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Interview with Inga Brunnett of the
THE SPRINGFEILD FILM FESTIVAL
Where are you from and how did you end up in Jax (if not born here)?
Raised in San Francisco, in the heart of the city with side trips often to Southern California. I moved to Jacksonville by way of Cleveland, Ohio to get back to the coast.
How did you get interested in film?
My interested in film began early as a medium and art form. I didn't seriously latch onto it until my years in art school at California College of Arts in Oakland. took a series of courses outside of my major that had a tremendous impact on perception of art, film and performance. I took a class with Angela Davis, entitled "Women and Oppression" which focused on the movement of the Harlem Renaissance and how that effected the perception of African American female artists within themselves as identity in America, as well as how they were received by the rest of society during that time. The other two classes were on experimental filmmaking and experimental performance. was in my last year of college at that time, and my formative classes in graphic design had helped established a pretty strong foundation and grid in my approach to design. With that in mind, the filmmaking and performance professors focused on stepping outside of the realm of the so called 'golden triangle' some design movements are based upon. It was stepping into the fourth dimension with film and performance that was a liberating experience for me as an artist.
Tell me about your back ground in film and the industry.
My career as a professional designer, art director, creative director spans over twelve years. The most part of it based in Los Angeles as well as Orange County. My design application in the earlier years were with clients in the recording industry as well as the motion picture industry including: Akai International, JBL International, Max Studios, AIP International (Films) and Warner Home Video. I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with professional musicians, actors and filmmakers through my work as a designer in support of events promoted for my clients. I've worked on movie sets as part of the production crew on an industry soundstages as well as on location, which gave me an appreciation for the genius of an awesome film director! ... you either have it or you don't ! The most part my work as a designer was intertwined with the entertainment industry because of the focus of my own work. It also gave me the opportunity to work with the best in commercial photography, editing, sound and recording industry as well as film distribution.
How did the Springfield festival come to be, what is its main purpose?
The Springfield Film Festival has been developed to provide a consistent entertainment program for the community. It is also a program to provide a venue for local filmmakers, artists, writers and actors to present their craft. This is a film series we hope will launch the efforts of the creative community in both Springfield and Jacksonville, to bring our city on the map as a cultural destination.
Who judges the films, and how do you decide on one for inclusion intothe fest?
A panel of local art, business and film representatives. As far as the selection of the film, on the SFF website at www.thenewspringfield.com, the call for entries describes what the Springfield Film Festival is about in detail. Another aspect that supports the film series is our mission statement:
Mission Statement: The Springfield Film Festival is dedicated to presenting the best of independent film programming celebrating the flourishing arts community of Historic Springfield Jacksonville. The film program will showcase the evolvement of filmmaking today as an art form that builds on community and cultural alliances. The festival is devoted to shedding light on the direction of new cinema by supporting films that highlight progression in the arts and humanities.
What do you look for most in a film?
The SFF accepts short films for consideration. We look for films that are in this format, as well as a filmmaker that has grasped the understanding of film direction, editing, and story telling. If you can tell a story in the short amount of time with with and an angle that captures the view by YOUR STORY, the filmmaker is on his/her way of understanding their art form.
How has the response been so far (better or worse than expected)?
The response has been great by both the film makers and community!
Is this a seasonal, or limited time project or do you plan to continue it every month for as long as you can?
The SFF is a 6 month series that began in March and will accumulate towards the end of the competition with an Awards Gala with almost $5000 in cash prizes directly awarded to the filmmakers.
What would be your best advice for amateur film makers just startingout?
Understand the equipment your using. Understand the aspects of film. Watch movies. Watch different movies, outside of the Hollywood A-List. And definitely go back to school. A few courses, if not many will go a long way.
What sort of pitfalls should they watch out for?
When creating your first film, it's easier to thing big than to think small......the suggestion is to think small. Give yourself limitations for example: your script, running time, etc. This way the filmmaker will be able to expound on creativity within this format. It gives room for creation when you set some boundaries first.
Are there any print/online/organization resources you would recommend for indie filmmakers to use?
www.Indiefilms.com , www.fmpta.org or www.indiefilms.com,eincubator.org
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Official call for entries and submission forms for the Springfield Film Fest are at
www.thenewspringfield.com
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