Like the blossoms on cherry trees, independent films and directors are popping up all over Memphis these days.
Brett Cantrell, a senior communication major, is a filmmaker -- one with a very vivid imagination. His film, "Eso-Phagas, The Red Nose Cowboy," is a coming of age story about a young man who has a clown-father and a cowgirl-mother and how he deals with domestic violence and the rodeo -- all told within six minutes.
Cantrell's next film, which is currently in production, is just as colorful.
"The story is about the unluckiest man alive," Cantrell said. "He's struck by lightning a lot and he has a crush on his sister-in-law who is pregnant."
If people find Cantrell's subjects a bit eccentric, he said he doesn't intend for them to make left turns. It just happens.
"I don't consider myself a comedic writer at all," Cantrell said. "I like quirkiness, and when I write, the only person that I really care who laughs are my friends."
"I like more interesting and comedic light-hearted characters," Cantrell said.
There is nothing "comedic" about the cost of making the film, however. So far, Cantrell has been supporting his project with his own money.
Cantrell said he worked at Sun TV for a while, which proved to be a mixed blessing. While working as a cameraman for the television station, Cantrell was able to purchase important equipment such as an editing system, a camera and a television. Unfortunately, he lost the job recently and has run into snags funding the project.
"The main problem is, of course, money," Cantrell said. "I don't have to sell blood. It's all personally financed. No one has given me any money for this. Hopefully, for the feature, I can get some kind of financing."
According to Cantrell he has been working on the script for his upcoming movie for a few years. It will be his first feature-length film, a little more than an hour and thirty minutes long.
"Usually, one page for the screenplay equals one minute of film -- roughly -- so that's ninety-eight pages," Cantrell said.
Cantrell does it all. He edits, writes, directs and produces his projects. He also has a dedicated crew to help him smooth over the bumps.
The Indie Memphis Film Festival and Delta Film Showcase are two events where directors around the Mid-South can display their films. Cantrell said he plans on entering his current project into next year's showcase.
"If I can get it shot, it should make next year's festival," Cantrell said.
Possible locations for the film include Tennessee and Arkansas.
"I shoot in the next month. Most (locations) are outside of Memphis," Cantrell said.
According to Cantrell, his film will have at least six main characters -- as well as extras.
He held the first audition last weekend, but said it won't be the last.
"I don't have all the actors, of course, so I'm holding auditions," Cantrell said. "Everyone who shows up will get some sort of part."
Aspiring actors, actresses and extras can contact Cantrell at bcantrll@hotmail.com.
Although Cantrell has lived in Memphis for only eight years, he said the city's distinctive character will keep him filming close to home.
"Memphis has a very definite personality and I think it is very unique," Cantrell said. "A film in Nashville doesn't have the same flavor as it does here in Memphis. So yes, I will be in Memphis for a while."
Junior communication major Martrek Wingo said the film community in Memphis is expanding slowly but surely.
"The indie film (scene) here in Memphis has always been (around), but it is now growing," Wingo said. "The indie film market is really what you make it."
