With a the now focus on wooing filmmakers to shoot in NYS, there are some in the local film community who are chomping at the bit to get organized, so that when the industry does look at Buffalo, we are prepped to participate. Often times studios can't rely on the cities that they embark upon, unless they are assured that there are enough resources to rely upon. Buffalo's Film Commission is just a piece of the puzzle, securing film gigs, scouting locations, etc.
When it comes to the local film community, there are plenty of actors, directors, producers, set designers, editors, writers, equipment and tech resources, animation wizards, film scorers, costume makers, food trucks, etc. who are willing to jump in to create a professional film package, or fill the gaps where needed. Many of these seasoned Buffalo pros like Peter McGennis and Justin Sammarco (aka Justin Ocrammas) have been living and working here for years, while others such as Jeff Wilber and Wildcat Christi are new to the scene and are looking to connect. We can't forget about the fresh grads on the street, looking for gigs in their hometown - we need to catch them before they flee to another city.
I recently connected with a guy named Garrett Vorreuter (photo left) who has his heart set on helping to wrangle together anyone who is interested in becoming part of something more organized. We talked about proximity to NYC and Toronto, the recent buzz in local indie films and festivals, and the need for collaboration to be of some assistance to the film commission. The Buffalo Cinematic Trust would tap into resources such as Squeaky Wheel, regional colleges and universities, and any other established entity in tune with anything film related.
This may be a large undertaking, but if you talk to anyone in the local film industry, they will tell you that there is a disconnect when it comes to sourcing resources. If you're new to Buffalo where do you event start? If you've been living in Buffalo, you might be jaded. Regardless of your station, your bent or your outlook, we would like to invite you to join us for an evening of networking at The Back Room located behind Hardware on Wednesday July 6th at 6pm.
The Back Room @ Hardware 245 Allen Street, Buffalo NY(716) 882-8843
Message from Garrett:
Buffalo is not Hollywood, and that's a good thing. In the past those who wanted to make movies or be an actor thought it was necessary to move to places like LA or NYC, where the film industry existed. Consider that the stone age of modern movie making. Now with the development of digital technologies, which replaced the skill sets of what were trained professionals, makers are able to do more with less and in ways Hollywood would never dream achievable.
With the decentralization of the film industry, Buffalo like many other cities could potentially develop itself into a hotbed for the next generation of modern moviemakers, by embracing the digital wave as it unfolds upon us. This sort of a development of a "hot bed for digital cinema production," would require more than just a community of local film and video makers. What it requires is awareness, acclaim and a critical lens to illuminate the local makers, their achievements and the development of a model of behavior for others making work in this city (to learn and succeed from). Buffalo, like any other city looking to achieve this, can't do it with only one local maker, making something great. For instance, Vincent Gallo made Buffalo 66, which saw a great deal of acclaim and in itself could have served as the original step towards turning Buffalo into a city where the film industry is embraced. However it takes more than just one Vincent Gallo and their individual acclaims to achieve this. There needs to be a follow up by other local makers, who create work that will gain acclaim, and thus bring attention back to the City as a place for makers to achieve this. This is what's needed to create a positive model of behavior for makers to feed and grow from as part of the local film and video making community.
In creating a local community of makers that will work together to promote the city as a developing hotbed for the new wave of digital filmmaking... we can go ahead and skip the step that normally brings attention to a city by means of an individual's work receiving accolades and attention. Instead we could move ahead by coming together as a working collaborative community, creating a mutually beneficial model of behavior: for makers to learn and feed off of, as they grow, develop and create their own work individually. Inevitably over time one of these local makers will arise to create a locally made work, which will be good enough to receive some sort of acclaim. This is good, that's what was intended in creating a collaborative community that not only helps, but also challenges its local makers to create the kind of work that will bring attention from outside the city's community. But just like the case of Mr. Gallo and his film Buffalo 66, there needs to be another (preferably many others) who goes on to create work that will receive accolades and acclaim in order to direct a critical lens on to Buffalo as a hot bed - not only for Buffalonians- but for the larger new wave of modern American cinema production.
Please join us on Wednesday July 6!
View image
When it comes to the local film community, there are plenty of actors, directors, producers, set designers, editors, writers, equipment and tech resources, animation wizards, film scorers, costume makers, food trucks, etc. who are willing to jump in to create a professional film package, or fill the gaps where needed. Many of these seasoned Buffalo pros like Peter McGennis and Justin Sammarco (aka Justin Ocrammas) have been living and working here for years, while others such as Jeff Wilber and Wildcat Christi are new to the scene and are looking to connect. We can't forget about the fresh grads on the street, looking for gigs in their hometown - we need to catch them before they flee to another city.
