"The Black Rose"

A former intern of mine had a screening for his student film last night in midtown. Times Square to be exact. I hate Times Square more than almost anything in the world, most people who live in this city do. And it's not just the herds of tourists, foul stench, and over-zealous vendors, but its the overall atmosphere and false energy that projects out of every bulb and screen. It's the last place in the world I've come to associate New York City with, even if there are pictures of it in every handguide and postcard stand. 

Point is, for me to actually venture up there takes a lot. Edwin was worth it though. He was a great intern, but far more than that, a great person. He has a subtle ease and overall contentment with everything going on around him. It was refreshing, especially when I'm used to everyone always being on the go. We were always able to downshift a gear or two and just simply enjoy each others company. But that's definitely not the last word in Edwin's story, because he has a very apparent and willful desire to create and succeed. His passion is film, and he didn't just talk about it. He made one.

Edwin was genuinely happy that I had made it to the screening, and that alone was more than enough for me, no matter how the film fared. And like any student project with a low budget, minimal amount of on set experience, and fast approaching deadlines, it had its flaws. But you couldn't help but look past those and see all the things the team did right. The roles that each of them filled were perfectly suited to their skill sets and personalities, which alone is a huge step in the right direction. They all embraced these roles, and for the first go round did an incredible job in them. The film itself had some very mature shots, and a shockingly well shot fight sequence at the end. The story had its flaws but after all, Edwin slashed a full-feature script down to a twenty-minute taste, such things will happen. But I still think everyone left understanding at the very least, the gist of it. As I told them all, they should be very proud of the outcome. 

I hope he continues to follow his dream. As of now, he seems to be traveling along a path that if everything worked out, would have him in the same realm as say an Antoine Fuqua. Fuqua did The Replacement Killers when he was 32 and Training Day by 35, This seems to be the genre Edwin's most drawn to. One thing he did mention in his speech was how much his internship at IFCFilms influenced his writing and ideas. He was force-fed independent and foreign films all day long, and watching them gave him a new take on the game. I was just glad he could use any part of his work with me, to better himself and create new possibilities. So, my hope for Edwin is that he stays on the road he's on, and invites me to his big premiere one day. Lord knows I'll go, even if it is in Times Square again.