5 For Friday… How Does He Do It?
Welcome to our Five For Friday Post where every week we feature a Do It Yourselfer who is running around like a maniac out there in the world and actually making it happen. We pin them down and ask the same 5 questions every week.
Gary King is a dear friend of ours and happens to be a crowd-funding expert. I met him 2 social network platforms ago on MySpace (I know…) and I had the pleasure of doing makeup on several of his projects. I have watched him set goals and them them for years and if you don’t know him already, well, we thought it’s time you did. Right now he is in the midst of a kickstarter campaign for raising finishing funds for his latest film which ends April 30.
1. Why did you decide to “Do It Yourself”
To me, there was no other way. Early on in my life I truly believed that the only method to making movies was going to film school. Having missed that opportunity I thought it just wasn’t in the cards. When filmmaking became more affordable, I just took it upon myself to learn the craft and have never looked back.
2. Are you really “Doing It Yourself”? Is anyone helping you?
There were — and always have been — some amazing supporters from the very start. On my very first short film, I had some friends help me who had no clue or real interest in the field, but just believed in me. Thankfully after many years of filmmaking, I have built solid friendships with people in the business who are willing to work on my projects for way below what they are really worth. I’m truly grateful to know so many talented people willing to give me their time, talent and expertise in creating the films.
I think mainly it’s the spirit that everyone embraces when they see that I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. That’s the DIY I know.
3. What success have you had?
I’ve been very lucky to have made 5 feature films since 2009. I was hired to direct 2 of them (“Death of the Dead”, “Dismal”) which was a huge deal for me as I know those jobs are hard to come by. The other 3 (“New York Lately”, “What’s Up Lovely”, “How Do You Write a Joe Schermann Song”) I produced on my own with a skeleton crew of around 3-4 people. The latest (www.JoeSchermannSong) is a movie musical which I’m very proud of and excited about completing soon.
One of the best part of these projects has been the countless number of talented people I’ve had the pleasure to work with and form lasting friendships.
4. Are you in the DIY culture out of necessity, or creative control?
I’d love to just say it’s necessity but I’d be lying if I said that I don’t enjoy having the freedom to create the films I want to make. Having been a “for-hire” director has given me some great learning lessons about being able to “let go” of the work when it’s out of your control. But ultimately that’s what I love about my own films, that at the end of the day I’m the one responsible for its successes and failures.
5. What’s your worst experience Doing It Yourself
Trying to make a film when there are dirty dishes in the sink staring at me. They are kryptonite to me.
Gary King is a contemporary American filmmaker whose work is known for powerful performances with an emphasis on a strong, visual style. He has written, directed and produced several critically acclaimed feature films as well as award-winning short films.
Website: www.grking.com
Work: films.grking.com
Twitter: @grking
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