I recently connected with a guy named Garrett Vorreuter (photo left) who has his heart set on helping to wrangle together anyone who is interested in becoming part of something more organized. We talked about proximity to NYC and Toronto, the recent buzz in local indie films and festivals, and the need for collaboration to be of some assistance to the film commission. The Buffalo Cinematic Trust would tap into resources such as Squeaky Wheel, regional colleges and universities, and any other established entity in tune with anything film related.
This may be a large undertaking, but if you talk to anyone in the local film industry, they will tell you that there is a disconnect when it comes to sourcing resources. If you're new to Buffalo where do you event start? If you've been living in Buffalo, you might be jaded. Regardless of your station, your bent or your outlook, we would like to invite you to join us for an evening of networking at The Back Room located behind Hardware on Wednesday July 6th at 6pm.
The Back Room @ Hardware 245 Allen Street, Buffalo NY
Message from Garrett:
Buffalo is not Hollywood, and that's a good thing. In the past those who wanted to make movies or be an actor thought it was necessary to move to places like LA or NYC, where the film industry existed. Consider that the stone age of modern movie making. Now with the development of digital technologies, which replaced the skill sets of what were trained professionals, makers are able to do more with less and in ways Hollywood would never dream achievable.
With the decentralization of the film industry, Buffalo like many other cities could potentially develop itself into a hotbed for the next generation of modern moviemakers, by embracing the digital wave as it unfolds upon us. This sort of a development of a "hot bed for digital cinema production," would require more than just a community of local film and video makers. What it requires is awareness, acclaim and a critical lens to illuminate the local makers, their achievements and the development of a model of behavior for others making work in this city (to learn and succeed from). Buffalo, like any other city looking to achieve this, can't do it with only one local maker, making something great. For instance, Vincent Gallo made Buffalo 66, which saw a great deal of acclaim and in itself could have served as the original step towards turning Buffalo into a city where the film industry is embraced. However it takes more than just one Vincent Gallo and their individual acclaims to achieve this. There needs to be a follow up by other local makers, who create work that will gain acclaim, and thus bring attention back to the City as a place for makers to achieve this. This is what's needed to create a positive model of behavior for makers to feed and grow from as part of the local film and video making community.
In creating a local community of makers that will work together to promote the city as a developing hotbed for the new wave of digital filmmaking... we can go ahead and skip the step that normally brings attention to a city by means of an individual's work receiving accolades and attention. Instead we could move ahead by coming together as a working collaborative community, creating a mutually beneficial model of behavior: for makers to learn and feed off of, as they grow, develop and create their own work individually. Inevitably over time one of these local makers will arise to create a locally made work, which will be good enough to receive some sort of acclaim. This is good, that's what was intended in creating a collaborative community that not only helps, but also challenges its local makers to create the kind of work that will bring attention from outside the city's community. But just like the case of Mr. Gallo and his film Buffalo 66, there needs to be another (preferably many others) who goes on to create work that will receive accolades and acclaim in order to direct a critical lens on to Buffalo as a hot bed - not only for Buffalonians- but for the larger new wave of modern American cinema production.
Please join us on Wednesday July 6!
I think if Buffalo and WNY can use the same steps Albuquerque implemented to start up it's booming film industry, they might stand a chance at creating a really good option for production companies looking for dirt cheap locations for both film and television.
Not a bad suggestion. But do we really want to attract "production companies looking for dirt cheap locations for both film and television"? It does nothing for the community and brings in no money. We'll end up with companies that are looking to take advantage of Buffalo and drain it of its resources like the aliens in ID4 rather than companies looking to invest. How about changing the nomenclature and attitude to "production companies looking for affordable and unique locations."
Of course you want to attract productions looking for dirt cheap locations! They still consume gas, food, drink, incur dry cleaning bills, visit attractions, rent vehicles, shop at drugstores, malls etc etc etc etc etc.... ALL WITH MONEY THAT WAS NOT IN BUFFALO BEFORE! Should we land a TV Series like Detroit did, that will equate to hundreds of millions a year pumped into the local economy.
You really think production companies are going to change their way of operating to suit YOUR wants? A little naive I'd say.
Again Kaitcool I can't tell if your joking or not.
I assume your joking since you said this "You really think production companies are going to change their way of operating to suit YOUR wants?" even though no one suggested that.
I was saying that rather than advertise being "dirt cheap" which translates to desperate and lacking, advertise Buffalo as a desirable commodity. There are unique locations around Buffalo that could work to a productions advantage in storytelling and being affordable with incentives. But just being "dirt cheap" sells us out as the dollar store of locations.
And dry cleaning bills? Really?
