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Nut Job – A.K.A. – Pepperoni and a film people watch

22 May 2009 188 views 13 Comments

Sometimes that is exactly how I feel in the film industry. Like a nut job. Seems like every time an opportunity I desire comes along, it has all these hidden consequences. I fear I’ll accept the nut offering and get eaten up in the process. With each passing year it becomes harder and harder to say no to writing that “broad comedy” script, or directing that “teenage high school horror” movie. So I guess the question is this; is it enough to make what you love, but always remain poor and unseen? It’s not that I need money or want fame, but I would like to go one month without worring if I can add extra pepperoni to my pizza without comprimising my rent. I’d be cool to think that the independent film I am pouring my heart into will find an audience to appreciate it and to talk about it. What more can I honestly ask for as an artist? Extra pepperoni and a film people watch.

  • Tamsin-Emillie

    Man you saying this scares me more about my future commitments…What am I getting myself into!
    Your films are impressive though, please don’t give into those trashy ideas you mentioned, we need independent films!

  • http://wwwpolychom.blogspot.com Rob Anderson

    Travis,

    You and your cooperative make VERY good movies. The only thing lacking, in my opinion anyway, is promotion. Get the right quantity and you’d be putting Buluga Caviar on your pizza.

  • Juliane

    Travis,
    I wouldn’t worry about that. It does happen, indie film makers do get their big breaks. Especially if they are as good as you.
    e.g. look at “Let the right one in”. It had a completely unknown director, screenwriter, the works. But it still made it quite big(it screened in cinemas close to where i live… in Spain) and it was amazing!

    So just keep making lemonade and someday you will be drinking champagne!

  • Regamom3

    Travis,

    You are still young!!! Pepperoni is not good for you anyways :)

    Keep true to your art, and you will be fine. Great things come to those who endure. I think you need to work on promotion also!!! It bothers me how really good work is undiscovered, yet so much crap is out there. I truely am disappointed in many movies that come out, so much hype and effects, but no story line.

    Have a great weekend!!!
    Reggie

  • Tara

    Maybe if you take some of the cheesy jobs, you can put money back to do more of the work that you love. I know that isn’t the most popular viewpoint, but it is an option. Either way I completely believe your time will come!

  • ryles

    travis, you are a true inspiration to people like me, people who don’t quite fit the mold and therefore are misunderstood. never sell out, my friend! you’re much too good for that! (and if you really want that extra pepperoni, let me know. i’ll scrape together my meager cents and send some your way.)

  • travis

    Thanks a bundle Ryles! I will keep doing my thing for sure…but it’s nice to have a platform in which to rant a bit from. Release a little of the frustrations.

  • travis

    Trust me, I consider it all the time. Ah. Life will unfold. One way or another.

  • Cierrablue

    This is the kind of thing I’ve heard every good artist ask. The happy medium I’ve seen is that they write the broad comedy script and direct the horror movie and make enough money to create the project that they love. It doesn’t seem to be an either-or kind of thing. It seems to be a balance sort of thing. But then again, you were just speculating and not necessarily asking for advice. What do I know. I’m just a dork in Oregon.

  • travis

    Dorks in Oregon rule! Yes, many people work the balance and it is something I often consider…but not something I look forward to actually doing. I love being independent…I just wish there was a better way to make a living at it. Ah well.

  • http://twitter.com/billibaracuda billi

    sometimes we need to do something for money, something outside of what we love, to keep what we love pure. -paul smith in a bbc interview.

  • Serena

    I just found you out of this gigantic net that Internet is.
    To be picky, exactly this afternoon.
    I do love your stuff, it’s been 4 hours watching everything linked to The Receptionist, DrexelBox and I think I’m gonna buy Sunday.

    Well, if it makes you proud of something, now you’ve an Italian Fan.
    (Who soon will build up –literally building it with bricks and stuff– an Italian Travis Betz Fan-Fun Club)

  • travis

    Hi Serena! Thanks so much for the support. Glad you enjoy my work, and it’s always nice to have Italy behind me!