot about the film process in the Music viedo project. The group did alot of pre- planning. More pre planning then I have ever done. The shoot went really smothly and the editing went even more easy. Michael and I edited the visuals in about 1 hour and half. That is the fastes I have ever edited a project. Granted that our edit may not be completly done -perhaps the other groups memeber will see theings that need to be worked on but so far Michael and I are very sastifeid and pleased. We really "shot for the edit". In the editing both at bear hall we both quickly saw tht there was very little we could really do with the footage except what we had planned to do. Our hands were tied however it was very easy to piece the film together like the big puzzle pieces that preschooler play with. We edited the peice together it looks good and we both are proud of it...hopefully the rest of the group will be too. I am excited to see what ideas the rest of the group will have to add to the project too. I have not seen it since and am wondering what cool ideas everyone else has contributed so far. I have learned that when you shot for the edit it cuts editing time in half actully a lot more. However it does limit you a lot. When you do more random improve shooting you have more to work with but a big head ache on decieding what to keep and not use. I am excited to see our music video wed.
