In the indie film world, there are a number of very hard working individuals that embrace difficult challenges in the interests of advancing and supporting indie filmmakers. They work without the benefit of resources, and pour many, many hours of their own time into work that is all too often taken for granted or underappreciated.
In this interview, I wanted to show my appreciation for one such individual, who is a true independent film advocate for the State of Wisconsin and indie filmmakers everywhere.
His name is Wayne Clingman, and he is the brains and effort behind Indy Film Wisconsin. It is an advocacy group for bringing production to the state, but also provides production assistance, networking facilitation, and more.
One facet of Indy Film Wisconsin is a very well-developed BlogTalkRadio show that Wayne puts on each and every week, featuring a wide variety of guests from the indie film world. The podcast is a full hour-long show, conducted live, and is archived and available on iTunes and more.
Wayne is now setting his sites on the development of a cutting-edge conference, called the Midwest Web Slam, which will focus on the blossoming world of webisodes. This alone demonstrates the kind of vision and timeliness that Wayne and Indy Film Wisconsin brings to the independent film world.
It is definitely a privilege to shine a light on an indie film champion like Wayne, and raise a little awareness about a guy that is a real defender and supporter of independent film.
-Stephen Zimmer, August 9, 2009 for Indie Movie Masters Blog.
SZ: What is your personal background?
WC: Started in media by being the Commissioner of CAR 25, the local Cable Access Station in Racine, WI. I was one of the 7 who started Film Wisconsin, the group who replaced the State of Wisconsin Film Office. Due to our work, 2008 saw 50-70 Million dollars of film being made in the State of Wisconsin. I wish the Governor would have kept the program going.
I was blessed to be in a few indy films liked "Tagged" and "Bowl Full of Happiness", and of course "Burr Effect II", all made in Wisconsin.
SZ: What inspired you to create Indy Film Wisconsin? And when did it begin?
WC: After the "It Came From Lake Michigan Film Fest" ended, I knew that I wanted to stay in touch with film makers, and what better way than by interviewing them on a podcast?
SZ: How has Indy Film Wisconsin evolved since it started? (especially that you have a range of national guests participating on the blogtalkradio show)
WC: Confidence on being able to get all kinds of great film makers allowed me to seek them out, and ask if I could get them on. Like I love to say, be surprised what you can do by asking.
SZ: What kind of guests do you look for on your BTR show? And is there any particular way you decide on topics?
WC: Interesting ones. Well, what I find interesting to me. Is it an interesting film? Do they have a unique way they came into film making? True indy film maker vs. just claiming to be. Sometimes I enjoy simply having fans of films on, or folks that can teach us how to market, or how to use the new tech that is coming on line.
SZ: How many shows have you hosted to date?
WC: About 100. If you want to be on the show, just email me and we can see what we can do! Shows are about 60 mins, and we have had actors, crew, directors, and just film fans on.
SZ: Do you see networking/contacts being made between your show guests located outside of Wisconsin and those such as yourself within it? (especially as they become familiar with IFW?)
WC: I do. It is good to see it going on. We are all stronger by working together. None of us know it all, or could not be better at our craft. Let's learn from each other. We should also let each other know about the scams and frauds too.
SZ: Do you get involved with production assistance regarding out-of-state production companies bringing a project into Wisconsin?
WC: A little, mosly location help or good places to get equipment (North American Camera in Milwaukee, tell Bob D I sent you!)
SZ: What's the Midwest Web Slam all about?
WC: Web Slam is all about how creative types can use the new tools to help make/sell/share ideas/films/music.
Web Slam will also talk about fun, cool entertainment ideas coming out from ARG to Machinima. Folks, this is huge!
SZ:If someone would like to get involved with the Midwest Web Slam, how can they
WC: Email me ( wclingman@wi.rr.com )
SZ: What are your personal thoughts on “webisodes” and where they are going? Do you see webisodes as becoming an effective new distribution model for indie filmmakers?
WC: I love webisoides. A great idea!! I'm thinking this is like TV was in the 50’s. The door is way open, and there is no one to say you can’t do this.
Just look at these two sites and behold what is out there!
http://news.tubefilter.tv/
http://www.tubemogul.com/
SZ: How is the state of filmmaking in Wisconsin right now, on an indie level and on a major independent/Hollywood level? How are tax-incentives in states such as Michigan affecting Wisconsin?
WC: Wisconsin sucks when it comes to tax-incentives. You will not find any here. To think we went from millions of dollars in investments to basically zero is sad. In my honest opinion, if it was not a true grassroots effort, which in my view the leadership of Film Wisconsin did not want, what little we have would not be there. Again, in my honest opinion, it looked like to me that the leadership of Film Wisconsin was more interested in keeping Governor Doyle in office for his social agenda than to keep film in this state.
If I may say so, we must all get and stay involved with our state governments to bring the power of the state to bear on obtaining the resources film makers need.
SZ: Give us all the pertinent links to the blogtalkradio show? Where can someone connect with you on social networking sites?
WC:
Indy Film Wisconsin Podcast http://www.blogtalkradio.com/icflm
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/wclingman?ref=profile
Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=42707089001&ref=ts
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