I Am a Follower (and you should be too)

Updated: (Fri) March 5, 2010

Yes I admit it — I am a follower. This is for y’all in the Twitter-dome.

Basically on Fridays, it has become a tradition to list those important tweeters in your life that you wish to share with the rest of the network. It’s called Follow Friday. It has helped make me many connections around the globe. For the most part, people simply list the Twitter ID of who they follow and nothing more — so all we see sometimes is a sea of ID’s. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met a lot of people this way. But I’ve gained so much from these connections that I wanted to share some of them with you.

So here is a write up that will be posted and updated as the time goes on – with the important people I believe you should take an interest in as they all have something special and unique to share. These are not just copies of their Twitter bios (which are included) – I’ve written why I think you should follow them and how they’ve enriched my life and career.

Here is my initial list — it is not all encompassing. It will take a while to cover everyone. (Note: I picked up this idea from @jeannevb and her list)

And if you would like to connect with me I’m at @grking and my film WHAT’S UP LOVELY is @lovelyfilm

*** NEWLY ADDED***

@JSchermannSong – “an indie FEATURE FILM MUSICAL currently in its fundraising campaign stage via KICKSTARTER” – my new film project that I hope to shoot this suumer – check out its Kickstarter fundraising campaign

@angelobell – “Screenwriter/Filmmaker/Blogger/Seeker of Inner Peace. Creator of web series RESURRECTION OF SERIOUS ROGERS – http://ow.ly/QAR4, and BROKEN HEARTS CLUB” – incredibly active and insightful filmmaker

@milesmaker – “A story author, motion picture auteur and cross-platform distributor whose dynamic media ventures converge mobile, social and real-time interactions.” – forward thinking and intelligent filmmaker with inspiring and honest thoughts

@bjtucker – “Film Critic, Movie Addict, Author & BTR Radio Host” – a huge movie fan and radio host – I’ll be appearing on her show on Tues (March 16th) at 4pm EST

@leebishop – “Heaven and Hell Productions, woman filmmaker, no-budget experimental, and the films are too.” – a filmmaker with a lot to say — who says it very well

@wackeychan – “filmmaker. raising money for new project. Manual DMer. wackeychan.com” – a filmmaker who’s crowdfunding his own film project – and yet is still generous in supporting others in the same endeavor

@themoviefaith – “Twitter site for the indie film FAITH. Shooting begins summer of 2010 in Central California.” – another selfless filmmaker who is generous and supportive to thers while still raising funds for their own project

@misplacedmovies – “A film-following project. Follow and share the links, words, vids, pics and steps to find the flicks that the world has misplaced. #cult #horror #movies #scifi” – a huge supporter of indie film – he found WHAT’S UP LOVELY and spread the word. Gotta love that.

FILMMAKERS:

@kingisafink - “Independent Filmmaking / Screenwriting Duo” - don’t let that bio fool you. They are so much more than that. Talented writers and up & coming filmmakers who are developing their first feature film. Huge supporters in the indie film community. Their films from the Idville Collection is hitting the festival circuit which I can’t wait to see! (An @openindie participant)

@mking2008 - “Professional CG guy. Amateur painter, writer.” – PRO CG guy indeed. My talented brother has worked for Pixar, Disney Animation and now ILM. He’s helped me many a time remove a camera reflection and other non-glamorous tasks. He’s definitely the man.

@zakforsman – “filmmaker of HEART OF NOW and ELOQUENT GRAFFITI” – a very talented LA-based filmmaker who is part of the DIY Filmmaking movement and curator of CINEFIST. Very much on the forefront of what and how to create and market your indie film. One to watch out for!

@davidbranin – (no bio) – filmmaker of NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING and huge independent film advocate — so much so that he runs a radio talk-show called @FilmCourage where he has had some very impressive guests (Ted Hope, INK filmmakers Jamin and Kiowa Winana, Mark Duplass, Lynn Shelton, Alex Holdridge and numerous others). He has been nothing but supportive of me from the very beginning and I cannot thank him enough.

