I grew up believing in Santa Claus. And I still do. I tried to share this with my children. My oldest welcomed Santa with open arms, and had a LONG list of requests every year. When his brother was born he dutifully informed Santa of Michael’s wishes as well as his own.
Michael was not appreciative of Santa’s generosity and getting a picture with the Head Elf became harder and harder. Lots of tears and kicking. About the age of five I finally gave up on the perfect Christmas Card picture.
In fact, getting both of my children in a picture together while smiling was becoming a great challenge. So much for the wonderful dreams I once had. My world shifted from happy pictures of toothless babies to grumpy teens. Time certainly does change, but Santa is still the same.
And that awkward moment when I was questioned if he was real or not?
Well, Santa only brings presents to those who believe.
So Santa still visits my house every year.
I was even fortunate to recently meet the real Santa. (I have been advised, I am on the nice list.)
Imagine my surprise when I found out he rides a motorcycle and does volunteer work with the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) for our Veterans. I was fortunate to be able to work with him on a charity project. And we would like to share it with you.
Because the most important thing about the Holidays isn’t found under a tree.
It is in our hearts. Patriot Guard Riders Tribute
Interview : Joey Daniel Carr Writer, Director, Producer
Welcome Joey, and thank you for taking time out to speak
with us. Joey Daniel Carr is a local from Georgia. He is currently making a
short film called “Colt
Love” based upon Bonnie & Clyde.
1) Tell us about
yourself:
-Thank you so much for
taking the time to have me as a guest! I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA
starting October 21st, 1991. I'll have a Bachelor's Degree in Film this
October, just before we shoot "Colt Love". If I were to encompass
myself in 1 word, I would narrow it down to: artist. I love music, writing,
film and anything entertainment related. I'm programmed to be a writer and hope
to make my living on it, through my novels or writing for television.
2) Who were Bonnie
& Clyde?
-Who were they
individually, or as a pair? That's two different answers...
Bonnie was a
hometown-type girl who married Roy Thornton at the age of 16. She was 19 and
vulnerable from the heartbreak of her husband being locked in prison. Clyde,
one of many siblings, had to stop his education to work jobs to support his
family. Hard times called for petty crimes that made him popular with the
police and impossible for him to keep a job...
Together, they were
the example of love-at-first-sight. Apart, they were unable to find their
comfort in the world; as a couple, they thrived and became iconic heroes in
American organized crime that weren't afraid of the Depression-weakened
government.
3) Why create a film
about Bonnie & Clyde?
-They are an important
part of American history. They helped create the need for the FBI, the first
authority force capable of using larger guns and pursue across state borders.
4) Why are we
obsessed with criminals?
-I think we're
obsessed with criminals because while we wouldn't rob a bank, we wish we could.
5) Do you believe in
True Love?
-I believe in true
love; passion can make amazing things happen. That can be seen between the real
life Bonnie and Clyde, as well as the Cast and Crew that's working to bring
them to the screen in "Colt Love".
6) How did you do
your research for the movie?
-I've always loved
Bonnie and Clyde. I've spent countless nights browsing websites about them,
watching documentaries and just learning what I can about that era.
7) How can we get a
copy?
-You can get a copy if
you go to the Indiegogo link for "Colt Love" within the next 20 days
and click on one of the perks along the right hand side of the page. All of
them include a DVD of the final project in time for Christmas; other perks
include goodies like BTS features, signed scripts and props, and special
credits... As for selling the film on DVD, there won't be any of that, at least
for a little while. I'd like to take it to film festivals first, maybe get the
funds to do a feature film.
8) What inspired you
to turn to film?
-I was inspired to do
film when I saw my "Iris" novel series in my head. I published the
first and wanted to make the series into films, so I studied film. Also,
Matthew Reilly's work really inspired me to try my best to write his
screenplays... I probably wouldn't mind if someone asked me to direct his
"7 Deadly Wonders" series.
9) Do you have any
sponsors?
-We are in Association
with Jerico Pictures, who has contributed $3,500 to make the film happen. It's
also been a pleasure to be introduced to Cindy Smith of Alias, Smith & Owens, a band
that performs at the Bonnie and Clyde Festival every year. Her music is
wonderful, I'm pumped to use it... We don't currently have any corporate sponsors, but we're working on a
few. They include some transportation companies, hotels, and a media company
but it's just talk until it's in ink.
10) Do you have any
other projects planned?
-I do plan on
relaunching "UnAdopted" once I raise money, my comedy web series
about a foster family that has to come together after being apart for years.
Also, I'd like to really start getting "Iris" and other screenplays
out there... This is pretty much all my focus now though, making "Colt
Love".
11) What goes into
producing a movie?
-The real answer is
long enough to fill several volumes of encyclopedia! Simply put, a lot goes
into producing a movie; it's really endless. I'm just doing a short film, so I
can't imagine a full feature and what it would take. I can say that there are a
lot of sleepless nights and challenges that require more energy than you know
you have, sometimes.
12) Any advice for future writers and producers?
-Advice: Keep on
keeping on, and fake it til you make it. You have a vision that no one else on
earth has, or could have; this is one of the best qualities of collaboration,
seeing how your crew brings your vision to life. There aren't a lot of people
in the world that are going to automatically care about that vision, you'll
have to convince them and sometimes it won't work. Get used to being your own
source of energy and confidence, it makes you pleasurable to be around.
Finally, people may not notice you when you're there, but they certainly notice
you when you're not there; get out and be seen!
Thanks, for stopping in!
I can’t wait to see the finished film. Keep us updated!
