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David Frankel's Miami Rhapsody may not be the most famous South Florida-lensed movie, but it certainly gets its setting right. With beautiful scenery, a huge arts and cultural scene and perfect weather year-round, each year the city of Miami attracts more moviemakers to its shores—many of whom make the move a permanent one. Here, several local moviemakers share with MM the experiences of working in "The Magic City."
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| Sarah Dawson |
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| Christopher Zara |
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| Akif Hakan Celebi |
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| John R. Munn |
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| Mark Clark |
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| Carol Green |
As a writer and aspiring director, I feel that Miami's rich tapestry of different cultures really helps my creative process. With people from all walks of life here, I am continually inspired and motivated to make movies that are as fantastic and dramatic as real life.
—Sarah Dawson, sarah@cooljunkie.com
Being from New Jersey, I sometimes find it difficult to feel at home amidst the tourist traps and sweltering South Florida summers. This sense of non-belonging is often reflected in our films with "lost soul"protagonists alienated from their surroundings. As a backdrop for visual storytelling, Florida's endless suburban landscapes can evoke love/hate feelings that aid the conflict necessary for a good story.
—Christopher Zara, Writer/Producer, Sketchbook Productions, www.sketchbookproductions.com
Miami attracts the most creative talent on earth; people who enjoy working in this subtropical environment sans Hollywood pressures. Visually, Miami is a diamond and when observing how the city is photographed in each project, one gets a new perspective of aesthetics. Miami as Casablanca is a unique education unto itself.
—Andrew Nathanson, Location Manager, Gatorfilm@aol.com
I moved to Miami Beach five years ago. Through local organizations like IFP and Entertainment Incubator (a monthly networking meeting), I was able to meet other filmmakers and find a publicist (formerly from LA), a screenwriting teacher (formerly from LA), a producer's rep (from NY), musicians (from LA and NY) and investors from overseas (who do business in Miami). And we have a nice beach!
—Betsy Blankenbaker, Producer/Writer/Director (Something to Cheer About; New York in the Fifties), bblankenbake@earthlink.net
Miami and South Florida are not only about palm trees and sandy beaches. There is a huge cultural diversity here that makes it very interesting to explore, and provides lots of interesting stories and ideas for filmmakers. Writers will find massive inspiration here as well, especially if they get deep into the minds of the elder locals sitting by the boardwalks or street corners who are always ready to entertain you with a great story. Miami is alive and kicking!
—Akif Hakan Celebi, Producer/Director/Cinematographer/Founder, South Florida Independent Film Group, akif@myacc.net
I recently finished a feature film with the guidance, encouragement and generosity of other filmmakers, talent and the South Beach community that contributed to the film without any thought of personal gain. I have learned that filmmaking is an organic experience and that people want to help you realize your dreams.
—John R. Munn, Writer/Producer/Director (Women from Jupiter), funnmunn@aol.com
I've got an itch. I'm from the Midwest and I was always told, "Never scratch an itch."That's what I call the Midwest mentality. So I made a change in my life and I started scratching my itch. My itch is moviemaking. My backscratcher is Miami. This city could scratch my itch forever.
—Kevin Roberto Bertolini, Technical Director/Head of Post-Production, TB Digital Productions, Ltd, kbertolini@yahoo.com
Miami is not Hollywood. Miami is tropical locations, heat, skyscrapers, natural light and crewmembers who become family. This county educates one more about the limitations of bureaucracy than about the vision one can offer through the lens of a camera. If only they could see what we can see.
—Carol Green, Unit Publicist, cgprmovies@mindspring.com
While shooting my second feature, Hide, I've found that all the resources needed to make a great film are right here in Miami! I graduated from the University of Miami Film School, where there was great access to equipment and a lot of freedom to experiment. With the Keys, Everglades and South Beach only a short drive away, the possibilities are endless. If only there were more ambitious people down here to more quickly make South Florida the wonderful production oasis it will someday be!
—Mark Clark, overcastpictures@aol.com