@gregorybayne - “Maker of film & media. Junkie for the internet machine. Lover of the political intrigue. Father of a very rad daughter.” – filmmaker with intelligent and insightful posts about the current state of film. He has some very interesting projects of his own that I can’t wait to see as well

@waterholemovie – “A film featuring Patrick J. Adams and Rebecca Mozo about love and friendship soaked in alcohol.” – fellow filmmaking supporters who are paving their own way, sharing lessons learned and forging ahead with their projects

@Trigonis – “I’m a published poet and traveling professor who dabbles his hand in the world of indie filmmaking for kicks” - a fellow NY filmmaker who has been a huge cheerleader for indie film projects and offers some cool daily insights

@Jon_Reiss – “I am a filmmaker and writing a book about DIY/WEB & Hybrid Distribution www.thinkoutsidetheboxoffice.com” – a filmmaker and pioneer in the distribution game. Providing learning lessons and much insight on how to navigate your film through the newly changed market

@OneTooMany – “A New Comedy” – a Sundance NEXT film that has an interesting distribution launch in conjunction with their festival premiere. Should be interesting to see how it all turns out.

@bprost - “Non-professional filmmaker, student, media enthusiast. Creator of GENERATION WHY” – DIY filmmaker who’s creating some of his own interesting strategies to build his audience as he releases his feature film

@MikeMerell - “Independent Filmmaker, Director, Writer, CGI Animator, Music Producer, Father, Husband, Dreamer, in no particular order.” – filmmaker willing to share his learnings and not afraid to ask questions — huge supporter of others and their endeavors

@corrietweets – “traveling video producer and adventure seeker” – a great supporter of independent film, the people behind them and an all around cool girl

@philseneker - “Filmmaker, Video Producer, Screenwriter, Photographer. Lover of Authenticity in Film, HD, Writing AND Humans. I prefer to live in the present” – a huge champion of getting your film project out to his network who also happens to run a production house in one of my favorite cities

@EitherOrFilms -”Writer, Director of Marketing/Media, Either/Or Films, which produced THE SENSATION OF SIGHT with David Strathairn; in production now with SOMEPLACE LIKE AMERICA” – huge supporter of indie films. Always sharing first-hand knowledge as well as everyone’s film projects to her vast network

@LLyoungkin – “lover of the arts and fine bourbons.” – aspiring film/tv producer in Hollywood. She is finishing up grad school…is heavily networked into the scene and plans to have a break out year in 2010. Go LaLa!

@zaffi – “Writer, Editor, Director, Photographer, Gamer, Blogger, Surrealist…all around neo-digital internet filmmaker” – filmmaker who’s always got something to say and is very connected to all things media

@Alain_Aguilar – “Filmmaker, Screenwriter. I immerse myself in a world of stroboscopical magic and daydreaming still gets me in trouble.” – passionate DP and collaborator with @Trigonis

@GetStuck – “Struggling Indie Filmmaker/Co-Host of www.filmsnobbery.com/live every Tuesday @ 10 PM EST/NY Editor of www.wearemoviegeeks.com“ – an emerging filmmaker with a new feature film in the works. A huge supporter of indie filmmakers.

@Merrynell -“I look forward to movies, cups o’ joe, Facebook notifications, and retweets. I blog about those sometimes.” – always has something interesting to say, big proponent of indie films….and most importantly (for now) came up with the term “fandependent”

@MattOfAllMedia – “Recent Ithaca College graduate. Freelance Videographer / Editor. Independent Filmmaker.” - a super nice filmmaker who’s doing it all on his own out in Jersey

@Fandependent – “An entirely new name for an entirely new film culture.” - a new movement started by filmmaker Ben Hicks which was created to support the independent filmmaker through a new distribution model. It’s in development and should be something to watch develop

@DoubleEdgeFilms – “Indie Film Production Co. who brought you Spin and now fighting to bring you INK” — I met this filmmaking team in NYC when they screened their amazing film INK. We hit it off and I cannot thank them enough for the support and experiences they have shared with me….along with some wonderful pie in Pepin, WI (@FlywayFilmFest)

@Fearmakers – (no bio) – an independent film production company who hired me to direct the horror/thriller DISMAL (which was purchased by SHOWTIME, TIME/WARNER and COMCAST On-Demand, a few Asian territories and Germany. Look for the DVD to hit the states in 2010). Their micro-budget division Strange Stuff Productions hired me to direct their zombie action/comedy DEATH OF THE DEAD – also coming in 2010.

