Filmmaker of the Week – Evan Kidd
Episode 54 of Filmmaker of the Week featuring Evan Kidd!
Give us a brief introduction of yourself, where you’re from originally and where you are now if different
I’m an independent filmmaker from Raleigh, North Carolina. I am really passionate about making work that impacts others through a shared sense of understand and empathy. Filmmaking to me is a great way to connection with others around ourselves in both narrative and documentary based storytelling. My films never really have much of a budget or even any at all and I am okay with that, I just want to get my work made.
What is it that first got you into the world of filmmaking?
I was always watching TV and movies as a kid and eventually around the age of 4 or 5 I asked my dad if I could film little silly movies on the family VHS camcorder. This continued for many years and eventually once I saw the Lord of the Rings trilogy those movies showed me what was possible in the medium of filmmaking. I have really loved it ever since.
Share a little bit about your specialty in the film world
I do both documentary and narrative films, so I am a little bit unique in that sense. Certainly not the first to do that, but I really enjoy bouncing between the formats. Coming up with that perfect idea for a script is such a rush. I really enjoy the writing process! Documentary is extra special because you get to go out into the world and meet so many people around you and help tell their stories. It means so much when someone else is trying to connect with you via their shared experience and narrative. In documentary I always try my best to help others get their stories out into the world.
What has been your most challenging project to date?
I think every film presents itself to you as a challenge. Especially if you approach it with no budget the way I always do because I work outside of the Hollywood/mainstream filmmaking system. I have just always realized that if I want to make a film I need to be okay with being the person who is 100% down to make it happen or else a lot of time it just does not find a way to get made.
Tell us a bit about your latest project.
Everyone go watch my new movie Panda Bear It! It is a wild film that follows a surreal look at mental health, depression, and grief. Oh and there is also a giant panda bear in a mascot costume following our main character around that only he can see. It’s a wacky mix of both comedy and drama and I’m super proud of it. It’s the most fun I have ever had making a movie, and there is also a deeper message in the film as well so I feel that the audience can take something universal away from it.
What is one moment you’ve had in any part of the filmmaking process where you learned a really valuable lesson?
I think it is important to remember why you are doing a film. Be of service to your greater story. Don’t make a film for yourself, money, fame etc because they do not service your work as a storyteller. The message you want to share with the world through your art is the reason you are doing it in the first place, so be kind to yourself and find sustainable ways to get that message out there is the best way you can! And enjoy the process!
What are some of the 5-year goals for you as a filmmaker/creative?
So be kind to myself as a filmmaker and let go of all expectations and pressure. If I can sustainably find ways to keep telling stories here in North Carolina that always means the world to me. I love connecting with my community here and finding new stories to tell. Keeping that up where it makes sense would be super dope.
If you could work with one idol of yours, who would it be?
I am a huge fan of Star Wars so I honestly I just want to have a role where I walk past the camera for three seconds or something just so I can get a page for my character on Wookieepedia and forever be in the Star Wars universe.
Name three films that have inspired you most in your journey.
I already talked about Lord of the Rings, so I’ll say One Cut of the Dead, Short Term 12, and Before Sunrise.
Where can folks find out more about you online?
Feel free to check out my works on my website http://rocksetproductions.com
Panda Bear It is streaming free on Tubi TV and also on Amazon Video to rent/buy.
Any last thoughts or pieces of advice to filmmakers out there?
Make films you really care about and have fun doing it from where you already are. Don’t worry about Hollywood or making it big. Just make your work! And invest in a good microphone too!
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