Who does the picking?
Laura Selle Virtucio
An ongoing blog about the final days of post production for the Dance Documentary “SOLO: 1X2”, following six dancers as they create unique solos for themselves. The film screens at the Southern Theater on September 25 & 26, 2009. See Trailer. Get Tickets.
I don’t know what day it is anymore: 45 -44? I know I made it to the Film Board Party at Old Arizona – I got the last two mushroom thingies — mmmm good. I kinda miss the old days of print: going to the party, picking up your production guide, smelling the freshly printed pages. But time marches on, and now we can update information daily.
The last time I talked about “SOLO: 1×2” I had three dancers, and was following them around and interfering with their lives. In May of 2007 the McKnight panel met to chose the Fellows for 2007.
I must say that McKnight does make every effort to pick the most deserving fellows. The panel was serious, informed, and qualified. I can’t say much about the process because we signed a confidentially agreement, but I found it interesting.
When it comes to recognition, especially recognition with money attached to it, it’s always a hard thing to guarantee that the right people get picked. For that matter, who are the right people? I’ve sat on State Arts Board panels, and film festival panels, and I have always tried to pick what I thought to be the best artist or film. The problem is, I was doing the picking, and I know many people who disagree with my opinions. So to some people my choices will always be wrong. It all boils down to who does the picking. Luckily all panels are not composed of multiple mes. In the particular case of the six dance fellows that appear in my film, they all were great choices. There is so much great work being produced, its amazing any choices can be made whatsoever.
The three new fellows were Laura Selle Virtucio, Karla Grotting and Abdo Sayegh. We immediately talked to them and got them on board for the project. Then Mary Ellen threw a brunch for all six fellows and we happily filmed away. I was to see them all together only once more before tech week.
Tags: documentary, Feature Film, film, filmmaking, independent film, McKnight Fellowship, Minneapolis, Minnesota filmmakers, more, Perimeter Productions