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Two independent filmmakers
pursue their passion for film
Published Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
It is the rush of true artistic creation and the pursuit of big dreams that motivates two Crossroads area men to work hard at their individual passion for creating original, independent films.
Gunter Sanderson and David Maxedon are two local independent filmmakers who have both managed to write, direct and co-produce several movies. Both men appear to be determined to continue to improve and perfect their art, even though they admit they have not earned any particular fame ... yet.
“Here’s the neat thing,” said Maxedon. “We do these low-budget — almost no-budget films — and none of them has caught or went anywhere yet, but that’s not why you do it. If they take off, then that’s wonderful ... that’s a bonus ... it would be the fulfillment of your wildest dreams. But, if you don’t do it because you love the process or the creativity of it, then you really shouldn’t be doing it at all because the odds of you making it are so ... so very small.”
Maxedon is in the final stages of filming his latest movie - an action film - which he has described as “A gothic, violent tale of treachery, set against a backdrop of addiction and betrayal.” The film is called “The Ungood” and the filmmaker expressed hopes for a premiere in late winter/early spring 2010. Sanderson’s movie is still being filmed, but he hopes to be wrapping it up soon. Sanderson’s film — coincidentally, also an action film — is called “The Annihilator.” He has no premiere date set, but said he is currently waiting for confirmation of a special screening in Tunica in April 2010.
Both filmmakers work regular jobs - Sanderson is the general manager for the Corinth Malco 10 and Maxedon works for Charlie McDaniel’s Corinth Carpets.
Each writer/director has each produced, written and directed a growing body of work. Sanderson’s work includes “Binding Love;” “Salvation;” “Legend of Bigfoot;” “Judgement” (short film); and soon-to-be-released “The Annihilator.” Maxedon has co-produced, written and directed “Tragic Flaw;” “Goodbye Sunset” and soon-to-be-released “The Ungood.” Additionally, Maxedon has acted or was involved in “Night of the Whippoorwill;” “Binding Love;” “Salvation;” “Legend of Bigfoot” and “The Annihilator.” Sanderson’s executive producer is James Strachan. Maxedon has a single co-executive producer on all his films — Alan Simmons. “Alan has been doing small and low budget independent films since the 1960s. To me, nobody is better. Alan used to run the Atomic Cinema ... he has an incredible background and he does a lot of video work now for the public,” said Maxedon.
When it comes to writing and directing, each filmmaker was adamant about having their own stamp on film they consider their own.
“I don’t consider a film ‘mine,’ unless I write it. There are a couple of people who want me to direct some things and eventually I’ll get around to that ... and I’ve acted in other people’s productions, but unless I write it, I don’t really consider it a ‘David Maxedon’ film,” said Maxedon.
Sanderson agreed: “There’s just something about seeing your name on the ‘written by’ credit. It’s like conception, in a weird kind of way. That’s your first step [writing], then the making of your film is the actual nine months of labor and hard work ... and when you premiere it ... that’s when your baby is out there ... you’re finished.”
Sanderson and Maxedon’s individual love for filmmaking evolved in different ways. For Sanderson, it was watching movies on television at home and wondering how it was done. For Maxedon, it began with a debut on the Corinth Theatre-Arts stage as an actor in 2005 and grew from there through a series of events.
Locally, in encouraging films to be made in Corinth and surrounding areas, the filmmakers said they would love to see a film commission — such as the Tupelo Film Commission — formed to help filmmakers secure permission for locations and other issues.
“There are a lot of places that would be neat to film in Corinth, but getting permission to do it is like pulling teeth,” Maxedon noted.
Sanderson said he would love to see the development of an independent film festival in this area.
“What I’d really like to do ... but I don’t even know how to get started, is to try to do a film festival here in Corinth,” said Sanderson. “I could get the backing — as far as backing here — but getting the community support ... I don’t know ... and community support is what we would need.”
“Logistically, it would not be hard, but the need for community support ... we’d need to people to come,” Maxedon agreed. Sanderson said he fell in love with filmmaking as a kid and is still in love with films. He said there is no rush like when his movie is done and he sees the final product on the big screen. He said that only when one has made a film does one know that feeling. Both men had definite answers when they were posed with the question, “What would you want if anything were possible?” “If anything could happen ... I would like for Alan Simmons and myself to walk up and accept the Best Picture award at Sundance,” said Maxedon.
“I just want to win Oscars. I want to break Ben Hur’s record and knock the Oscar’s out — picture, director, actor, actress, score, cinematography ... if you’re going to aim, aim high,” said Sanderson. Maxedon and Sanderson said they plan to collaborate more directly in a mutual film project in the future.
