What can one really say about Cucalorus that hasn’t already been said? As a film festival it is one of the most entertaining in the country, ask anyone who has been there. It’s an invaluable part of the Wilmington film community, a stage of exposure that puts us on the map in a huge way. As an experience, it is one of the few opportunities in the entire year where you and your friends can view some of the best independent movies and engage in film in ways you simply cannot most of the year. Wilmington, despite its film industry is still one dominated by multiplex cinemas, firmly dominated by the heavy hand of Hollywood filmmakers. But Cucalorus is that one weekend where perhaps that all changes. For me personally, it’s one of the best weekends of the year. I love being able to go downtown with my friends and just experience all different kinds of film. It’s fantastic. Last year in particular really opened my eyes to just how fun the festival was. Stupidly I forfeited my chance to go to Cucalorus my first year in Wilmington. Last year changed that, and in a big way. This is an experience that I cannot just skip out on. Fast forward to this year; due to my job being terrible my time at Cucalorus was much more limited than last year. Still I did manage to spend some time (sneaking onto the boat for the chicken and waffles) and getting in to see Happy Valley. Since the film our group is working on involves the idea of legacy, this seemed like a no brainer for me to see. Joe Paterno built a legacy he well deserved through his multiple decades at the head of Penn State’s football program. However, it’s interesting to see how a legacy can be tarnished, even if you are not a person directly involved in a scandal. Paterno’s legacy has been forever altered by this, and now even when people remember him, it will be with an asterisk. Seeing this film and having it explaining in such a way drove home the point even more that we should all strive to live and leave a positive legacy for those around us, and our communities as a whole. All in all I would’ve loved to spend more time at the festival this past weekend but unfortunately I could not. Cucalorus does great things for Wilmington, and even after I move away, I will return for this special weekend in which everyone stops and appreciates all the tiny things that we love about film.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
The Big Filming Weekend
Well! This was quite the weekend. Two weeks ago we had our expert interview with Rick, and it went smoothly I think. Despite him having trepidations about appearing on camera, all in all I think it was a successful interview. I was extremely pleased with the way the interview looked on camera, possibly the best thing I've ever filmed. Rick was framed by the beautiful palms that surrounded his house, and we were able to shoot the entire thing on his front porch!
This past weekend was rather entertaining, Friday was devoted to our upcoming indigogo campaign. The majority of the money we're trying to raise will go towards music in post production. We each gave interviews detailing our views of the film and why it was important. I must say, it was kind've awkward having the camera pointed at me for a change. Saturday was spent riding around with Rick in his Jeep, something he does with his clients. We had him mic'ed up the entire time and he seemed much more comfortable. The footage from this weekend I thought turned out well, and all in all was a very smooth shoot.
This past weekend was rather entertaining, Friday was devoted to our upcoming indigogo campaign. The majority of the money we're trying to raise will go towards music in post production. We each gave interviews detailing our views of the film and why it was important. I must say, it was kind've awkward having the camera pointed at me for a change. Saturday was spent riding around with Rick in his Jeep, something he does with his clients. We had him mic'ed up the entire time and he seemed much more comfortable. The footage from this weekend I thought turned out well, and all in all was a very smooth shoot.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Expert Interview
Wow. What a week this has been. I'm thoroughly impressed by all the progress on the film that's been made over the past week or so. Two weekends ago we all met in the dark on Carolina Beach in an attempt to film the sunrise. Sadly, it was way too cloudy for this, and instead the day turned in to a b-roll assignment. However, as this was the first time that all of us met our subject Rick, this was far from a wasted day. Some of our footage was hurt due to the lack of a polarizer, but we still managed to get some decent footage. Even more importantly, we learned how kind Rick was, and open and flexible with his time. Without his willingness to participate in our film to the level that he has engaged us so far, it might not have even happened. So it was a successful day in all.
That brings us to this Monday. I was extremely nervous going into this interview because, well, I'm not exactly known as being an amazing cinematographer or anything of the sort. However, it was all a collaborative effort and I think our interview wound up looking very, very nice on camera. I'm extremely pleased with how it looked visually. Audra was amazing asking questions and engaging Rick on camera, and I'm so happy that he was open with us, and we got some amazing answers to our questions. No doubt this will help drive our film forward as we now turn to filming other things. The rest of the afternoon was spent gathering more b roll, driving shots, beach shots and the lot. At the end of the day we filled up both memory cards and leave refreshed, but also excited to continue the task of finishing this film.
