ISSUE #79
BEAM FROM THE BOOTH | GRAND RAPIDS FILM SOCIETY
[EDITED BY: GRIFFIN SHERIDAN & SPENCER EVERHART]
Hello and welcome back to an all-new, very special installment of BEAM FROM THE BOOTH brought to you by GRAND RAPIDS FILM SOCIETY!
To start, congratulations to the winners of the ‘people’s choice’ audience vote at last week’s OPEN PROJECTOR NIGHT:
First Place — Happy Thanksgiving (dir. ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby)
Second Place — Room Service (dir. DeDe Drake)
Third Place — Ephemeral (dir. Chad Terpstra)
And thanks to all of you who came out once again to support independent filmmakers with a Michigan connection! We hope to see everyone again in February.
Speaking of OPN winners, we’ve got an interview with filmmaker Nate Fischer, the winner of our Halloween Edition last month, in this very issue.
And further down, Caleb Francis Jenkins gives an introduction to NEXT MONDAY’S (12/2) screening of WINGS OF DESIRE — as only he can!
THE CHIAROSCURO INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES RETURNS FOR SPECIAL 20th SEASON!
GRFS is pleased to welcome back our friends, the CHIAROSCURO INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES, for a very special 20th season of programming this January!
For those unfamiliar, Chiaroscuro runs from January to March each year, and is focused on bringing exceptional international cinema to West Michigan. These special matinee screenings take place every other Sunday and are totally FREE and open to the public. Likewise, each screening is followed by a panel discussion and a reception with snack and drinks.
Check out the poster above for the full lineup of screenings offered in this upcoming season, and visit the (new!) official website for additional details.
FILMMAKER SPOTLIGHT
NATE FISCHER
(Open Projector Night: Halloween Edition Winner, 2024)
[BY: NICHOLAS HARTMAN]
Hey Nate! First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me. To kick things off, let’s keep it simple. To those who don’t know Nate Fischer., can you give us a little bio? Who are you, what are your interests?
Sure! Well to start, I grew up in Brighton, Michigan. From the age of 10, I was making movies with my friends. I was also into skateboarding, music, and the arts. I played in a pop punk band throughout my high school days.
I went to college for film in Tempe, Arizona and moved to GR soon after. From there I was doing a lot of commercial video work while making short skits and movies on the side. This led into more collaborative work with different filmmakers and artists in West Michigan.
My current job position is Marketing Videographer/Photographer for Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids. I plan to further my film career by working on as many films as I can, whether it be mine or helping others. In my free time I enjoy writing, photography, video games, running, hanging out with my girlfriend and pets, and watching movies of course!
For those who haven’t seen your award-winning film The Hiccup Man, can you give us a synopsis?
Two friends, Sarah and Beth, rent a place to stay in the middle of nowhere to go see a concert. When Sarah reads a cryptic poem she finds in an old used jacket, she unleashes The Hiccup Man, a sinister and terrifying entity that won't stop until Sarah's hiccups are silenced.
So, why The Hiccup Man? Why not, a story about a murderous strangler? A horde of zombies, or an axe wielding maniac? Out of all the horror stories to tell – why The Hiccup Man, what’s the inspiration?
This idea had been banging around in my head for a while. Years ago, I read a true story about a man that had the hiccups for over 60 years until he died. This made me wonder about the people living with him. Did they get annoyed from constantly hearing him hiccup? Then I thought, what if a person went crazy because they couldn’t stand the sound anymore and resorted to murder? This birthed the evil entity called the Hiccup Man. I also wanted to challenge myself in making something scary that wasn’t scary before. How can you make something as simple as the hiccups scary? We all get the hiccups from time to time. And when we have them, all we want to do is get rid of them. This film takes that simple concept, and raises the stakes.
When most think of horror, their minds go to blood, guts, vampires, etc. Tell me, what is horror to you and how has it reflected into your work?
