Interviews

That 'Crazy' Independent Spirit

By Marcos Bernal-Salas

Friday, February 8, 2008

A few weeks ago I attended a networking event where most of the people I met where independent filmmakers. Many of them talked in lengths about what drives them as filmmakers and the commonality for some; storytelling. And Hollywood seems to be paying attention to the independent filmmakers who are thriving with innovative stories out there. A recent example of that is darling-success ‘Juno’ that cracked the $100 million mark at the box office last month with a low-budget figure and a-can-do attitude.

I recently spoke to production partners Patrick Moses and James K. Jones about IKM Productions – a New York City-based company with a bright future and a great horror film that’s getting them well-deserved attention. IKM is an independent inspiration with four feature films out this year with talent that includes Freddie Prinze Jr., Chris Klein and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. But that’s not all, their first feature film ‘Crazy Eights’ is slowly but surely becoming a great success; which can be hard for a horror film. The film opened nationwide back in November as part of ‘8 Films to Die For’, a.k.a. After Dark Films Horror Fest. Now on its second year, the festival’s mission is to introduce 8 independent horror films in over 350 screens across America and that is easily gaining audience popularity. Moses and Jones could not have been more excited about the opportunity of premiering at Horror Fest. Though they were hesitant at first after entering the film they witnessed a great reception from the audience; whereas even Patrick Moses could not get in to the premiere due to sold out tickets of the showing.

In a nutshell, ‘Crazy Eights’, starring Traci Lords, Gabrielle Anwar and Frank Whaley, is the story about six friends that reunite after 20 years due to a childhood friend’s recent death. From then on the story delves into a sordid mystery with a slow-thriller pace that will keep anyone glued to a movie theater seat. Thought the film initially began as a ghost story for Moses and Jones it easily became a more solid project once casting and talent began to attach itself to what it would become ‘Crazy Eights’. So it’s the horror genre the first pick for this crazy-partners-in-crime. “We aren’t locked into a particular genre or type of film; our main guide in choosing what to work on comes down to finding an interesting story,” says Jones. “We love horror films and thrillers, and chose our first films in that genre because, in addition to being fun to produce and direct, there is a great audience base for horror films.”

The production of ‘Crazy Eights’ was definitely a new learning curve for the partners. Shooting within a tight schedule, harsh weather circumstances and unreliable crew members provided for a grisly reality of independent filmmaking; also known as guerilla filmmaking. But their ability to become the jacks-of-all trade and previous experience in different film, video and commercial productions give them —as a team—the advantage and edge that some new filmmakers might lack. “Well, I think each project is a different challenge. “‘Crazy Eights’ was a good challenge being that it was our first feature film and completely different from what we’ve done before. We were shooting a ton, four-to-five pages per day and covering six characters and all types of shots – from wide shots to two shots. It was very fast. There is always something that one learns of overcoming.” Explains Jones about the production antics that went on. The word ‘crazy’ seems fitting to the project then.

What’s in store for IKM? For ‘Crazy Eights’ the next stop is Japan. The ultimate goal for Moses and Jones is simple to keep working on film projects that are top notch productions, better talent and bigger budgets. But overall, whatever they are doing – big or small – the drive of it all involves making good stories no matter what or whom they might be working with. Because after all storytelling – the good stories—is what really matters out there. And it’ also what ultimately the audience connects with; that being the characters and the personal drive of the filmmakers.

For more information on ‘Crazy Eights’ and IKM visit the production company’s Official Website