Claude D. Miles-Personifying the "Can-Do" Spirit of Indie Film

For the first spotlighted individual of 2010 for the IMM Blog site, I wanted to highlight a guy that really has been doing some great things within a very active regional film community. Not only is Claude D. Miles a talented actor and filmmaker himself, but he is also a proactive supporter of a viable indie film community in Central Kentucky, instigating events that have helped draw numerous independent filmmakers together (as well as working with other events, such as the ConCave convention, which is covered in the interview below). There is no question that his efforts have helped in sparking an increasing amount of collaboration and cooperation between indie filmmakers in Kentucky.

The interview covers a range of topics, as you will see, but hopefully you will get an insight to a very positive-minded, talented individual who embodies the "can-do" spirit of indie filmmaking.

-Stephen Zimmer, for IMM Blog, February 4, 2010


(Claude D. Miles in the upcoming Billy T. Boyd film, "Steampunk")

SZ: Tell us about the upcoming ConCave, when it is, and its location?

CM: Well Concave is Kentucky's longest running science fiction convention. This will be the 31st year and marks the return of the con to its original location Bowling Green, KY. It was held there for one year and then moved to Park City for around 19 years and then to Horsecave for the last decade or so. Our size and convention requirements have finally pushed us back to Bowling Green which offers larger hotel venues in the 'Caveland' area. We have chosen the Best Western Motor Inn of Bowling Green to be our host this year. The facility offers much improvement as far as space over the Horsecave venue. Concave is traditionally held the last weekend in February and this year that is the 26-28th.

SZ: What is your involvement with ConCave?

CM: Where to start... Well I have attended the last 29 (of 30 previous) Concaves. So for me it is a kind of reunion. I grew up there. So my role over the years has changed somewhat drastically. In recent years I became more involved in the running of the Con and was nominated to become Chairman. We recently incorporated as a non-profit group and so technically I am a Board Member who also holds the office of President. Basically that is a fancy way of saying I get to take out the garbage. Well there is a lot more to running a Con than that but you get the idea. I work with a veteran team of officers, board members, and volunteers to balance all of the minutiae that goes into running an event of this nature. We even raise a little money to donate to our favorite causes.

SZ: What is a relax-a-con, as opposed to the more standard type of Con? What can attendees expect at this type of event?

CM: The relax-a-con is more about fans than anything. No special celebrity guests, no panels, no masquerade, none of the things one would normally associate with a science fiction con. What we do have is an art show (with Sat. auction), a dealer's room, a Consuite, a film room, a game room, and a lot of room parties. Concave has several krews that put on room parties from literally beyond this world. It is the sort of thing you have to see to believe.

SZ: Tell us about some of the recent indie directors that you have been working with, as an actor.

CM: I have been trying to be as big a whore as possible when it comes to this. I want to work! I want to practice my craft any/time/way/how that I can! Lately I have done a lot of work with Roni Jonah and her Feathered Italian co-Hort Jason Crowe. We recently re-shot some scenes for her short film 'Trepan' and I got to put some work in on her fabulous Science-Fiction piece 'Malfunction'. I have also had the pleasure and privilege to work with Billy T. Boyd on his film 'Steampunk'. I am very excited to see that project come together. Billy is a talented writer and director who I look forward to working with more in 2010. I would be remiss if I did not mention one of my very favorite directors Jerry Williams but I see the next question is about him so I will hold off on my praise of this local film god. In general I feel very fortunate to have worked with some great directors all through 2009. Cherokee Hall, Jacob Ennis, Stacey T. Gillespie, Bob C. Cooke, the list goes on... Like I said. Whore.

SZ: I always have to ask this question of people who have worked with cult indie filmmaker Jerry Williams (and humor is intended). What is it like being in a Jerry Williams film? Do you need extensive counseling after working with him?

CM: I love Jerry. He offers a creative freedom to his actors that is almost unheard of. I have found that he trusts me to just let go and get way out there. Which in turn pushes me to try and find HIS limit. Which I am not sure exists! He has let me flail around in my death throes until I destroyed the chair I was in! I relish any opportunity to work with Jerry. It is like drinking pure creativity. I only need the counseling to keep me from kidnapping him and chaining him to a camera and a computer in my basement. I am all in for Jerry. Whatever he needs that is what I want to do. Ummm, as an actor that is. I am a married man.