That brings us to this Monday. I was extremely nervous going into this interview because, well, I'm not exactly known as being an amazing cinematographer or anything of the sort. However, it was all a collaborative effort and I think our interview wound up looking very, very nice on camera. I'm extremely pleased with how it looked visually. Audra was amazing asking questions and engaging Rick on camera, and I'm so happy that he was open with us, and we got some amazing answers to our questions. No doubt this will help drive our film forward as we now turn to filming other things. The rest of the afternoon was spent gathering more b roll, driving shots, beach shots and the lot. At the end of the day we filled up both memory cards and leave refreshed, but also excited to continue the task of finishing this film.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Interview Questions
In addition to interviewing Rick Rogge, it may be necessary for us to talk to other people either directly involved in his life. These people are also so called "experts" of our subject, be they related to him, involved in his professional, or personal life. Rick has been so involved in the Carolina Beach community, it won't be too difficult to speak with someone that has had some degree of interaction with the man.
Firstly, accompanying Rick into this new chapter of his life, is someone that will know quite a bit about him. His wife will also be living on the boat as they island hop in their new life as medical missionaries. So who better to interview than Rick's life partner, and his other half?
Possible Questions for Rick's Wife:
1) This is a huge sacrifice for the both of you, leaving behind all of the comforts of the modern world, headed into the unknown. What are your feelings behind this big move for the both of you?
2) Choosing to become a medical missionary is not for the faint of heart. This is a huge adventure requiring total devotion, what is it about the both of you that drives you to help people?
3) What could each of us do to make a small impact in our own community?
4) What did you say the first time Rick shared with you his thoughts on becoming a medical missionary?
5) What is the legacy that you and Rick have left behind in the Carolina Beach community?
6) What are your hopes for the continued success of the various organizations and boards that Rick has been a part of? Do you think that they will be able to continue on in much the same way?
7) What are some things that you never thought that you would have to leave behind?
8) Share with us if you mind, some of your thoughts of how different life will be, transitioning from living in coastal North Carolina, to living on a boat, sailing in the South Pacific?
9) What do you have to say to other's that are considering making the same move into the next chapter of their lives? What are some possible recommendations that you can give them?
10) If you would be so kind, could you share with us your favorite memory of your time living in Carolina Beach, and what you'll miss most about this community.
In addition to Rick's wife, we will be talking to the leaders of the Pleasure Island Parrot Heads. This organization is a charity and community service board that schedules various activities and clean ups in Carolina Beach, all inspired by the music of Jimmy Buffett. Rick has served on the Pleasure Island Parrot Heads' board, and has been very involved in their activities. This is also a good place to garner more information about the man, and the work that he's done.
Possible Parrot Head(s) Questions:
1) Tell us a little about your organization and the impact that you have on the community.
2) You are a group that is inspired by the music of Jimmy Buffet. How do you aim on converting the easy and laid back style of his music to the community.
3) Rick has served on the board for years. Can you tell us a little about how he first became involved in the organization?
4) What are the difficulties in maintaining such an organization?
5) Why do you think more people cannot get involved in such an organization, given we all would like to preserve such beautiful places in our coastal communities?
6) Do you think the fun and laid back environment you've created in your non-profit helps to bring even more people in to help that would normally stay away from such things?
7) What are some of the best ideas to come out of your "Meeting of the Minds?"
8) How much will someone like Rick, who has been involved so long in the Parrot Heads, be missed?
9) Are there any plans to expand the Parrot Heads beyond their traditional Wilmington area boundaries in the near future?
10) What is the future of the Parrot Heads?
Firstly, accompanying Rick into this new chapter of his life, is someone that will know quite a bit about him. His wife will also be living on the boat as they island hop in their new life as medical missionaries. So who better to interview than Rick's life partner, and his other half?
Possible Questions for Rick's Wife:
1) This is a huge sacrifice for the both of you, leaving behind all of the comforts of the modern world, headed into the unknown. What are your feelings behind this big move for the both of you?
2) Choosing to become a medical missionary is not for the faint of heart. This is a huge adventure requiring total devotion, what is it about the both of you that drives you to help people?
3) What could each of us do to make a small impact in our own community?
4) What did you say the first time Rick shared with you his thoughts on becoming a medical missionary?
5) What is the legacy that you and Rick have left behind in the Carolina Beach community?
6) What are your hopes for the continued success of the various organizations and boards that Rick has been a part of? Do you think that they will be able to continue on in much the same way?