@NoRestrictions – “Hi, I’m John Paul Rice, president of No Restrictions Entertainment, a partnership with Latino filmmaker Edgar Michael Bravo.” – I think the best thing I can say about John Paul Rice is that I’d be honored if he produced one of my projects. He’s that good. Saavy. Intelligent. And a world class marketer. Not sure if he had a hand in finding the actress Kelly-Ann Tursi, but kudos to him if he did. She is going places.

@indiemoviemaker – “filmmaker, actor. Currently distributing my feature film Mission X. NOW ON DVD!” - want to see an independent filmmaker who is paving his own way? Look no further and visit David’s website to see how he’s doing it! A very active and supportive filmmaker.

@tylerweaver – “Perpetually balancing my multi (hyphenated) personailties. Filmmaker. TV Critic. Non Profit Exec. The dog’s human.” — A filmmaker who has released a new doc GATHER ‘ROUND THE MIC available online. Always has something interesting to say on his website – and a champion of sharing everyone’s film project updates

@pattyfantasia – “Dir of Mktg, Nevada Film Alliance , Co-Producer Accused, Writer – Las Vegas Round The Clock” – indie film proponent and widely recognized in the community as truly trying to help others with frequent news updates and retweets

@PrincetonHolt – “Producer and CEO of One Way or Another Productions” – a NY-based film guru who has curated a group of talented fillmmakers who are on the brink of breaking out. I haven’t met him yet but plan to soon.

@Philontilt – “Filmmaker. Organizer of EgoFest Short Film Festival. Connoisseur of cool.” Big supporter of and lover of films. I’ve only heard good things EgoFest about which has programmed a film from @kingisafink. Always has something interesting to say.

@vinylfoote - “filmmakers” – but more than this. A great team that can act, write, direct and produce. Screenwriter of THE CAKE EATERS with Kristin Stewart. Looking for big things to come from them soon. Lots of fun projects in development — and I’m privy to their wonderful private script readings that always involve some major talent.

@damiancalvo – “Director, Cinematographer of the film INDEPENDENTLY BLUE” – a NY-based filmmaker who I connected with via Twitter. Check out his film project INDEPENDENTLY BLUE and watch out for it! He supported my film NEW YORK LATELY at the Big Apple FIlm Festival this year by going there even when I couldn’t attend…that’s how he rolls!!

INDIE FILM SITES & SUPPORTERS:

@cinefist - “curation and distribution for an art house revolution.” – a revolutionary and inspiring film screening series that is both curator and distributor of arthouse films. Smart and innovative. Most of all it seems like the screenings will be fun! I hope to be in Los Angeles to catch them some time!

@Andrew_James - “Like a marshmallow… sweet and soft.“ – helps run the site @rowthree – a critic and lover of indie films.

@vicachic – “I’m a writer and avid film lover and I just started working with the Annapolis Pretentious Film Society.” – a cool film lover helping out an amazing film series in Annapolis, MD

@MireilleM – “A damsel … that can hold her own.” – huge supporter of indie films on her website “The Entertainment Corner” – an amazing woman

@shericand – “marketing and publicity consultant for low budget indie films” – amazing supporter and active participant in the indie film community

@FirstGlanceFilm - “FirstGlance is the longest running indie film fest in Philly and Hollywood. We are Philadelphia’s Independent Film Festival since 1996! #fgff” – a festival that is truly connecting with its filmmakers and is very forward-thinking in its approach to festivals in the new decade

@DanStasiewski - “A marketing guy who has a healthy obsession with cinema and believes the world would be a better place if more people randomly broke into song.” – super supportive of indie films and runs a film site called The Film Chair

