This week’s Filmmaker Spotlight is on Will T.S. Coleman of the film Holiday Road. His film is part of the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles screening. Learn about his latest project, his goals and lessons learned from the industry.
Tell us a little bit about your project and how long you’ve been working on it.
Holiday Road is a feature film infused from 12 short, zany and hilarious stories that take place throughout the calendar year. The concept was created in January of 2011 in the back of a shuttle van headed to the Slamdance Film Festival by Kevin M. Brennan and Todd Berger. The goal was to make a film with a budget of almost nothing, fun to watch and good enough to tour the 2012 film festival circuit. After 9 months of work by 13 filmmakers, 6 producers and a giants handful of talented crew, the result is almost as impressive as our former president’s vocabulary.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping out with this film?
There is not enough room in this article to individually give thanks to all those that helped make the film into reality. Holiday Road is entirely made from a shared vision consisting of personal favors, bartered work, massive I.O.U’s and endless unpaid hours of sleepless nights. So for the 100+ people that believed in the concept and trusted that it could be taken to the finish line in all its glory, I leave you with my entire collection of Pez dispensers and undying gratitude!
How does it feel to have your film part of the New Film Makers Screening at Sunset Gower Studios?
I have been to over a dozen screenings that NFMLA has hosted and it is an absolute honor to have Holiday Road projected on their big screen. This project was intended to bring all of our talented networks together to form one hell of a wrap party and yes, NFMLA will be our wrap party and YOU are invited!
What inspires you?
For me, inspiration is in everything. -The people one meets, the stories shared, the lessons learned, the adventures lived and the nights nearly forgotten- The day I stop finding the inspiration in everything is the day I move to Riverside and sell shoes at Footlocker.
Who are your influences and who do you admire?
I am thankful for your time invested in this article thus far, so I will keep it simple. I am a small town dude from the Pacific Northwest that admires his peers and is influenced by those that wake up in the morning always wanting more and doing so with a smile.
What lessons have you learned from the industry so far?
1. If you’re going to fail, fail brilliantly.
2. Do the same thing, but different.
3. Don’t press snooze.
If you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be?
This list could go on forever… I would love to work with Duncan Jones, Robin Williams, Sam Rockwell, Mike Judge and of course, Ralph Macchio.
What is the toughest experience you’ve ever had to overcome?
The day I quit my job waiting tables and told myself, the only income in my wallet would come from industry work. I thought the top ramen diet supposed to end after college, but man was I wrong. (Come see me if you need recipes)
What is the best piece of advice someone has given to you?
You can get everything you want, it just takes longer than you want to get it.
What advice would you give to new filmmakers starting out in the industry?
1. Always return emails and phone calls.
2. Surround yourself with likeminded people.
3. No matter what, at some point, you will always find time to sleep
4. There will always be a hot bartender, an awesome party, or a sale on PBR. Don’t forget why you put up with LA’s traffic and why you are here.
Where can we expect to see you next?
Well, because of my pea-sized bladder, you’ll probably find me in a public restroom near you. Or perhaps you will find me on set after you have decided to be an investor for one of our next films.
Let our readers know where they can find more information about you and your projects
Well my website is under construction, but you can find me in the white pages but if are really interested, you can email me at wtscoleman@aol.com or friend me on Myspace.com.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I recently started coordinating at an amazing and incredibly talented visual FX house. If you need anything from flying pigs to blemishes concealed, come find me at the screening. You wont be sorry! (www.edenfx.com) Thank you for your time and ENJOY OUR SHOW!
Want more info?
Visit the NewFilmmakers LA Official Website at www.NFMLA.org for more information.
About the Author
Formerly an editor at Demand Media, writer at Citysearch, The Examiner, LA Youth Newspaper and proofreader at The Los Angeles Daily News, Christy Buena decided to start Disarray Magazine because she missed writing what she wanted. From hiring writers, to contacting publicists and making assignments, Christy is responsible for the editorial strategy of Disarray Magazine. Get to know the team of talented contributors.
Questions, comments or suggestions?
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