SZ: Tell us about your new western/civil war film project that you recently completed. Who’s in it? And what’s the plot/setting?

CM: Oh, if only that were true! It needs quite a bit more work to be completed. I did screen some footage from it recently but just for fun. I am hoping to complete the project before October at this point. I was privileged to work with a great cast and crew on this. It stars: Cory Stringer, Billy W. Blackwell, Russ Croley, Grace Norton, Cassidy Rae, Roni Jonah, Sonny Burnette, Kayla Perkins, Billy Boyd, Keith Nicholson, Scaheffer Tolliver, Stacey T. Gillespie, and a host of wonderful civil war re-enactors. They were all a pleasure to work with and I have to give props to my behind the scenes crew: Jason Crowe, Jake LeMaster, Rhonda Bingham, Sven Granlund, Tonya Miles, and all of the actors who helped whenever needed. All of these folks and more really went that extra mile for the project and I truly inspired by there work.

The story is basically this: In the chaos in the aftermath of the Civil War in Kentucky an 'outbreak' occurred that did not make the history books. This is the story of some folks trying to survive through that.

SZ: When will you be holding more screenings for the new movie?

CM: I am hoping to be able to screen the finished product by October of 2010. Most likely it will screen here in Lexington for a premiere.

SZ: What are the things that you enjoy most about working in the world of indie film?

CM: I really enjoy the "family" nature of this local community. There is a core of really great people working everyday to make their dreams come true. I love that you can find something happening every weekend if you look. Most weekends there are several simultaneous shoots occurring around the state. This is a wonderful time to be an actor in Kentucky film.

SZ: Conversely, what are the things that you like the least about the indie film world?

CM: The money. I could really use a larger paycheck! More importantly I would like to see some of these fine film makers have some more of it to bring their visions to life! Don't get me wrong, the amazing stuff everyone manages to do with what little we have is mind blowing sometimes. I just think it would be nice if we all had nice catered lunches too!

SZ: What do you see changing in terms of technology, or distribution, or anything like that, that will be of help to the low budget to no budget filmmaker.

CM: As the technology gets smaller and cheaper I think the market also becomes more accessible. If you make a quality product that is interesting to watch and you get it out there then people will look at it. Now, if you want to sell a product that can be a whole different ball of wax. I think VOD (video on demand) is really the wave of the future for most video content. I will always be a collector at heart and people like me will always want dvds we can hold in our hands but I think the future is VOD. And in a VOD world if you can get your name out there you have just as much chance of success as anyone regardless of budget.

SZ: What kinds of things do you think help make for a strong independent film community?

CM: Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly members! Thankfully something we have in abundance here in Kentucky! People who will work hard for each other.

SZ: As someone that had the honor of attending one of your events at Mia’s in Lexington, which was a mini-film festival that was free and open to the public, do you plan on doing other such events? What is your inspiration for these kinds of events?

CM: Thanks for coming! I basically wanted to get a bunch of these film makers I have been ranting about into the same room! I felt it would be nice to do a free screening of some of the recently completed work from our community and Mia's was receptive to the idea so off we went. I definitely want to do this again. I have been working on a larger venue for later this year. I will have more details as I secure sponsors.

When it comes to inspiration I just love seeing what is happening out there and I think everyone should have the opportunity to show their work.

SZ: What’s on your plate for 2010, as both an actor and a filmmaker?

CM: Wow! So much to say. I am finally getting to work with George Bonilla this year on his new film 'Santa vs. the Zombies'. I am out of my mind with excitement about this one! I am also looking forward to being in Roni Jonah's 'Lesferatu' this year as well as some more of her 'Malfunction' story. Then I have a couple of projects in the works with Billy T. Boyd that are going to be lots of fun. On the film making side of it I hope to complete the projects I have shot and get them out there. I am always writing and thinking so something else may get rolling but I am hoping to concentrate on my first love which is acting.

SZ: If people would like to connect with you, what are some of your online links, social networking contacts, etc.?

CM: Good question! I guess the best way to get hold of me is on facebook but I really would encourage all of your readers to visit my imdb page.

