What's Happening?
Filmmaker Matt Kelsey, in an interview with Ashley Scott Meyers for the Selling Your Screenplay Podcast, detailed the production journey of his indie drama feature film, 'Above Ground.' The film, which evolved from a short film titled 'Her Place,' explores
themes of loss and recovery. Kelsey co-wrote the screenplay with Marianne Kerr, who also stars in the film. The writing process involved outlining together and then independently writing sections, with Kerr often writing in Kelsey's voice. The film was produced on a micro-budget of $300,000, shot in 10 days, after an initial investor backed out. Kelsey shared that a conversation with individuals working for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's production company encouraged him to retain ownership of his script, drawing parallels to Sylvester Stallone's story with 'Rocky.' The film is currently being submitted to festivals, with a rough cut already accepted by a distributor for potential release in November.
Why It's Important?
This discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges and realities of independent filmmaking in the U.S. It highlights the dedication required to bring a passion project to fruition, particularly when operating with limited resources and facing financial setbacks. Kelsey's experience underscores the importance of creative resilience and the impact of mentorship or timely advice, as the encouragement to hold onto his script proved pivotal. The micro-budget production model, shooting a feature in just 10 days, demonstrates innovative approaches to filmmaking that can inspire aspiring creators to pursue their projects outside traditional studio systems. Furthermore, the collaborative writing process with Marianne Kerr, where roles were fluid and trust was paramount, showcases effective strategies for creative partnerships. The film's journey from festival submissions to potential distribution illustrates the typical path for indie films seeking an audience, providing a practical roadmap for emerging filmmakers.
What's Next?
Matt Kelsey's film 'Above Ground' is currently in the festival circuit, with decisions from various festivals expected from early to mid-August, and the festival run continuing through October. Depending on the festival outcomes, Kelsey will decide whether to proceed with the distributor who has already expressed interest for a November release or explore other opportunities that may arise from festival exposure. He is also developing new projects, including a working-title film called 'Growing Up White In The 90s,' which revisits characters from 'Above Ground' during their high school years. This next project aims to explore themes of mental health and nostalgia for the 1990s, suggesting a continued focus on character-driven narratives. Kelsey's advice to aspiring filmmakers emphasizes the importance of 'going and doing it,' even with minimal resources, indicating a continued commitment to hands-on, independent production.
Beyond the Headlines
Kelsey's narrative extends beyond the mechanics of filmmaking to touch upon the broader cultural significance of independent art. His emphasis on creating a film that he and his collaborator genuinely liked, rather than trying to please everyone, speaks to the artistic integrity often found in indie productions. This approach contrasts with the commercial pressures of mainstream cinema, allowing for more personal and nuanced storytelling, such as the exploration of loss and recovery in 'Above Ground.' The film's inspiration from personal experience, specifically his first wife's battle with cancer, highlights how deeply personal narratives can resonate universally. Furthermore, Kelsey's upcoming project, 'Growing Up White In The 90s,' with its focus on mental health and 90s nostalgia, taps into contemporary societal conversations about well-being and the longing for simpler times, demonstrating how independent cinema can serve as a mirror to cultural shifts and collective introspection.