Yes, dry cleaning. Wardrobe departments require dry cleaners almost on a daily basis during production so yes, dry cleaners profit from productions shooting here. EVERYONE profits just about.
Regarding your promotion of Buffalo. The one concept, "dirt cheap", does NOT preclude the other "incredible locations and opportunities". Producers first look at the CHEAP and then work their way up to find the cheapest place to find the "incredible locations". This is not a novel concept. It has been like this since filmmaking began.
So... again... saying we're dirt cheap does not sell us short or make us look desperate. It makes us look "interested" and "willing to work with" production companies. These are things they look for. We're not in a position to parade around like a peacock because we think we have better architecture to offer than others. Thats just plain BAD BUSINESS.
OMG Kaitcool your right!
I do the same thing when I'm buying a car.
I don't give a crap about what I'm driving. I first check to see if it is cheap. Dirt cheap.
Then I see what color it is.
Same thing with food. That is only if I get kicked out of the bulk section for eating for free again.
Look my original suggestion was changing the wording of "dirt cheap" to "affordable".
If trying to highlight your best selling points while using better wording is "BAD BUSINESS" then I guess I'll get on my bike and go home.
...sigh......
Buffalo's incredible locations need to be showcased in a mainstream film with mainstream stars, not geriatric Playboy bunnies in low budget slasher films.
Once the concept of Buffalo's cool locations is in planted in Hollywood's mind, along with that of a hundred other cities, it boils down to money.
I can't believe you're fussing about wording? If it were up to me I would advertise FREE locations which, in actual fact, ARE available through the city and County.
You need to compete with cities that have seasoned feature film crews which is a HUGE disadvantage for Buffalo. This is another reason that I planned my film to train and give a local crew a legitimate feature film credit on a film with real stars. It would breach a huge hurdle for the city vis a vis Hollywood.
...fart.....
"Buffalo's incredible locations need to be showcased in a mainstream film with mainstream stars, not geriatric Playboy bunnies in low budget slasher films"
Where are you getting this stuff? What are you even talking about?
Wording is everything in advertising. Like for instance my wording which responds to your comments and your wording which goes off on non sequiturs like the sentence above.
We've had mainstream stars come into Buffalo to film "mainstream-like" movies. Prices were "dirt cheap" so they got in and out as fast as possible, which is what's good for production.
So fast even that they were out of here before they had to dry clean their clothes.
Want a direct response? No problem.
What films were shot here entirely in Buffalo recently with major stars? As far as I know NONE. My comment about the slasher movie with the geriatric Playboy bunny refers to a movie mentioned in this string by another poster who claims its going to bring Hollywood to grovel at Buffalo's feet. Yes, I, unlike you, prefer an educated and informed opinion.
Hollywood does NOT like quick in and outs as you erroneously claim. Every "company move" (changing locations to you) is costly and time consuming. Hollywood likes nothing better than to find locations that are cost effective and fruitful. When they go to Toronto or Vancouver or the Czech Republic to shoot, they usually stay for the entire film. If they shoot and run here its because we do not have the infrastructure set up yet to entice them to stay, i.e. seasoned feature film crews with REAL credits.
There, was that clear enough or do I need to draw pictures?
Listen Kaitcool. Its cool that you created this profile specifically to pimp your movie on this forum but don't pretend you know anything about production without siting specific productions.
Big Hollywood movies bounce around from location to location. Moderately sized ones will probably set up shop in a couple or one location. And indie flicks will be shot in one room regardless of what city it is.
What infrastructure are we lacking in order to "entice them to stay"? Everyone else in this forum seems to think that we're already set.
Oh. And some reading material for you since you made the erroneous claim that no Hollywood movie have come to Buffalo:
http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/60830212.html
http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Buffalo,%20New%20York,%20USA
OK... this is silly. You're obviously a teenager with too much time on your hands.
I have made NO erroneous statements, a big word for you I imagine....
I said that no major film has come and shot here for any extended period, for a long time. This statement is TRUE. The Keanu Reeves film last year shot here a couple of days. The others are low budget non entities which again, shot only a few days.
Your statements about production just prove your ignorance. To waste time here REPEATING what everyone else that has emailed me privately has grasped, would be a waste of time.
Dude... speaking with authority about something you have no knowledge about shows you to be a) a child (teen?) or b) stupid.... I'm sure it will take you awhile to figure out what that means.
As for my film credits... LOL!!! You're the only idiot who didn't follow the links in the other posts to find out who I was and what I've done... Or is reading a challenge for you? Here, let me make it easy for you. Follow this link to other links:
http://www.buffalorising.com/2011/03/feature-film-project-slated-for-buffalo.html
Get a life and stop interfering with those here that actually want to do something in and for this town.