Claude's IMDB Link:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3014429/

Claude's FaceBook Link:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/claude.miles

Indy Film News Creates a Haven for Indiana's Independent Filmmakers

In the past, I had been a little familiar with the burgeoning Indiana independent film scene, which includes the director of the Starship movies, Mark Racop, who I featured in an earlier interview on this blogsite. I had first met him when we were on panels together at DragonCon a few years back. But it was not until I attended the Fantasy and Sci-Fi convention InConJunction in Indianapolis that I had the honor of being acquainted with Chuck Budreau, and Indy Film News. What I learned then and since is impressive, and Indy Film News serves as a good model for other aspiring film communities to follow.

Chuck is one of those pro-active types who understands the value of a quality organization within an independent film community, and how it helps support the entire indie community through networking and resource functions. Chuck is a proficient individual to have on the set himself, with a range of talents that most notably include his work in production sound and scoring/soundtracks.

I really enjoyed spending time with Chuck at InConJunction, and have since kept appraised of the group that he founded, Indy Film News. I hope that this interview introduces alot of people to what Chuck is doing, and what is happening in Indiana. It would be a real boon to independent filmmakers if there were such quality groups in all states. Indy Film News is, without a doubt, a real credit to the state of Indiana and Independent Film.

-Stephen Zimmer, for Indie Movie Masters Blog/Podcast interview series, December 9, 2009



SZ: Before getting into Indy Film News, I wanted to give people a little idea about yourself. Give us a brief description of your own background and film activities.

CB - It started when I fell in with a bad crowd during my high school years...filmmakers.

A friend of a friend was making a Batman fan film and they needed someone to play Alfred, the butler. So they grayed my hair and I did a really bad job of acting. From that time on I decided that while filmmaking was fun... I would do it from the other side of the camera. I helped by being a PA, Grip, or whatever else was needed. Then one day I got a call. The sound guy had backed out at the last minute and they were ready to start shooting a feature. I had a small amateur music studio in my apartment, so that made me the guy who knew how to run sound equipment. It helped that I had some equipment too. From that day on I was a sound guy. I've done sound on many features films, shorts, and misc. video shoots. It's been about 20 years and I still find it the most enjoyable work in the world. I recently joined as a voluntary board member of the Indiana Filmmakers Network.

SZ: First of all, regarding IFN, what is Indy Film News, and what are its main areas of focus?

CB - It's a place for filmmakers and actors to find out what's happening in the Indie film scene in and around Indiana. It also is a place for them to promote their projects. Whether that means Cast & Crew calls, film festivals, Premiers, I try to cover it all.

SZ: What roles a group like IFN play for a regional independent film community?

CB - I like to think that IndyFilmNews helps bring the community together and give them the support group they need to make their films. I have seen some great collaborations among the local filmmakers. Together they have really brought their games to a higher level.

SZ: How long has Indy Film News been around and who founded it?

CB - I started IndyFilmNews.com a little over two years ago.

SZ:What has the growth of IFN been like since it was founded?

CB - It started as a place to meet other filmmakers on the site's forum. But over time it has really grown into a one stop source for filmmakers. The main page is devoted to News. We have Professional profiles for Actors and Crew members. There's a long list of film festivals, production companies, and other industry related groups. We even host Trailers and Short Films in a YouTube type format. Many Producers are using these resources to find their casts and crews and to promote their films.





SZ: In your view, how are things with indie filmmaking in Indiana? Are there a lot of ongoing projects, and what kind of projects tend to be the most common in your region? (i.e. short films, indie features, music video, documentaries, webisodes, etc.)

CB - There have been a steady stream of really well produced short films over the past few years. I just attended the first annual "Wet Your Pants Comedy Film Festival" all of those films were great and had a local tie in. The Indie Feature scene is also taking shape. There were several large scale productions over the summer and I'm hearing of several gearing up for spring shoots. There's a healthy environment, where filmmakers are supporting each other and the industry.

SZ: In your opinion, what are some developments that you've seen over the past few years that have been of significant help to indie filmmakers? (in terms of technologies, trends, or formats)

CB - Technology has made it possible for anyone to give filmmaking a try. In the past our low budget films were shot on super 8 film and cost a fortune to cut and process. Today the HD cameras and computer editing suites are very affordable. You can make an amazing film that stands up to broadcast standards on very little money. As a sound guy the advances in digital recorders has been a god send. I used to lug around an ADAT 8 track digital tape machine and edit by bouncing tracks. Now I have a hand held recorder that does a better job and records directly to flash SD Cards. Though I'm still of the opinion that "talkies" are a fad... just like that whole wheel thing.

