Description of film
In the tradition of Kurosawa's film RASHOMON (a story told in multiple
points of view), COLOMBIAN INTERVIEWS is the story of ALEJANDRO,
an illegal immigrant in L.A.. Now sitting in jail, for a crime that unfolds
throughout the film, his story of immigration is seen through the eyes
of conflicting characters. All he has ever wanted was to live the American dream.
Why is this film special? Who is its box office audience?
Similar in scope to MARIA FULL OF GRACE and HUSTLE & FLOW, CI is a low budget character drama. CI will have a broad market reach - North America and Europe will be drawn to this picture, as it reflects their own national immigration dramas. As well, South Americans will gravitate to this film, as a story of "one of their own" - a prodigal son searching for more in America.
Who is in the film?
The legendary actor John Savage (HAIR, THE DEER HUNTER, THIN RED LINE) is attached to star in the film. Young, unknown Latino talents will fill out the body of the cast - both allowing for the film's low overhead and opportunity to break new stars.
How and where will it be shot?
CI takes place in contemporary Los Angeles. Shot largely in common apartments and exterior locations, it will enjoy great flexibility in what it needs, translating to low costs. Shot in Super 16mm film with a small guerilla-style crew, CI be an efficient production.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Art
Set decoration and set construction are minimal for CI. Such elements will and should be found with locations, greatly limiting the art budget. CI's three large art shots - James' house party, the downtown Contraband store, and the Hardware store - will need more robust art allowances.
Camera
CI will largely be shot on the streets of L.A. and in interior apartments. As such, the production will be light and tight. A Super 16mm package and total Camera, Grip, & Lighting team of only 7 will allow shooting to be agile. Allowances for specialty camera lenses will be a must to allow the D.P. to solve inevitable shortcoming of this guerilla -ish shooting style. There will also be several days of car mount work (a camera mounted on a vehicle).
Extras
Extra players are critical to selling the authenticity of many "real world" locations. A grungy "C class" restaurant will not feel vibrant and hungry without people eating in the background. Allocations for extras, their food, and the impact on production's schedule have been considered.
Locations
CI has a total of 33 locations; of those 13 are public (streets, yards, and open spaces); 11 are dwellings. A good relationship with realtors, property managers, and city officials, and Film L.A. will be important. The production team already has these contacts from previous AFI productions. Specialty locations, such as Weegee's, the Hardware store, and the house parties will cost more.
