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FLIFF DIARIES: "Coyote" --talk with director and writer
The cast&crew of "Coyote" with Bonnie Leigh Adams at FLIFF 2008
The Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival is going truly independent this year by showing the low budget "Coyote" by Side Street Productions as its opener. Unlike "The Grand" last year, which included such big names as Dennis Farina, Richard Kind and Woody Harrelson, to mention a few, this project was made by virtual newcomers.Yet, the subject matter and tone of the film was so compelling that it has already garnered a positive response from other festivals and given prime coverage at our own FLIFF. After this, it goes immediately to Valencia, Spain, then Brazil, Alaska and Cairo ... for now.
SUMMARY The film follows two friends who, in the process of helping a friend who is deported get back into the country, realize how easy smuggling illegals across the border is and decide to turn it into a business. They soon discover it has grave consequences. The film is not meant to be an opinion piece or a statement-maker, but rather a story of friendship set with a backdrop of immigration. Director Brian Petersen said, "This is an entertaining story that afterward will lead to discussions about the issues."
About the Director
Petersen already has another feature under his belt, a comedy called "Think Tank". For him, he finds shooting drama easier. "Comedy can be tough. What works during production may not work in editing. But I do like to mix comedy into my dramas as well." In addition, he has been Assistant Director on several projects, including "Napoleon Dynamite," in which he played Lance.
Acting & Behind the Camera
In addition to directing, he and writer/ editor Brett Spackman were the leading actors. "Brian and I just fit perfectly," explained Spackman, who said they all found themselves wearing multiple hats, which was perhaps the best part about the filming process. "Because of the fragmented shooting schedule and sometimes shooting in sketchy areas, it worked well that Brian and I were both behind and in front of the cameras; it also cost less," he laughed. When asked how it was to act and direct, Petersen said it worked because he trusted his Director of Photography (D.P.). Instead of doing storyboards ahead of time, Petersen chose to simply explain the angles he wanted with the D.P. before shooting. He did have a chance to look over shots afterward as well. The feel of the movie is gritty and raw, documentary style. This was a conscious decision and was achieved by utilizing a lot of handheld shots. Because of the subject matter, Petersen didn't feel the final product having a "slick feel" would have worked as well. Spackman found the most challenging part of filming was tackling the subject matter, taking the audience on a journey from an almost "Oceans 11" adventure into a more serious mode as the movie progresses.
Brett Spackman -- Writer/ Editor & More
Spackman has worked on several short films before and also has done some acting in the past. But this is his first feature. His next movie, which will also be worked on with Petersen, will be a "road movie with a genre twist." In working on the next movie, both agreed that more pre-production time would be a good idea. During this film, opportunities and locations opened up quickly and scenes had to be shot sometimes too hastily. "If I had one thing to say to filmmakers -- maybe it goes without saying -- go into production when ready," advised Spackman. They also both would prefer to work only behind the camera next time.
Funding
Spackman revealed that funding for the project came strictly from the savings of the two, as well as calling in favors. "Never ever do that," he laughed. "We ate up our savings. We asked for every favor. Hopefully, we will be able to pay back soon."
Casting
When it came to casting the project, they did write some parts with certain people in mind but also held a casting. They found their extras at Home Depot, using real immigrants. "It was interesting to hear them tell their stories of how they crossed over. Living in LA, we see a lot of illegal immigrants here," said Petersen.
Locations
The film was shot primarily in Tuscon, AZ and Nogalas, NM because both Spackman and another crew member knew the area quite well. As far as shooting in Mexico, Spackman said, "We got permission for everything we shot, but never had to get permits. My family has a small condo in Mexico. We used it as a base to look for places to film."
Editing
The editing for the project took six months. Then they added in some footage from the 2nd unit, then edited for another six months. "Our first handful of screenings were test screenings for us. It's definitely different watching it with an audience. We tweaked the footage, made some adjustments. It wasn't until the fourth or fifth festival that we had the final cut locked down," added Petersen.
Distribution
Evidently, every decision this team has implemented has been the right one. Not only have they gotten massive attention at festivals around the world and a sales agent to assist with marketing, but also have already found distribution. They will be signing papers soon. Petersen explained that getting coverage and awards at festivals definitely helped them. "It made the deal we struck nicer," he said. They found distribution through contacts at festivals and on their own. According to Petersen, the film may see theatrical release as soon as Spring next year, but it will definitely be on DVD.
See "Coyote" and meet the cast & crew
But you have your chance to see "Coyote" and meet some of the cast and crew on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Miniaci Theater, of 3100 Ray Ferraro Jr Blvd, Davie, FL 33314. Tickets are $5 for FLIFF members, $7 for seniors and students ($3 for Nova students, staff & faculty) and $9 General Admission. Visit http://themexicandream.com/coyote-trailer-1/ to see trailer. Read Filmmakers Blog for some great info. on saving money in filmmaking.
The Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival is going truly independent this year by showing the low budget "Coyote" by Side Street Productions as its opener. Unlike "The Grand" last year, which included such big names as Dennis Farina, Richard Kind and Woody Harrelson, to mention a few, this project was made by virtual newcomers.Yet, the subject matter and tone of the film was so compelling that it has already garnered a positive response from other festivals and given prime coverage at our own FLIFF. After this, it goes immediately to Valencia, Spain, then Brazil, Alaska and Cairo ... for now.
SUMMARY The film follows two friends who, in the process of helping a friend who is deported get back into the country, realize how easy smuggling illegals across the border is and decide to turn it into a business. They soon discover it has grave consequences. The film is not meant to be an opinion piece or a statement-maker, but rather a story of friendship set with a backdrop of immigration. Director Brian Petersen said, "This is an entertaining story that afterward will lead to discussions about the issues."
About the Director
Petersen already has another feature under his belt, a comedy called "Think Tank". For him, he finds shooting drama easier. "Comedy can be tough. What works during production may not work in editing. But I do like to mix comedy into my dramas as well." In addition, he has been Assistant Director on several projects, including "Napoleon Dynamite," in which he played Lance.
Acting & Behind the Camera
In addition to directing, he and writer/ editor Brett Spackman were the leading actors. "Brian and I just fit perfectly," explained Spackman, who said they all found themselves wearing multiple hats, which was perhaps the best part about the filming process. "Because of the fragmented shooting schedule and sometimes shooting in sketchy areas, it worked well that Brian and I were both behind and in front of the cameras; it also cost less," he laughed. When asked how it was to act and direct, Petersen said it worked because he trusted his Director of Photography (D.P.). Instead of doing storyboards ahead of time, Petersen chose to simply explain the angles he wanted with the D.P. before shooting. He did have a chance to look over shots afterward as well. The feel of the movie is gritty and raw, documentary style. This was a conscious decision and was achieved by utilizing a lot of handheld shots. Because of the subject matter, Petersen didn't feel the final product having a "slick feel" would have worked as well. Spackman found the most challenging part of filming was tackling the subject matter, taking the audience on a journey from an almost "Oceans 11" adventure into a more serious mode as the movie progresses.
Brett Spackman -- Writer/ Editor & More
Spackman has worked on several short films before and also has done some acting in the past. But this is his first feature. His next movie, which will also be worked on with Petersen, will be a "road movie with a genre twist." In working on the next movie, both agreed that more pre-production time would be a good idea. During this film, opportunities and locations opened up quickly and scenes had to be shot sometimes too hastily. "If I had one thing to say to filmmakers -- maybe it goes without saying -- go into production when ready," advised Spackman. They also both would prefer to work only behind the camera next time.
Funding
Spackman revealed that funding for the project came strictly from the savings of the two, as well as calling in favors. "Never ever do that," he laughed. "We ate up our savings. We asked for every favor. Hopefully, we will be able to pay back soon."
Casting
When it came to casting the project, they did write some parts with certain people in mind but also held a casting. They found their extras at Home Depot, using real immigrants. "It was interesting to hear them tell their stories of how they crossed over. Living in LA, we see a lot of illegal immigrants here," said Petersen.
Locations
The film was shot primarily in Tuscon, AZ and Nogalas, NM because both Spackman and another crew member knew the area quite well. As far as shooting in Mexico, Spackman said, "We got permission for everything we shot, but never had to get permits. My family has a small condo in Mexico. We used it as a base to look for places to film."
Editing
The editing for the project took six months. Then they added in some footage from the 2nd unit, then edited for another six months. "Our first handful of screenings were test screenings for us. It's definitely different watching it with an audience. We tweaked the footage, made some adjustments. It wasn't until the fourth or fifth festival that we had the final cut locked down," added Petersen.
Distribution
Evidently, every decision this team has implemented has been the right one. Not only have they gotten massive attention at festivals around the world and a sales agent to assist with marketing, but also have already found distribution. They will be signing papers soon. Petersen explained that getting coverage and awards at festivals definitely helped them. "It made the deal we struck nicer," he said. They found distribution through contacts at festivals and on their own. According to Petersen, the film may see theatrical release as soon as Spring next year, but it will definitely be on DVD.
See "Coyote" and meet the cast & crew
But you have your chance to see "Coyote" and meet some of the cast and crew on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Miniaci Theater, of 3100 Ray Ferraro Jr Blvd, Davie, FL 33314. Tickets are $5 for FLIFF members, $7 for seniors and students ($3 for Nova students, staff & faculty) and $9 General Admission. Visit http://themexicandream.com/coyote-trailer-1/ to see trailer. Read Filmmakers Blog for some great info. on saving money in filmmaking.
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