7) What are some things that you never thought that you would have to leave behind?
8) Share with us if you mind, some of your thoughts of how different life will be, transitioning from living in coastal North Carolina, to living on a boat, sailing in the South Pacific?
9) What do you have to say to other's that are considering making the same move into the next chapter of their lives? What are some possible recommendations that you can give them?
10) If you would be so kind, could you share with us your favorite memory of your time living in Carolina Beach, and what you'll miss most about this community.
In addition to Rick's wife, we will be talking to the leaders of the Pleasure Island Parrot Heads. This organization is a charity and community service board that schedules various activities and clean ups in Carolina Beach, all inspired by the music of Jimmy Buffett. Rick has served on the Pleasure Island Parrot Heads' board, and has been very involved in their activities. This is also a good place to garner more information about the man, and the work that he's done.
Possible Parrot Head(s) Questions:
1) Tell us a little about your organization and the impact that you have on the community.
2) You are a group that is inspired by the music of Jimmy Buffet. How do you aim on converting the easy and laid back style of his music to the community.
3) Rick has served on the board for years. Can you tell us a little about how he first became involved in the organization?
4) What are the difficulties in maintaining such an organization?
5) Why do you think more people cannot get involved in such an organization, given we all would like to preserve such beautiful places in our coastal communities?
6) Do you think the fun and laid back environment you've created in your non-profit helps to bring even more people in to help that would normally stay away from such things?
7) What are some of the best ideas to come out of your "Meeting of the Minds?"
8) How much will someone like Rick, who has been involved so long in the Parrot Heads, be missed?
9) Are there any plans to expand the Parrot Heads beyond their traditional Wilmington area boundaries in the near future?
10) What is the future of the Parrot Heads?
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Content research
As a man that is very interested with helping his community, Rick Rogge is heavily involved in several committees and boards in Carolina Beach. Despite being a very busy and successful realtor, he is also involved in the Harbor Commission, Freeman Park Committee, and the Hurricane Response and Board of adjustments. Rick also serves as the vice President of the Island Cottage, a local food bank in Carolina Beach, and is a member of the Pleasure Island Parrot heads.
I'll start with the Pleasure Island Parrot Heads, because I'm sure many of you are wondering what the hell that is. They are actually a nonprofit organization that holds beach clean up projects and hosts local events to raise money for said operations. They are also heavily influenced by the incredible music of Jimmy Buffett, and like to have a good time whist they are keeping their beach and community clean.
The Harbor Commission is a newer organization in Carolina Beach which began about 7 years ago. Their goal is to create a community environment which is more conducive to boaters and of course, their boats. This includes testing water quality and safety levels, maintaining municipals mooring marinas, and creating recreational activities for boaters and their families to enjoy.
The Island Cottage in Carolina Beach is a smaller food bank which is dedicated to serving all those in the area and providing them with a safe place to obtain food and gives back to it's community. As I mentioned earlier, Rick has been a realtor for most of his life and maintains an excellent rating. He fully embodies the four criteria we set fourth. Since he works on commission, it would be easy for Rick to potentially see his customers as possible profit, instead of people that need help. Rick has helped people find the homes that they need, and not ones that they cannot afford. Rick has maintained a professional integrity and continues to help his community in both his professional life, and outside of it in his many different roles on the various boards of Carolina Beach.
I'll start with the Pleasure Island Parrot Heads, because I'm sure many of you are wondering what the hell that is. They are actually a nonprofit organization that holds beach clean up projects and hosts local events to raise money for said operations. They are also heavily influenced by the incredible music of Jimmy Buffett, and like to have a good time whist they are keeping their beach and community clean.
The Harbor Commission is a newer organization in Carolina Beach which began about 7 years ago. Their goal is to create a community environment which is more conducive to boaters and of course, their boats. This includes testing water quality and safety levels, maintaining municipals mooring marinas, and creating recreational activities for boaters and their families to enjoy.
The Island Cottage in Carolina Beach is a smaller food bank which is dedicated to serving all those in the area and providing them with a safe place to obtain food and gives back to it's community. As I mentioned earlier, Rick has been a realtor for most of his life and maintains an excellent rating. He fully embodies the four criteria we set fourth. Since he works on commission, it would be easy for Rick to potentially see his customers as possible profit, instead of people that need help. Rick has helped people find the homes that they need, and not ones that they cannot afford. Rick has maintained a professional integrity and continues to help his community in both his professional life, and outside of it in his many different roles on the various boards of Carolina Beach.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)