SZ: What are some areas where you see increasing opportunities for indie filmmakers in the near future? Any favorable trends or developments?

CB - The viral marketing of films has made it so that you can get attention without getting picked up by the large film distributors. While it would be better to have them do all that leg work for you... you no longer are at their mercy. You can self distribute and actually sell your film. I don't know anyone who has gotten rich doing it but I think it's only a matter of time. The other great thing I have seen is that many theaters are equipped with video projectors and are working with indie films to get screenings on the big screen. There's nothing like seeing your work in a real theater.

SZ: Is the state seeing any increases in larger independent films or Hollywood productions coming into the state? Has IFN been able to provide some resources/services for these larger types of projects?


CB - "Public Enemies" was shot in a few locations in the northern part of the state. I posted the casting call for extras on IndyFilmNews. I doubt they noticed it... but I'm sure some of our site's visitors went to that casting call. There were several smaller productions that submitted their cast and crew calls.

SZ: Like IFN, there are some good proactive indie film organizations cropping up in many states, such as Indy Film Wisconsin. Do you network or work with similar organizations in other states?

CB - I've been in contact with a few of the other sites. We kind of keep an eye on what each other are doing. There's no reason to reinvent the wheel. If they find something useful on IndyFilmNews I hope they borrow it. I don't think of other states as competition to our film industry. If a small Indie film from some other state makes it big it will only help our films.

SZ: What are some independent film projects that we can look forward to in the near future out of your region?

CB - There are projects of all sizes in the works. One group is working on a feature film about the first Indianapolis 500 mile race. They are working on building a replica of the speedway as it was in 1911. They are also talking to some CG artists. Another project that's in the works is a Fantasy film the combines Victorian Steam punk science fiction and water spirits. It a really ambitious script. There's also a fairly large scale Batman fan film planning on shooting in the spring. They are using fan films to showcase their talents. There's plenty more films at varying stages of production... always something happening.


SZ: For those wanting to learn more about IFN, or perhaps become active with it, give us some online links on where to find you and Indy Film News.

CB - The main URL is www.indyfilmnews.com please stop by and check it out!

I have worked with several production companies
Magichouse Productions www.magich.com
Karmic Courage productions www.karmiccourage.com
Racso Films www.racsofilms.com

Other sites about the film industry in Indiana I would recommend...
www.filmindiana.com that's the Indiana Film Office's site... lots of usefully stuff there.
www.indianafilmmakers.org the site for the Indiana Filmmakers Network
IndyFilmNews.com
Source: IndyFilmNews.com

Infernal Dreams Making a Name in Independent Film, Horror, and Beyond

It is always good to see new organizations sprout and grow which have an emphasis on the horror genre and that are friendly to independents. It is even better when those organizations feature a team of creative people who enable a first-rate presentation, and sustained outreach in the public and on convention circuits.

Infernal Dreams is one such organization that is really motoring on high-octane within the independent world, on the convention circuit, and online. They feature a number of dedicated individuals who are responsible for the rapidly growing content found on their site and at events. From movie reviews, to the Infernal Dreamgirls, and even to book reviews, Infernal Dreams is a name becoming more known with each and every day.

Indie Movie Masters is pleased to spotlight Infernal Dreams, and to bring you an interview with the founder, David Rupp, who will give you the low-down on the foundations of Infernal Dreams, where it is going, and even his insights on matters relating to trends in horror and new developments affecting indie filmmakers.

Let's check in with David and immerse ourselves into a world of Infernal Dreams!

-Stephen Zimmer for Indie Movie Masters Blog Interviews, November 23, 2009


SZ: First of all, for those who have not visited the world of Infernal Dreams just yet, what is Infernal Dreams all about?

DR: Infernal Dreams is an amalgamation of all things horror, we try to be as inclusive as possible. We support independent ventures without turning a blind eye to the mainstream. We ignore trends and do our very best to maintain integrity with our coverage, reviews and features. ID hopes to entertain, educate and make people aware of what the world has to offer as far as genre tidbits. Add commission graphics, video goodies and appearances and you have most of what we are about.

SZ: Who are the main contributors or staff members of Infernal Dreams?

DR: Well ther's me of course, the father of this bastard, Peter Syslo who is on a holiday of sorts, Jeff Hudson one of the core members, Josh Felty heads the editing and brainstorming, Jake LeMaster is video/lights/photos and all around PR, Bindi Lavelle is articles from down under, Schaeffer Tolliver, Daniel Emery Taylor or celeb reviewer, and Tim-o our newest blood. As far as contributors we have GL Giles, Patrick Farmer and Sam O'Beirn from Canada.

