By: 3daywkend

3daywkend — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:39:46 +0000

The La Paloma theater in Encinitas California is pretty unique. It isn’t particularly beautiful, but it’s oldish. They usually have independent films in there, plus the obligatory surf films and occasionally, Rocky Horror.

By: Mike Olafson

Mike Olafson — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:22:02 +0000

Hey Richard- thanks for sharing that- If there is anything I can offer, its that I think you are taking the right steps. Two years ago, I quit my day job making a tidy salary just shy of six figures to finish my feature documentary, 'Gears, Grease and Guitars' (Crazy- I know.) It premiered here in Denver to almost 500 people- I thought I could find sponsorship, go on tour, etc. but of course, it didnt happen. I continued to lose money, had to sell my DVX-100, my Bolex 16mm, my light kit, furniture, and damn near lost my house- I realized I had to return to work- being an insurance wholesale rep which is not too creative at all- but its what my past 13 year career had been in. That was a tough step to take, and I punched a hole in a door on the day of that realization. But I accepted the fact that my films MUST be a hobby now- and nothing more. However, I realized that one doesnt have to give up entirely ones passion just because it doesnt make money. Making films is what I do. Some guys work on cars, some guys collect things, some go skiing, some go fishing- I make films. Whether they make any money or not doesnt matter to me because Im not putting my finances on the line again like I did- and in a weird way, that has set me free. Free to pursue the films I want, in a low budget style, my own way. This year I am going to film a short black and white in 16mm- but my new project Im getting excited about is another documentary about vintage drag racing which has a very established and proven market. My first doc film introduced me to this drag race culture and I made a ton of connections and still have a lot of leftover segments that didnt make my first film. It will also be shot on 16mm and resemble those old surf films of the 60s. I am going to work to find sponsors and a distributor (after using my prior film “Gears, Grease and Guitars” as a calling card- a lot of this I decided after reading Bankroll- which you suggested) and Im getting really excited about this 2nd project. I dont know if it will make money- I hope so, but the bottom line is Im going to do it because its what I do. My point to all this- and I hope its been comforting for you to read- is you are right- you have your film, camera and abilities for a reason- you have imagination and drive and shouldnt let that go. I think the steps you are taking are good- If I may be so bold as to offer a helpful suggestion- you appear to have a lot of interests- Ive seen your blurbs on vintage radio building, car building, boat building, filmmaking, etc- Im like that too, but I decided to focus on 1 maybe 2 things. That allowed me to finish my doc film. Id suggest the steps you are taking, but stay focused on a couple creative goals- you dont have to conquer the entertainment world all at once- let the world take a spin, make your film, use the opportunities to learn and grow, and to feel good about yourself and enjoy your family and life. Why am I saying this? Because Ive been inspired by your comments on facebook- and I hate to see a fellow filmmaker with ambition, drive and creativity, beat himself up when hes down- its NOT an all or nothing game- You dont need to roll 6s all the time- a 1 or a 2 still moves you along the game board- but at least it moves you along. Keep making films, because its what YOU do to.

Comments on: Surf Films

By: 3daywkend

By: Mike Olafson