Billboard is based on events I recall from my youth when a real billboard sitting contest was taking place in the early 80’s in Allentown, PA. I crafted this project in a very unique way by telling two sides of a story on different media. The spectacle of a radio station hosting a wacky contest and the man behind perceived success.
Q: Did you start writing with a cast (You or any) in mind?
Zeke Zelker: I didn’t.
Q: How long did it take to finish the script? (Do you have a process?)
Zeke Zelker: I’ve been working on the script for Billboard for close to 20 years. It has evolved quite a bit since then and took a major turn in production and post. My crew, cast and I were gravely affected by what was going on politically. What started out as a story about survival turned into one about the affects media plays in one’s success.
Q: When did you form your production company – and what was the original motivation for its formation?A
Zeke Zelker: I created iDreamMachine 21 years ago by refinancing the only asset I owned, my Jeep Wrangler. I’ve been making films ever since.
Q: What was the first project out of the gate?
Zeke Zelker: My first project was a feature film titled “Affairs”. That had a successful theatrical run.
Q: What scene (that made the cut) was the hardest to shoot?
Zeke Zelker: We constructed a huge billboard next to a major highway. Having to elevate everything ten feet into the air and do movement wasn’t easy on a shoestring budget. We also shot in a blizzard which was a major challenge. I shot it all alone because I wouldn’t let anyone else out onto the roads. It was dangerous.
Q: What works better in this latest production that mightn’t have worked so well in the last one you did?
Zeke Zelker: That’s a tough question. Every film I make is so different, they all have their own challenges. Lack of resources has always been a challenge.
Q: You produced and directed the film, what measure of input did it take to don these hats?
Zeke Zelker: This is great question and I wouldn’t suggest people be the sole producer and director on a film. It’s really hard and you constantly have to be negotiating with yourself, does the director or producer win the argument. It’s a tough balancing act being the sole creative and the sole business person. Do you get the shot or do you call in payroll?
Q: Is there anything about the independent filmmaking business you still struggle with?
Zeke Zelker: Funding. If I had funding I would be very dangerous and more successful. I’ve been able to get very far without having a lot of money but it is hard.
Q: Where do you think your strengths line as a filmmaker?
Zeke Zelker: Having a vision, sacrificing everything for it, and making it happen. I don’t quit!
Q: Let’s talk finance, How did you finance the film?
Zeke Zelker: We sold the billboard spaces that appear in the film so we were able to generate revenue very early on. I have some outside equity involved in the project but it mostly the money came from cash flow from my other businesses.
Q: How much did you go over budget? How did you manage it?
Zeke Zelker: What budget? We’re under budget. I thought it was going to take a million to produce everything. We have a feature film, 10 episode web series and a radio station we created, oh and an interactive play.
Q: How important is marketing? Do you think a project can make any dent without it these days?
Zeke Zelker: You have to think about marketing when you’re writing the script. It is crucial!
Q: Can you tell us about your marketing activities on the project – and how it’s gone for you?
Zeke Zelker: We do a lot of boots on the ground stuff. Human interaction is key. It makes it real in our digital age. We host live events with our “radio station”, hand out tabloid newspapers about the film, hang posters, have contests and games. We also directly market to some niche markets.
Q: What do you hope audiences get from your film?
Zeke Zelker: To think about how media affects us. That the pursuit of the American dream is hard. We need to think about how we treat others.
Q: What else have you got in the works?
Zeke Zelker: I have another cross platform project I’m developing. My version of a love story called Love, Here, After
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