Gavin ap' Morrygan Champion Of Charities And Independent Film

What are the pros and cons to crowdfunding?

The pro's of crowdfunding. Meeting a community of film makers and fans of indie films. Getting to see some creative films. Con's of crowdfunding hmm, the wait for the films sometimes. Occasionally backing someone who does not take it serious and does not deliver as promised.

What is the current project you are funding?

I am funding many projects but three recent ones are Clowning Around on indiegogo and on kickstarter Down and Dangerous as well as Dying to do Letterman.

Any film makers or projects coming up you are interested in?

A couple campaigns that are not up yet but should be really soon. "Power...less: Business as Usual" a short film about super heroes. It mixes drama, comedy, action , sci fi and fantasy from betterfeelingfilms. For more information follow Oliver Jones. " Neon" produced by Daniel Hoyos the campaign should be on Indiegogo in the next couple weeks for this short film shot in New Mexico. Fruition Hard Line, a sci-fantasy feature film directed by Timi Brennan and produced by Mahogany J. Slide. Its the story of a young girl who, haunted by immense psychic abilities, must set out on a journey into a strange underworld to discover the origins of a prophetic drawing. The campaign will launch Sept 15th 2011

What inspired you to fund independent films?

On Kevin Smith's message board two different friends discussed films they were making and wanted some help funding. The films were The man who never cried and Stupernatural. so I discovered indiegogo and kickstarter. Mark Bell with Film Threat then introduced me Don Lewis and I got involved with Worst In Show. Shortly after that I found John Trigonis and the great film Cerise. Thru Jon I found a ton of other film makers on Twitter.

What is the best thing about funding films?

The knowledge you helped something great be created. Letting the film maker know you believe in them. And of course seeing something new and fresh. Also some perks.

What is the worst thing about it?

Deciding which film to back It's addictive. Wish I could back more films.

What is the number of projects you have helped to fund?

I think its about 75 over the last year and a half.

What are some of your favorite perks?

Possibly having a Beer named after me (clowning around). Some records from Brendon Fogle for the film Sync. A poem made from my name for John Trigonis's Cerise. MJ_Slide taking a pie to the face for backing her important social film Saving, For Backing Mother's Red Dress and Raymond Did it the filmmakers (John Paul Rice and Travis Legge) helped share about a charity dear to my heart The Wayne Foundation. Gary King and cast sang a couple great songs for backers of How do you write a Joe Schermann Song and also haved help spread word of Wayne Foundation. And many , many others.

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to fund films?

Check out the campaign page first. Is it organized. Do they have a breakdown of how the funds will be spent? Have they made previous films? Do they have a trailer up? Are other indie film makers backing this campaign? .

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to start a campaign ?

Visit this site http://johntrigonis.com/ read then reread The Tao of crowdfunding both articles Crowd Funder Etiquette and Three P's for a successful film campaign.

What do you like to do besides funding independent films?

I play poker, watch way to many dvds and blu rays, attend Kevin Smith events / q&a's , travel. This year I am challenging myself to try different beers I have had about 400 different ones. I play street hockey for fun and charity.

Tell us something about yourself the average person wouldn't know? 

I just got married in July to my best friend. I met her thru Kevin Smiths message board and Kevin who is ordained married us.

Is funding films your full time job?

Haha No I am manager at a movie theatre.

Who are your favorite hollywood filmmakers?

Kevin Smith, Luc Besson, Michael Mann, Cameron Crowe

Who are your favorite indie filmmakers?

Thats like asking a parent which kid they prefer. But a few I would say that I would back again and who have there heart in indie film are John Trigonis , Gary King, Brendon Fogle, Wonder Russell, Mahogany Slide, Travis Legge, Jeanne Bowerman, John Paul Rice, David Paul Baker and Oklahoma Ward. Of course many many others could be listed but the listed people are a great start. Also Marcella, Miles Maker and Mark B.  are great people to follow who have there hands on the pulse of indiefilm.

What are some of your favorite films and T.V Shows?

Favorite films? Blade Runner, Shawshank Redemption, Leon , Heat, The Fall, Clerks, Seven Samurai, Brotherhood of the wolf , Cerise

Favorite shows? Firefly, Pushing Daises, The Wire

How would you describe your film education?

I watch alot of movies lol. I got to be a extra in Zack and Miri make a porno. On set seeing all the behind the scenes stuff happen ignited a spark in me to try to get more involved with film.

How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

I have not been able to get really involved with it. Hopefully that will change soon. I helped a couple baltimore film students with small productions which was a fun experience.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

It does not have the same fuding and advertising it depends on word of mouth and grass roots campaign.

You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be and why?

Blade runner. It's a film I love and have seen countless times. Despite all the hardships and set backs the crew had making it I think it would be a eye opening experiece.

What is your opinion on movie remakes?

Some do not need to be made (footloose). But I do like that the newer version may get people to watch the original.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

Books are almost always better. Your imagination can create so much more then can be captured on film but I have seen many books turned into great films.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Please consider helping indie film get made. Not just by donation but also by sharing projects and seeing the films at festivals. For every hollywood film churned out there is so many more indie films never heard of that are creative and have the crews blood, sweat and tears invested.

Oh and you can follow me on twitter @Tearsinrain78

For more information about the charity I mentioned http://www.viewaskew.com/thewaynefoundation/