To me, simply put, horror is fun. I really enjoy all kinds of horror, but for me, comedy and horror go hand in hand. What do you do right after a big scare in a movie? You laugh. It provides a safe space for us to face some of our greatest fears and come out a little braver in the end. As for my work, I don’t try to take it too seriously. There is always a wink and a nudge. The horror I watched as a kid always seemed so scary and serious, but now I watch it and there is clearly comedy littered throughout. I think movies like Evil Dead 2, Nightmare on Elm Street, Child’s Play, and others really influenced some of the styles I use in my work today.
Now, this is one thing I really want to discuss with you. I know The Hiccup Man was shared at our Grand Rapids Film Society: Roughcut Night. Tell me about the process of screening the rough cut and THEN winning the audience vote?!
It was a nerve-wracking experience. I had been wanting to put myself in more vulnerable situations, it’s the only way we grow! Honestly, the feedback I got from Rough Cut Night was invaluable. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and it gave me the push I needed to finish the film. Going from that to winning the audience vote was something I never expected. Making a film is such a long process. You watch it so many times through post-production that you can’t help but have doubts. You’re asking yourself “Is this thing any good? I really can’t tell if anyone is actually going to like this”. But that is part of the process. I always try to check in with myself and ask “Do I like it?”. Because that’s all that really matters. When you make what YOU love, people can see that and they can see the love that goes into it. I stopped trying to guess what other people want to see a long time ago and just decided to make movies that I would want to see.
I feel like every filmmaker has that “spark”. That moment where they say to themselves, “Yes, this is what I want to do, I want to make films.” Did you have that moment, and if so, could you share it with us? If you didn’t have that moment, what made you want to make movies?
Oh, I had that moment. Like I said, I had been making little movies with my friends since I was about 10 years old. But it was when I was 14 years old, I watched Fight Club in a hotel in Florida. You know, when you could rent a movie through the hotel front desk. After that, everything shifted. I watched that movie in awe, and after, I went for a walk down the beach with my buddy and I said “That’s it. That is what I want to do. I want to make movies.” That movie made me realize that I could really do this.
Making a film is no easy task. There are so many moving parts, so many roles, etc. Can you talk about any specific hurdles you may have faced and how you overcame?
This was an amazing filmmaking experience. The best I’ve ever had. But yes, there were hurdles haha. First off, a week before shooting I realized that I didn’t have a “look” for the Hiccup Man. I had no idea what his design would be. I panicked a little bit, then remembered my buddy Matt, who is a special effects artist. He came to the rescue and made an amazing custom mask and hat within two days. He seriously saved the film. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are happy to be a part of things. Along with that, the biggest lesson I learned this time around is that if you think you scheduled enough time, you didn’t. We could easily have used another day of shooting. We shot almost the entire film in less than two days. Certain shots and scenes had to be cut for time restrictions and we worked into the late hours of the night and into morning. The cast and crew never lost their spirit and everyone was amazing, but I do wish I would have provided more time. Lesson learned! Thankfully, the frantic, on-the-fly style of shooting really helped the tone for the last act of the film. All's well that ends well.
I want to shed light that you’re a MI based filmmaker. Many decide to pick up and move to either L.A. or NYC to pursue filmmaking. Can you tell us how staying in MI has inspired you? Has it had a positive impact on your creativity and what would you say to any filmmaker that’s debating on leaving MI?
I feel that nowadays, there really isn’t a need to go to LA or NY. There are obvious benefits, but I always say “why not here?”. We have amazingly diverse landscapes, different weather settings, and a truly awesome film community all over the state. Plus, I just love the midwest feel of it all. We are kind of operating on an even playing field these days. Anyone can make a movie with the phone in their pocket, and to me, that’s exciting! It comes down to; if you really want to make a movie, then you will. There are far fewer barriers in the way. It of course is not easy, but we now have the amazing capability to make something wherever we are, and show it around the world thanks to the internet. Also, as I get older, home, family, and friends are just too important. So if I’m able to make movies and be around the people I love, it’s a win win.
Very generic question, but I must know, what’s your favorite film and why? If you don’t have a favorite – give me 3 that stand out to you.
