INTERVIEW WITH Xochi Blymyer
Writer, Director and Producer of Red Dog & Bates and Writer of GAMBIA UNTITLED - Feature Script 

GAMBIA UNTITLED - Feature Script

Has been director finds new purpose when saddled with a movie in The Gambia. He learns there's more to life than blockbuster films.

 Your film is entered in our LA Film & Documentary Award. What is your film about?
In Hollywood, Ross's big time directing career is falling apart  - and on the other side of the world, in Africa, The Gambian President, Zakaria, decides he wants to produce a movie as a way to court the woman he loves, who loves movies...so he hires Ross. 

Ross and his band of ragtag crew, the only people willing to go on this adventure, join up with Gambian locals to film.   There's both frustration and fun on the set while they create their rom-com, as it turns into a real journey to understand this foreign country and this enigmatic President.

 

 Zakaria learns the ways of love and film-making while still trying to maintain his intimidating reputation.   Ross learns there's more to life than blockbuster movies!

What are your ambitions with your project?  
I would love to see Gambia Untitled on the big screen!  
 
How was the shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?
Looking forward to answering this question one day.
 
For what target group is your film?
It's a buddy comedy taking place in a country I think would be interesting to see.   Target would be anyone who likes a light hearted story with a happy slightly unexpected ending.
 
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
 Heart and what can be done as a team.   Also, learning about people in another country.
 
Why did you decide to become a filmmaker?
 I grew up in the movie business with my dad being a Gaffer and my mom a Hairdresser.   I got into the DGA in 1991 after being a Production Assistant on features.    I have been an assistant director for many years and in recent times have wanted to try more creative side.   So I've written some scripts and made a short film.  
 
Who is your greatest role model?
My greatest Role Model are my parents.  They were well respected in the film world, very talented.  Also, in addition to Hairdressing, my mom is a writer and has written 2 books, we have written a tv series together and she continues to inspire me.    Also, the director I got to work with on many movies in the beginning of my career was Walter Hill.    I learned from him about loyalty to a crew and how a great director works.
 
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
 So many favorite movies - comedies, romcoms, dramas.   Hard to choose.
 
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
What inspired me for this story was that it almost happened to me!   I was asked to to a movie in The Gambia and just as we were ready to head there, it got postponed and then never came back.   So I wrote it as though we really did go!
 
 How would you rate current filmmaking?
Current filmmaking is so unknown.    I know movies and tv shows are shooting all over the world so I'm unsure if it's truly slowed down or just spread out.  Hope more comes back to Hollywood although I do love going on location.  
 
What are your next projects?
Next projects...well, I do have another feature script, a tv show pilot and a book with the rights to so let's get this first on made and keep going!

Red Dog & Bates

In 1958, Red Dog & Bates decided to walk from Los Angeles to Mexico City. 2300 miles, 12 pairs of shoes, 7 months and 1 extraordinary adventure!

 Your film is entered in our LA Film & Documentary Award. What is your film about?
 In 1958, two young men realized they were settling into lives they hadn't expected to be in.  When Bill Tynan decided he'd take a walk to Mexico city from Los Angeles to figure out what could be next, Bill Bates asked to come along.   With $200, a few belongings and Tynan's camera, they headed off, on foot.  2300 miles and 12 pairs of shoes later, they found the kindness of the Mexican people, the beauty of the land and a life changing experience.  

What are your ambitions with your project?  
My goal with this documentary is that I can find finishing fund for the post production.   It is such a wonderful story of 2 people not only going on this walk that changed their lives but they also discovered a country and people they had not before.    
  
How was the shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?
 Shooting this documentary was amazing and an adventure too.   The interviews were great, learning the stories but then traveling through Mexico, me and a team of three, we followed the journals of these two travels from the Gran Desierto all the way to Mexico City.  We were able to find people whom they had met whom had helped them and stayed with and we matched many of their photos to what these places look like now.      
For what target group is your film?
 Target group is everyone!   Learning about another country, knowing if you want to do something, you should go do it!
 
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
Inspirational.
 
Why did you decide to become a filmmaker?
I grew up in the movie business with my dad being a Gaffer and my mom a Hairdresser.   I got into the DGA in 1991 after being a Production Assistant on features.    I have been an assistant director for many years and in recent times have wanted to try more creative side.   So I've written some scripts and made a short film.   And also had this great story of Red Dog & Bates so decided to do this documentary.
 
Who is your greatest role model?
My greatest Role Model are my parents.  They were well respected in the film world, very talented.  Also, in addition to Hairdressing, my mom is a writer and has written 2 books, we have written a tv series together and she continues to inspire me.
 
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
 Favorite movies, so many.   I do like a good drama that has some comedy elements.   Just like life.
 
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
 I think real life is the best inspiration.    When I heard this story for the first time, I knew it could be a great scripted film but what seemed to be the way to start was to get this story from the man who's idea it was.  
  
 How would you rate current filmmaking?
 Current filmmaking is so unknown.    I know movies and tv shows are shooting all over the world so I'm unsure if it's truly slowed down or just spread out.  Hope more comes back to Hollywood although I do love going on location.  
 
What are your next projects?
Next Projects...I'd love to complete this movie, see if interest to write it into a scripted feature film and keep working on getting my feature script made as well as the other projects I have in my basket!