In this tough economic climate, collaboration and resourcefulness is key in independent film. In this spirit, Dani Faith Leonard (a NY-based actress/writer and founder of Industry Power Play) and Alex Cirillo (a NY-based filmmaker) have just launched a site called BigVisionEmptyWallet.com.
Focusing on the New York City filmmaker, the site provides listings of NYC resources, features the work of work of up-and-coming NYC-based filmmakers and artists, and promotes independent film events in the city.
During the Tribeca Film Festival, The Film Stage had a chance to meet-up with the co-founders at the site’s launch party, and then follow-up with it success a week later. Here is what they had to say:
How did you two come together for this site?
We are both artists (Dani is an actress/writer and Alex is a filmmaker), both working in film in NYC. We had been working together planning and hosting a series of film screenings through our company Industry Power Play. Our events had become very successful and we were trying to figure out a way to further build opportunities for the NYC independent film community. Our friends and colleagues create amazing work and, unfortunately, not many people get to see it. We also love living in NY and want to make sure that people continue to film here.
We recognized the absence of websites geared toward the independent film industry in NYC that provide resources, film reviews, job listings and features about up-and-coming local artists. Sure these things exist individually, but there weren’t any one-stop websites for the indie film community until Big Vision Empty Wallet. We’ve met so many talented people through our events and we’re really excited that we’ve been able to create a forum in which we can share those artists’ work with the public.
What are your ambitions for this project? What opportunities would you like to create?
We hope to be a one-stop website for anyone involved in independent film in NY. We also aspire to influence people to make films in NYC by demonstrating that there is an amazing, fun, vibrant community here. We are excited to provide a comprehensive set of resources in one place – a directory, permit and tax information, links to all of the information a film producer would need, etc.
We want to create opportunities for local artists to promote their work. Through BVEW we will feature the work of local filmmakers and artists who we think are spectacular. Additionally, we have a Film Profiles section where filmmakers can register their films, create an attractive profile and explain what they’re in need of (distribution, etc) and why people should check out their films. Ultimately, through both of our ventures, we want to encourage people to create here and help NYC artists be seen and heard.
The launch party seemed to be a great success. How has initial response to the project been?
The launch party was a huge success. It was so nice to celebrate with both friends and strangers who believe in what we’re doing. We met so many people interested in contributing to the site and have had a constant influx of content since the launch. The initial response to Big Vision Empty Wallet has been great and we are really appreciative that we have had thousands of visitors to the site (in the first week!). Can’t go wrong with throwing a great party!
Co-Founders/Creative Directors Alex Cirillo (left) & Dani Faith Leonard (right) from the Big Vision Empty Wallet Launch Party. Photo by Deneka Peniston
Do you use film community sites like this?