“Out of Mind”: Behind-the-scenes with first time documentary maker

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CBC Manitoba SCENE

Sunday May 27, 2012

According to Artbeat co-founder Lucille Bart, “it’s what the artists do for themselves that makes its work”.

Winnipeg’s Artbeat Studio Inc. offers a unique program for artists that also struggle with mental illness.

They have graduated over 100 artists to date.

Out of Mind is a brand new documentary that follows four artists going through Artbeat’s six-month residency.  The film offers powerful personal stories about the power of art to heal, and to build community.

SCENE caught first time film producer Holly Moore as she prepares for the launch of Out of Mind, Monday, May 28 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Moore takes us behind the scenes to tell us what she learned in the making of this documentary.

Five things I learned while making my first film: 

If you can imagine a film about something, then make it.
 I see stories in everything. Fear and laziness are your biggest enemies. Making a film is hard but so worthwhile.  It stretches all your skills, creative, business and time management.

Approach your subject with respect.
 I came to Artbeat Studio ready to intrude on them for six months and I didn’t know anything about mental illness. Nobody likes a filmmaker that barges in and orders people around.  I had to resist the urge to “make” my documentary and instead let it unfold around me.

Building relationships takes time. Sticking to a schedule was essential for our budget but I went to almost every event they held during my film. Making a film with the Artbeat  community was an extraordinary experience… and investing in them helped them feel comfortable in front of the camera.

Appreciate your crew. Buy them a sandwich and have your cheque book ready at the end of the shoot. They will come back the next time you ask them to. Keep in touch with the Broadcaster-they DO want to know what you are up to.  And don’t cry in front of your Editor. It’s a rough cut. Calm down.

Never criticize anyone else’s film. This has been like giving birth. Saying someone’s film is bad is like calling their baby ugly. I would never say that about a baby, would I?

If you miss the screening of Out of Mind you can catch in on MTS Winnipeg-On-Demand, beginning in June.

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