Award-winning documentary filmmaker Chris Wilcha discusses his latest film 'Flipside,' exploring creative failure, abandoned projects, and rekindled passion. He shares stories of reviving a record store, encountering Ira Glass's creative rebirth, and uncovering unique connections in the music world. The podcast delves into the challenges of balancing artistic aspirations with commercial realities in the filmmaking industry, reflecting on the nostalgia of a beloved record store and discussing the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking.
'Flipside' explores abandoned projects to create a unique essay film.
Including personal vulnerabilities enhances the narrative of failed projects.
Finding balance between commercial work and artistic aspirations in documentary filmmaking.
Deep dives
Discovery of the Documentary Flipside
The documentary 'Flipside' is introduced as a project that explores abandoned documentary projects that have been accumulated over the years. Despite challenges like funding falling through or loss of creative will, the film weaves together these failed projects into a cohesive and unexpected essay film. The origin story reveals the filmmaker's constant need to generate new ideas and projects, resulting in an accumulation of hard drives filled with footage from abandoned projects.
Incorporating Personal Vulnerability into the Film
The filmmaker faces trepidation about including his personal story in the documentary, fearing it might detract from the narrative. Initially, more conservative cuts minimized his presence, but feedback highlighted the importance of including his vulnerabilities and observations, adding a necessary balance to the film. Balancing the narratives of various failed projects, the filmmaker navigates the complex process of structuring the disparate parts to create a meaningful and cohesive whole.
Navigating Artistic Pursuits and Commercial Realities
The filmmaker reflects on his journey balancing artistic aspirations with the commercial demands of the industry. Despite finding success in commercial directing, he grapples with the challenge of maintaining a foothold in the documentary marketplace, which is currently facing constraints. While appreciating the opportunities and collaborations in commercial work, he expresses a desire to continue pursuing long-form nonfiction projects, even if not immediately financially rewarded.
Preserving Unique Experiences and Places
The podcast delves into the significance of preserving unique experiences and places like a nostalgic record store filled with accumulated treasures and an eccentric curation style. Despite the temptation to buy and maintain such a place, the speakers recognize the challenges of taking on that endeavor due to life constraints. However, they express a deep desire to keep the experience of such places alive for future generations, appreciating the distinct charm and history they hold.
Evolution of Documentary Filmmaking
The discussion shifts to the evolution of documentary filmmaking, highlighting the creative leaps observed in the past decade. Filmmakers are exploring new possibilities in formal invention, humor infusion, and enhanced cinematography to engage modern audiences. The emergence of live documentaries, innovative funding models, and the impact of streaming services providing feedback on documentary content shape the current landscape. Despite challenges posed by commercial demands, there remains an abundance of creative potential and experimentation within the documentary film genre.
Chris Wilcha is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and commercial director.
His latest film, Flipside, which is co-executive produced by Jim and presented in association with Infinite Films (among others), opens in select US theaters tomorrow (May 31st, 2024).
An ode to creative failure, abandoned projects, and rekindled passion, Flipside premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival to rave reviews. Here’s the full description:
“When filmmaker Chris Wilcha revisits the record store he worked at as a teenager in New Jersey, he finds the once-thriving bastion of music and weirdness from his youth slowly falling apart and out of touch with the times. FLIPSIDE documents his tragicomic attempt to revive the store while revisiting other documentary projects he has abandoned over the years. In the process, Wilcha captures This American Life icon Ira Glass in the midst of a creative rebirth, discovers the origin story of David Bowie’s ode to a local New Jersey cable television hero, and uncovers the unlikely connection between jazz photographer Herman Leonard and TV writer David Milch. This disparate collection of stories coheres into something strange and expansive—a moving meditation on music, work, and the sacrifices and satisfaction of trying to live a creative life.”
