Garth Donovan has always known that he wanted to be a director of movies. His movie, EVERYONE'S GOT ONE, premieres on February 12th at the Coolidge Theatre. "I knew I wanted to be a director when I was in high school. I have been a filmmaker since junior high years, backyard style," he said. The collaborative process is new to him. "I am learning all about the collaborative process on my new /second feature," Garth told IMAGINE. He added, "On my first I wanted to be John Wayne, thought I could do it all, but I now realize that it is all about collaboration and having good communication with those who help you." And so the learning process began.
"Everyone's Got One was initially named SCREENWRITER, which was conceived as parody / homage to Scorsese's KING OF COMEDY, mixed with my own personal touches. Mike Judge, the assistant director and good friend, helped me from the ground up. Paul Thompson another great friend was there from the starting block and believed in it from the ground up. As far as the story goes I once had an indie producer lead me on and I thought I was going to become famous over night, SCREENWRITER now EVERYONE'S GOT ONE was born out of that frustration. Also it is very much about doing what you want to do no matter what the circumstances, no matter what they tell you. It's about urgency, desire. It was also thought of as an attack on what people consider a film to be. Basically we just said fuck it, we'll make a movie with what we got. That's what it's about, using the tools you have and not caring about what other people say or think. A good movie is not dictated by the level or millimeter of film that shot it, it's about the creator's conviction, dedication and passion for the story, emotion they are trying to convey," the young director went on to say.
Last year Garth's film screened at the Woods Hole Film Festival. It was then still THE SCREENWRITER, a work in process, if you will, that caught the eyes and interest of those that would bring investment and experience to the effort.
Garth Donovan doesn't favor either narrative or documentary. It's about the story he told us. And there is the sense that the story is what matter's the most to this filmmaker. He simply "jumped in the water" when he began his directing career. "I have and do continue to study films on my own, mostly via DVD commentaries, etc., today though getting more serious and having a better grasp of what is going on is entailed in the process of creating a film. I care about story, digging deeper into the character's motivations, feelings, desires…(for me) it is about story."
We asked Garth how he financed his film and he came up with this unusual response. At least we haven't heard this one before. "Out of my pocket," he said. I worked as a trash man by day and it was in the WOT, (WORLD OF TRASH), as I liked to call it, that I first began collecting recyclable cans. A great part of the film was actually financed by collecting recyclable cans. My family and friends would save them for me. People laughed at me, but $150 - $ 200 a month in cans isn't that bad." After Woods Hole a good thing happened for Garth Donovan, David Lewis of Maven Productions came on board with passion and financial help. "Jean Paul Ouellette came aboard as a producer and taught me some priceless information. Business wise he has a keen understanding of marketing, and has taught me how to mix artistic endeavors with the business of filmmaking. Process wise, he has shown me that allowing and trusting others to embark on the trip with you will ultimately give you a better picture. It's working."
Garth adds, "The DP, the sound crew, those are the key elements to the shooting process. It's without a doubt a collaborative medium. My crews have been wonderful in helping in this. People like Rod Webber, Alexis Perkins, Matt Berger, Mike Judge, those are my dogs. Recently, I got to work with Ed Slattery from THE PERFECT GOOSESYS on my second feature. He's an awesome teacher, DP. "
Garth hopes Ito land a deal somewhere for EVERYONE'S GOT ONE, be it on video or a small theatrical run. "I know there is an audience for it. People love it. My marketing line was 'everyone's got one, even your grandmother'…".
His next film is a serious social drama that centers on a female hockey player and her relationship with her mother. In the vein of a Mike Leigh or Atom Egoyan film, completely different from the piece I just made. It's more than 60% shot. After that a script I just finished called AND A WHITE PICKET FENCE - it's a about a father who's son was attacked and put in a wheelchair by a rabid dog. "Emotionally he crumbles and ascends to madness," Garth said.
"To me film is a canvas to get out what I need to express, if I'm making it at the time, it is out of necessity, need to express. I say that without pretense. But I hope my stories reach people, more importantly I hope people use them in their lives the way I do music, I don't listen to music I use it, it shapes my mindset, helps me get by. I want my films to do the same. I'm trying to kill all the ego I have and become a purist, a big open sponge, I want no negative emotions in my being, I also strive for happiness in life," said Garth Donovan.