Eric Sharp is a local filmmaker as well as the host and creator of the latest of indie film fests in the local area, the Dark River Film Festival. DRFF happens the weekend of Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th at the Alley Theater/Art Sanctuary on 1205 E. Washington from 11am-8pm. Tickets are $8 a day. I had a few minutes to sit down and speak with Eric about the festival.
ME: How was this started?
ES: We went to a film fest and showed our movie ('400 Colts'). Everyone loved it. We had a table set up. We watched a lot of the films. There was no structure; no feedback. It was based on popularity. To put all this work into a movie... we wanted to make a film festival strictly for filmmakers. I want the filmmakers to say, 'Wow, we really like this.' IMDB likes it. Mike Walters (reporter) sent us a film. Everyone was really supportive. We're doing it the way the filmmakers like it. I think the number of entries proves that. We're not trying to compete against Fright Night. We're not trying to knock any one out. We're providing feedback on every film that was submitted, not just the ones shown. The point is to help filmmakers progress and get better.
ME: How does this compare to other festivals?
ES: Feedback. We are specifically wanting the best story period. That's it. A lot of festivals will offer a movie because of a certain actor/actress. We're not interested in placating to a certain person's ego. If it's good we'll show it. We have the courage of our convictions and we'll stick to them. Others who have watched some of the movies are really surprised at the quality of the films.
ME: Who is involved?
ES: I started it and Chris Courson was one of the first I went to. I've been writing for years and came close to selling a script... he's the first guy I go to. We started talking movies and scripts. Because of the things we've experienced with other festivals, we wanted something specifically attuned. Instead of trying to find one, we made our own.
The other judges are Tiffany Smith, John R. Risner, J. Barrett Cooper, Shaun Hickerson, and Erin Mann. Each person has a different background and differing points of view but are in the field.
ME: Who's sponsoring this?
ES: Me. Louisville Slugger made the prize bats very affordable. Huber's Orchard and Winery as well.
ME: What are the categories?
ES: Short and Feature: drama, horror/thriller, comedy, and animation. For instance I have a Western horror which will be under filed 'horror.' And there's the Documentary category as well.
ME: What are the prizes?
ES: Special Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats. There are 3 Best of Fest Bats: one for Short, Feature, and Documentary. Each is a specially engraved one-of-a-kind bat and they receive $500. The winners of each category will receive a framed award and $100 cash.
ME: How were the films judged?
ES: Each judge watched the films independently on their own time. I took the judges' scores and added them up. I got people from different walks of life to give the best feedback possible.
ME: What do you have to say to anyone thinking about attending?
ES: Some of these guys are so good you'll eventually see their work on the big screen. You can tell people you saw their first films. We're only charging $8 and you'll get your moneys worth. Everybody will walk away with something.
ME: What do you have to say to anyone wanting to submit for next year's?
ES: I would like to get more local films to submit for next year. Don't be afraid to submit anything. We don't judge by your camera or what you have. If you have story, you're in.
ME: First movie that got you interested in movies?
ES: “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” My dad took us all to see it. I didn't want to see it. Why waste my time watching something. I was more into music. From that point on... “Aliens,” etc.
ME: What's your favorite movie?
ES: “The Name of the Rose” and “Serenity.”
ME: Least favorite movie?
ES: (“Enchanted”) Disney movie with Amy Adams. It was so bad...
ME: Final thoughts?
ES: Next year we're adding a short screenplay contest (30 pages and under). I'm going to present at 2 classes at JCC about filmmaking and enlist volunteers for the Fest. The filmmakers will be at the Fest and you can meet and address them there. Oh yeah, and get your tickets early because this may sell out.
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Eric Sharp is a local filmmaker as well as the host and creator of the latest of indie film fests in the local area, the Dark River Film Festival. DRFF happens the weekend of Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th at the Alley Theater/Art Sanctuary on 1205 E. Washington from 11am-8pm. Tickets are $8 a day. I had a few minutes to sit down and speak with Eric about the festival.
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Film Guy