Oh boy…this is tough so I’ll say the first one that comes to mind. Probably Evil Dead 2. It is a huge influence to me because it’s just bonkers. It’s scary, frantic, funny, gory, and so creative and well made. I can’t ever get sick of that film. But I’ll give you a few more that stand out for me: No Country for Old Men, Rushmore, Jaws.
This is question I like to ask all our award-winning filmmakers. If you were able to make your dream film and had an unlimited budget – what would you make?
This is tough. I think I would either make a campy horror film right here in Michigan. Maybe an anthology film so I could work with other filmmakers and directors. Or probably a more introspective comedy drama, in the vein of Before Sunset. Unlimited budget for me is a little tough because there is no ceiling which makes it easy to spiral out of control. I once heard a quote “The killer of creativity is the lack of parameters.” So I’d rather have like 5 million to work with and see what we can do with that.
What’s next for Nate Fischer? Anything exciting in the works?
Writing writing writing, I have a few ideas I’m looking at for a short film, but I’m also collaborating with people on other projects. I’d really like to take some time to help other filmmakers with their projects however I can, just because so many people helped me with mine. I’m sure by early next year, I’ll be looking to shoot a new film. Sky's the limit.
How do we stay up to date with you? Any social media accounts you’d like to share?
I stay active on my instagram account (at nathanielstevenfischer) and I also have a YouTube page. Those are probably the best ways to see what's going on!
Any words on your experience with/at Open Projector Night?
OPN was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It just felt so collective and welcoming. Having my film be shown alongside such amazing and talented filmmakers was truly an honor. I really have no bad things to say. The GR Film Society has really helped me meet so many great people and I’m truly thankful for the opportunity. It’s events like these that give local filmmakers the platform and courage to make their own films. It finally feels like Grand Rapids has its film community and a lot of that is because of events like this and the GR Film Society. I’m thankful to be a part of it!
ANGEL’S LANDING
[BY: CALEB FRANCIS JENKINS]
I cannot speak much on the topic of what it’s like to be an angel.
Or can I?
*Touched by An Angel theme song plays*
...
Seriously, though. I am very much human.
Right?!
I am...aren’t I?
I AM. I am.
AI..M *sweats through his corduroy*
Uhh....
*Caleb takes a long shower to wash off this bad thought path*
(Focus, Jenkins...get to the point...(((they’re on to you...)))
ANYWAY - - - Wings of Desire. It’s one of those films that sticks with you long after you’ve viewed it.
I CAN acknowledge and confidently admit I do believe in the presence of angels. I believe those past, with reverence from God, fill this heavenly role to maintain balance of our worlds and help guide us.
Sometimes I feel the spirit of people I’ve lost close-by. I always wonder if they’re along side me through all moments. I have to believe that they are. The dark times have been way too intense to not have had some divine support on standby, at the ready.
Wim Wenders does a beautiful job capturing human spirit in this film — the good and bad, the lost and wandering, the worry and angst of life, the overlooked pieces...but also the moments to celebrate and focus in on — to cherish, notice, keep scared. The picture says so much without using very many words at all.
I want to use this space to share and reflect on some of what being human has meant to me over the years. Perhaps, these are glimpses of times I’ve felt truly alive as well.
“When the child was a child...”
A Peter Handke poem at the start of the film.
Who was I as a child?
I was shy, believe it or not. And, hyper sensitive. I remember feeling very intensely when someone hurt, when someone cried, when someone was angry...these energies had no trouble moving through my porous emotional sieve. I always wanted to hug those in pain, to find some way to help. When I couldn’t assist or provide, I’d instantly think myself unworthy - a burden. I have had to challenge this thinking A LOT...even today. To be able to pick and choose certain moments of life would be an interesting liberty. If I could go back just to recall a point in time to be clearly reminded of a certain memory and take its lessons to a now moment...it’s difficult to do that, to keep consistent with that type of reflection. The world is foggy; life develops thick layers. I do my best to hold on to certain times as a guide, but it’s never perfect.
Oh, how I yearn to play, contribute good energy, explore, become...as I did so inventively, earnestly, naively.
I have found a lot of that play and sense of self in the theatre. I couldn’t imagine being an angel hovering above a playhouse, unable to act.
