Nobody’s Boy Film Spotlight
Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film Nobody’s Boy directed by Joe Perry as part of the Pendance Film Festival.
What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?
Niño de Nadie. “Nobody’s Boy.” It’s inspired by a search for identity in a world of uncertainty.
Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.
Two orphans survive together in the streets of Los Angeles, until one believes he’s found his missing father. The film began as an amalgamation of three things: my curiosity with the human condition, dreams of my subconscious, and a rediscovery of Cornelia Funke’s children’s book The Thief Lord. There’s a lot of me reflected in both main characters of Nobody’s Boy, they almost feel like two sides of the same coin. But Funke’s book, which had a major impact on me as a kid, helped me frame my own story in adulthood and give me basis for the world of the film. Thief Lord follows two orphans who escape to Venice and find themselves in the company of other runaways who live in an abandoned movie theater and must steal to survive. I loved the band of brotherhood and the idea that friends can become your chosen family. As a kid, I was always dreaming of running away myself, although I never did.
Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?
Vittorio De Sica’s Ladri di Bicciclete (“Bicycle Thieves”) compelled me to become a filmmaker. I’d never seen a more human film before with such an emotionally honest ending. It showed me the way here. Luis Buñuel’s Los Olvidados and Andrei Tarkovsky’s Ivan’s Childhood were also influential My goal now is to pivot into financing and directing this feature as my debut. in terms of style/mood and incorporating dream sequences. I looked to the collaboration between Ingmar Bergman and Sven Nykvist as inspiration as well.
What is the goal of the film for you?
Initially, my goal as the writer was simply to empty my heart. As a thesis at USC’s MFA program, I knew I had a chance to say something real. My hope is the film touches as many people as possible, and it stirs their consciousness and emotions. Now, my goal is to pivot into financing and directing my feature debut, a feature script set in 1976 about a boy in rural Oklahoma who wins a radio sweepstakes and must drive across the state to claim the prize.
What has the journey been like getting the film into production?
Back to back seasons of hard work! We shot a “teaser” in spring to practice our techniques and have material to use for our crowdfunding campaign; in the summer, I launched a Kickstarter and successfully raised $20k while finalizing the script; in the fall we shot the movie, and during the winter I began cutting it together. Raising enough money was imperative because I wanted to ensure my crew could work to the height of their abilities. I assembled fellow USC students and other artists I’d come to know over the years in LA. We worked with a casting director for our lead talent. All other roles were non-actors I cultivated relationships with and cast based on their likeness to the characters in the story (e.g. Farid Zadi is an accomplished chef and all-around irreverent dude who I thought would be perfect as the restaurant owner in the film. One day I walked in with a script and he didn’t even bother to read it, he just said yes.) For locations, the Boyle Heights neighborhood was always going to be backdrop because of the Latino culture inherent there, while the LA River nearby was a perfectly rugged and magical place that could serve as the boys’ hideaway. Their actual hideout was a set built on a USC soundstage.
One thing you learned from this project?
Take your time and live with an open heart. Across all phases of production (writing, principal photography, editing). Beyond that, when you assemble the right group of creatives who are as fiercely passionate as you are, it becomes evident that synergy is real. We shot for 8 days and each day on set was a blessing.
How can folks find you and your film online?
My website joeperry.tv showcases my photography, poetry, as well as some other films I’ve created! Nobody’s Boy will be online publicly after its film festival run. You can follow me on Instagram @joeperry.tv as well!
Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?
Follow your intuition, always. Water your dreams. Stoke your passion. Let it drive you. Find balance and prioritize your health. Build a team of people you love. You must trust each other. Together you can have fun and make something beautiful. Consistency is king.
The Pendance Film Festival runs from March 10-13, 2022.
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