SZ: Tell us a little about your own personal background and your motivations for working to instigate Infernal Dreams.

DR: Originally I started ID as a place to showcase horror wallpaper and graphics that were not widely available. After a few years someone asked me why I don't start reviewing movies since I was always watching them and had deep opinions. That same year I went to my first convention as a fan, and met tons of local film outfits, and said "this is what I need to do". A month later the site morphed and took on staff, until what you see now emerged.

SZ: What's the scoop about the Infernal Dreamgirls?

DR: What can I say that can not be visually explained? We have a lot of talented, beautiful and supportive friends who happen to be actresses and models. They have donated a few moments of their time to help promote us, as well as us giving something back to the visitor besides my mug all over the place. We also have a running Dreamgirl of the Month submission (dreamsgirls@infernaldreams.net) send a pic and some info and you could be the next (or first) DgOTM.

SZ: How has the growth been in terms of visitors to your site since the beginning? Has it helped you to establish better relations with studios with new releases and such?

DR: As far as studios go we are taken more seriously now than when we were first launching the concept, still we have trouble getting the larger LionsGate, Universal, Sony etc. The studios that have worked with us have been great, along with the individuals who send us DVDs and books. Traffic has been on a steady climb in the last year and we hope to keep people interested in coming back week after week to read our articles and reviews.

SZ: Who have been some of the individuals that you have interviewed, either printed or on video?

DR: We have interviewed a good variety of members of the local film scene as well as some outside of the circles. Just a few are Anthony Hudson - promoter and organizer of WIFE, Jeff Waldrige - Scarefest, Kevin Strange - Hack Movies, The Creepy Kentuckian & Uncle Bill - DeadPit.com, Jim O'Rear - Actor, G.L. Giles - Author, Joel Robinson - Artist to name a few.

SZ: Do you plan on doing regular horror book reviews as well?

DR: Yes, we have been been steadily adding to our stables, and books/graphic novels have found their way into them. We have and continue to review anything that comes our way, and books have become a permanent.


SZ: What are some of the areas that you might be expanding or adding in the
near future?

DR: As far as I can tell, we will be expanding our graphics into more commercial filmaking arenas. designing covers and what not as well as posters for films. Quite possibly a music review section may arise within 2010 along with a documentary on Kentucky film and film makers we are currently working on.

SZ: As a horror film guru, what are some of the trends in horror that you
see out there?

DR: I don't know about guru, but there has been an over-saturation of zombie projects lately. I love zombies but let's face it, too much of a good thing still affects the negative. What I would love to see are some fewer remakes and a resurgence of fresh ideas in a totally new frontier. The American movie audience has changed, become jaded. Re-invent what is terrifying, deeply disturbing, push envelopes. Maybe revert to a style, less polished, perhaps the older gritty style from cheaper film stock from the 70's. More balls out, blow the doors off storytelling, less CG.

SZ: As there has been a big increase in the number of webisodes being put online in places such as YouTube, where do you think webisodes will fit in with indie horror? Do you see it evolving into something that indie filmmakers can make a little revenue on?

DR: Webisodes are a good promotional tool, but basing revinue from it may not be the way. I still believe the best way is to get out to the public, meet and greet, talk to them and get things in their hands. We did the webisodes for a bit, and may bring them back but the smaller videos are working for now.

SZ: How have your convention appearances been going, and what conventions are you going to be appearing at over the next few months?

DR: We have been recieved fairly well on the circuit. We have been invited to some shows now to appear as media guests or sponsors, that blows my mind. You will be able to catch up with us at DarkWoods Con - Pikeville,KY March 5-7 2010, ImagiCon - Birmingham, AL May 21-23 2010, WIFE - Richmond,KY May 14-16 2010, Scarefest - Lexington,KY Nov. 5-7. These are the only ones confirmed so far, and I may not be able to attend each event personally.


SZ: Give us links for the Infernal Dreams site, your social networking locations (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and anything else related to Infernal Dreams.

DR: You can find us at www.infernaldreams.net,
www.facebook.com/pages/Winchester-KY/Infernal-Dreams/86862122500
www.twitter.com/infernaldreams
www.myspace.com/horror_haven