Last summer, I produced Kevin McDermott’s short film THE DRIVEWAY, and now I’m pleased to announce that it has won an Award of Merit from The Indie Fest, and will screen at the upcoming Hoboken International Film Festival on June 7, 2011.
THE DRIVEWAY is a coming of age story about a boy who makes a date to go bike riding with the girl he fancies, but he must first get past the obstacles standing in his own driveway; specifically, the neighborhood bully.
Personally, it was an honor to be a part of this project. The script was wonderful, the cast and crew were fantastic, and director Kevin McDermott (Harlan’s Fortune) was a joy to work with. He is such a talented and creative filmmaker who has this delightful knack for telling a story that can get straight to your heart in the most simple of ways.
From a production standpoint, this film is a great example of what is possible on a tight budget. The final product looks like it cost ten times more than it actually did. But through perseverance, personal connections and the chutzpah to ask for what you want, we were able to make a little bit of money go a very long way.
Of course, it all starts with a good script. Not only was THE DRIVEWAY well written, but Kevin really connected with one of life’s big rites of passage that most of us are familiar with; that time in all our lives when we first tested our self-worth (in this case, asking out the girl), then were challenged to defend it (getting out of our own driveway to meet her). This rite is primal and it’s relevant to adults as well as children. Just watching Henry go though it reminded me of the times in my own life when I had to stand up and justify my own sense of worth and risk getting punched in the gut for it. In fact, I had to do it all over again recently, but don’t we all? When your film can evoke something from the viewer that’s meaningful to their own life experience, then you’ve struck gold. It doesn’t matter how much you spent on the film. You won.
With a good script in hand, we were able to attract a fantastic cast and crew. Experienced young actors Andy Scott Harris (House M.D., Big Love) and Ava Allan (True Jackson, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior) eagerly hopped on board and really brought their characters to life. Also, their influence on newcomer Jake Long helped him blossom and hold his own as the neighborhood bully, Vinny. On the crew side, we were able to bring in Director of Photography Tahlee Booher (The Guild) and Gaffer Iggy Scarpitti (Collateral) as the entire lighting/grip department. I can’t give enough praise to Iggy. It was a lot of exhausting and demanding work and he really came though for us. Everyone did.
One of the interesting logistical aspects of putting together THE DRIVEWAY is the fact that it takes place in 1971. It’s a period piece. That doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but on a shoestring budget, things can get complicated… and expensive. Period pieces cost money, whether you are doing the French Revolution or suburban 1971. The wardrobe, the props, even the cars in the background must be consistent with the period. Kevin and set decorator Amanda Spiva painstakingly collected clothing, bicycles, baseball cards, album covers, a pair of no-so-cheap comic books and some vintage National Geographic magazines. While it was a lot of effort, the set dressing certainly did not explode on the frame. Rather, it stat in the background, nearly invisible, allowing the wonderful story and characters to take center stage. Like it should. But it was such an important touch for such a small film.
So now the bird has left the nest, and it’s taking wings on it’s own. No matter if it’s a multi million dollar spectacular, or a seven-minute short shot in a weekend, to see your creation appreciated by others is one of the great joys of filmmaking.
At this time, the only way you can see THE DRIVEWAY is to get a ticket and go to the Hoboken International Film Festival on June 7. I can’t post the film online just yet for contractual reasons, but we will do so as soon as our obligations are met.
THE DRIVEWAY stars Andy Scott Harris, Ava Allan and Jake Long. Featuring Bill Burns, Amanda Spiva, Marianne Long and Gary Hannah. Music by Eric Haltmeier and Wilbo Wright. Edited by Mark Sult. Produced by John D. Estes. Written and directed by Kevin McDermott.
Visit the Web Page at www.thedrivewaymovie.com
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I LOVED THIS MOVIE…….PLEASE MAKE MORE KEVIN!!!!!!!