To be an actor about to go on...
The floor has a bounce to it, a motionless trampoline — you can jump and feel its ripple.
The stage lights — a warming heat — available fuel to those who choose to soak it in.
The curtain, a sacred symbol of happening — a division of space and time — a peak through to an eager audience and almost always the costume jacket, your suit of honor, brushes against the powdery fire retardant of the fabric.
And then — you’re on. Laugher and applause — more charge.
A shared moment with a scene partner — the flame turns up.
And there’s even a thrill when you lose yourself a bit, and don’t know where you’re at.
You’re cooking. It’s like cruising in a car down a country road and you hit that one dip that sends your gut to your feet. It’s visceral and felt and it’s oh so real.
To be on stage is to be high on a skyscraper.
An exercise to feel more here —
I plant my feet in cold grass.
I sense the intention of people before me and people far away.
I say a prayer, a blessing to those I know, those I’ve yet to meet, and the people I might never.
I realize we are all a part of this...same...vast...thing.
We do all contribute to the same canvas.
Perhaps we need a birds eye view to understand.
Whose to say we’ll ever really get that perspective?
As the days roll on, I think it’s increasingly important to create community and find meaning wherever I am.
Perspective.
Must we reach great heights to truly see it all?
Nothing stopped my Mom; she was always in for the adventure and never wanted to miss any of life’s moments. She met everything with intention and genuine excitement.
She was the type of person that’d say “heck yeah” to hiking up a 1500 ft. steep rock formation to land 5700 ft elevation towering above Utah.
Or, the first to jump out of the plane with a big smiling breath into the southwest air.
I think about showing up for and engaging with the world the way my my Mom did.
I try to find her in everything.
I went on a hike at the dunes recently and looked up. The formation of these clouds were a perfect instance when I felt her and everything at once. Whose wings are these?
What do I desire?
I want to be...a part, a player, an important contributor to this stage we’re all on. I want to hold on to all of the moments — the verge of Act I, crushing vulnerability, intoxicating laughter, intense love, a great kiss, a wonderful cup of coffee, a crisp wind on my skin, hugging someone for too long. Through life’s curtain movements of wonder and bizarre, I want to always play along, the best I know how.
Wings ~
To have them, to not.
To fly, to walk.
To hover, to experience.
I think the most important thing is to notice, to care, and to act.
Maybe we cant sprout wings to soar literal heights, but I do believe we should all take a little more time to actually look - to sharpen our sensitivities, to honor, keep safe, love each other, give to, protect, encourage each other to sink deeper, to live a little more, to be.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WINGS OF DESIRE (Wenders, 1987)
WHAT: When the angel Damiel falls in love with lonely trapeze artist Marion, he longs to experience life in the physical world, and finds--with some words of wisdom from actor Peter Falk (playing himself) -- that it might be possible for him to take human form.
WHEN: Monday, December 2nd, 8:00pm
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
LOOK AROUND: MICHIGAN FILMMAKERS SHORT FILM NIGHT & BOOK PARTY
WHAT: Join Michigan filmmakers for a curated screening of their award-winning short films and panel conversation on the release of the new book Short Film Screenwriting (Bloomsbury) by former GVSU-professor Austin Bunn.
WHEN: Monday, December 3rd, 7:00pm
WHERE: The Wealthy Theatre
WHAT: An extension of our FILM SOCIETY ROUNDTABLE free social events —Up to 10 local filmmakers will have the opportunity to pitch their concepts to an audience of potential collaborators and supporters.
WHEN: Tuesday, December 10th, 6:00pm
WHERE: Koning Micro-Cinema @ Wealthy Theatre
And so we’ve arrived at the end of another BEAM FROM THE BOOTH! We appreciate you taking the time to read it and truly hope you’ll continue to do so. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to get each issue in your inbox every week, and stay up-to-date on all things GRFS.
Plus, join us on social media! We’d love to chat with everyone and hear YOUR OWN thoughts on everything above (you can also hop in the comments section below).
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Look for ISSUE #80 in your inbox NEXT WEEK!
Until then, friends...
