It occurred to me a while ago that I’m surrounded by really talented and creative people. That’s where I came up with the idea of showcasing them on my blog. The other day I got a chance to sit down and talk to Fly Guy Joey. He’s the owner of Revolutionary Insanity Films. I’ve worked closely with this up-and-coming film director/cinematographer on a wide range of projects. Most of the time it’s graphic design related, but I have helped out with some filming and video editing every now and again.
Without further adieu. Meet Fly Guy Joey.
Who are you?
FGJ: I’m a 26-year-old budding film director and cinematographer from Northeast Ohio.
What is Revolutionary Insanity Films?
FGJ: RIF is my baby. A filmmaker’s dream that I can share with the world.
Where did you come up with the name Revolutionary Insanity?
FGJ: It came out of the black power movement. Just how revolutionary leaders like Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey can seem quite insane to those opposing them. I feel like I’m working to help change the filming industry.
What made you go into filming?
FGJ: I’ve always loved film. The ability to tell a story without using words is something special.
How long have you been working in films?
FGJ: It’s been about 6 years. I started messing around with film with my roommate, Ricky, when I was a freshman at Kent State University. Nothing special was ever made. We were just two young jesters clowning around, but I guess that’s how you learn, right? You take your parent’s camcorder and play around with shooting angles and learn to do cuts in Windows Movie Maker.
What equipment are you using now?
FGJ: I have a Sony NEX-VG10 which I do the majority of my filming on. I also have a Go Pro and sometimes use a Canon T2i. For editing and sound I use Final Cut Pro and Logic on an iMac.
What is your most recent project?
FGJ: My most recent projects would be “Shutter” and “Broken.”
How long have you been working on this project?
FGJ: I’ve been working on “Shutter” for about 6 months now. It’s almost complete. There are just a few scenes left that need to be filmed and chopped. Hopefully by the end of November this project will be complete. “Shutter” was a great learning experience for me and really helped me grow as a filmmaker.
My other project “Broken” is a more recent development. It’s been an idea kicking around in my head for a while now. I want to make something unique; something that pushes me as filmmaker to evolve. I want to break the standard formula for making a film. That’s why I named this project “Broken” and the fact that the main protagonist will be broken physically and emotionally. I think this is going to be a fantastic experience for me and the people involved in this project. “Broken” will define where RIF and Fly Guy Joey are headed.
What is your favorite project you have done?
FGJ: My favorite project so far would have to be “Square Shooters.” It’s one of the first projects where I actually got to work with a wide range of people and film in a new environment. I think the video turned out great for the skill level I was at during its creation. I go back to the video and I see a lot of improvement that can be made but in the end it was a fun project to do.
What is your ideal style that you would like to work in?
FGJ: I think a Sci-Fi Noir style is where I would like to end up in the future. Or maybe something in fantasy. Right now I really don’t know.
What have you learned from your earlier projects?
FGJ: Preparation is the key to success. I’ve had projects where we’ve tried to freestyle it and they came out awful. So yeah, preparation matters.
In what area do you believe you need to grow?
FGJ: I think I need to do a lot of focusing on sound design and recording audio. I feel once I mastered these areas I’ll be ready to do a feature film.
Who is your greatest influence and why?
FGJ: Quentin Tarrantino and Robert Rodriguez. It all starts with 2 little films called “Desporado” and “From Dusk Til Dawn.” When I was a kid these films were my favorites and still maintain a high spot on my list. While other kids were going crazy over “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”, I wanted more Tarantino and Rodriguez. “Pulp Fiction”, “Reservoir Dogs”, and “Once Upon A Time In Mexico.” I love those movies.
Recently, I’ve been heavily influenced by Christopher Nolan. I love his emo Batman and the realism in his films. I like how he wants to keep you guessing throughout the feature and blow your mind at the end.
Where do you come up with your ideas?
FGJ: Ideas come from everywhere; pictures, news, life, experiences. For instance, I was just at my job looking at a package of glitter and was wondering how I could implement it into a film and be unique about it. This is how I came up with the idea for “Broken.” That I wanted to make something different.
Where do you see your company going in the future?
FGJ: I see RIF becoming an Internet TV channel where other filmmakers come together to create content. Just a place where an artist can get their project green lit by showing their passion for it.
What other things do you do?
FGJ: I read a lot of comic books and do some photography here and there.
Where can we find you?
With over 20 videos on his youtube channel and currently in the process of creating his personal blog, Fly Guy Joey is definitely someone who you should keep an eye out for. If you have any questions or comments about this interview just put it in the comments.
Until next time,
TeaTime with the Mad Artist 
Pingback: Beyond Tea | TeaTime with the Mad Artist·