| Issue #23 - August 29, 2008 |
Artists Make Movies: Gary Beeber
Gary Beeber is a man who isn't afraid to take artistic risks if it means he'll learn something in the process. As a successful artist who worked with digital photography long before it became the rage, he has become a documentary filmmaker well on his way to attaining an equally successful career.
Q: Your two short documentaries, Messenger and Bally Master, have won many awards in film festivals. They are about men on the fringe, involved in unusual professions. Kamikaze is New York's most legendary bike messenger; Scott Baker in Bally Master does daredevil feats like piercing his arm with a needle. What attracts you to people like this?
A: I find these people interesting, and I hope the audience will too. I love making films like these. I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it. I believe my job is to entertain people. I don't interview doctors andlawyers.
Q: So you don't do these films just to win awards in film festivals.
A: Right. I enjoy looking into people's lives. I learn things I didn't know.
Q: How did being an artist help you as a filmmaker, a profession you didn't have formal training for?
A: My art background helped me with composing a shot. Photography is telling a story with one frame; film is made up of thousands of frames, moving pictures.
Q: What was the hardest thing about filming Bally Master?
A: I sat in the front when Scott was doing his act, really up-close. It was really hard to figure out how to shoot him when he's doing his act. I had to film some things five times.
Q: What did you learn from Scott and from the film generally?
A: I learned how to work a crowd. I can do that now, when I give a presentation or a lecture. I also realize now how important music is to a film; I have music composed just for the films. I'm always learning something new.
Q: How about Messenger? What did you learn from Kamikaze?
A: You never realize what you'll learn until you get into it. For example, I asked him, "What's the meaning of life?" He gave an answer really quickly. I wouldn't be able to answer that quickly.
Q: Your next film sounds just as quirky and interesting, about the art of burlesque.
A: It's about the new burlesque scene out of New York, especially about burlesque star, Dirty Martini, who is a real pioneer.
Q: What makes burlesque "new?"
A: It's now a combination of things. It can be political satire, performance art, modern dance. These people are happy doing their art.
Q: Just as you are doing your art?
A: I like it when there's a full-house at my films, when people are standing in the aisles. A full house is the best feeling in the world.
- Marion Wolberg Weiss
Gary Beeber will be showing his films on Friday, September 5, at 7 p.m. at the Pollock Krasner House as part of the series, Artists Make Movies. Call 631-324-4929 for information.
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