@wendyshepherd – “Love my family, LOST, Movies + Music. I do online media and more for friends + clients in the film industry + more! Check my @OfficiallyPlug + @OfficiallyTrue” – a world class promoter for the filmmaking world who offers services in all the areas to build a better presence via her company Studio Matrix

@Raindance_Fest - “Independent film festival since 1993, cutting edge film training and founder of the British Independent Film Awards” - a prestigious festival — but beyond that they offer daily advice/updates on the current state of indie film

@IndieFlix - “Connecting people through movies” - a filmmaker friendly distribution site that is pioneering its way through uncharted waters. I’m looking into this service for my projects and know some people who use them as well. Worth a look as a service and to find truly independent films for you to buy/rent

@astoriaindies - “Astoria Indies is a new Screening, Networking and Music series at the Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria.“ - a film screening series right in my own back yard. I hope to attend future screenings as they are curating some amazing films and have some amazing backers. If anyone NY’ers wish to attend a screening please let me know and maybe we can meet up at one?

@ChaseWhale – “Editor-in-Chief/Co-Founder/Video Editor of gordonandthewhale.com Duncan Jones says I have chutzpah!” – sharing news and exclusives with the latest going ons in Hollywood as well as huge supporters of independent film

@rowthree – “Where movies are more than just $100 million productions.” — just from the bio you know what type of site they run. Great coverage with very knowledgeable film writers/lovers. Love the site because much of its content it NOT just a rehash of the typical Hollywood fare that most other sites recycle. Huge supporters of mine.

@FilmSnobbery – “We help independent filmmakers promote their work and find their audience!” – Nic who runs the site has something really good going on at his site. First off he knows film and what goes behind it to make it work. His knowledge lends a good credibility when you listen to his live shows which are absolutely entertaining and informative. He often has guests appear on the show while you can interact via the messenger board. It’s fun and you get to see him argue with @getstuck a lot about things.

@FilmCourage – “Film Interviews that inspire and educate. Listen every Sunday at 11am PST on LA Talk Radio.com. Show is also available on iTunes. Subscribe today!” — The radio talk-show that @davidbranin founded with Karen Worden. Amazing duo who help other filmmakers share their work and learn from each other. Listen to this great show!

@Eumagine – “Filmmakers Community, Producer, EUMAGINE TV, Television with the mouse on the map” – if you’re reading this and are a filmmaker on Twitter you probably know Wolfgang already. One of the best supporters and cheerleaders for you and your film. He’s probably assisted in getting you a good amount of followers and exposure to parts of the world you never imagined. Visit his website to check out what he’s all about and how’s he spreading the work of filmmakers around the globe.

@PretentiousFilm – “A society of part time bohemian film lovers dedicated to the exhibition of indie cinematic excellence and the consumption of munchies & drink while doing such.” – How can you not like a bunch of filmmakers who love film so much they curate a film series in Annapolis, Maryland? And the type of films shown are truly indie — the underdogs. Very nice people and a little-known fact that they are also behind the film REDNECK ZOMBIES! What’s not to love about them?

@FlywayFilmFest – “The 2nd Annual Flyway Film Festival” – hopefully next year it will read “3rd Annual” – I couldn’t have had a beter experience at a festival. Very intimate. I had time to actually meet the other filmmakers and make a lasting connection. Great programming in a quaint town where they love their filmmakers.

@jenmovies – “Radio/internet/print/podcast film critic with geek tendencies. Read my blog?” – my new Ozzie friend from Down Under. Her wonderful blog has provided much entertainment for me in the wee hours. Seriously, go, read, smile. I only hope I can deliver my films to her in person to make the trip!

@CORKY242 – “Trying to support independent film.Mother of #IFFF (Indie Film Follow Friday) and #FFF (Film Follow Friday).” – this woman amazes me with how much effort she puts out to share the work of filmmakers with everyone. Always on the rewteet for your project and others. Selfless and devoted. You could not ask for anyone better to be on your side. Check out her site and see what I mean.

FILM INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZERS:

@bnewman01 – “Film person in NYC” - indeed….and then some.

@workbook – “Supporting open creativity” - Visit their website to learn more details about this amazing initiative. They have been involved in pioneering the From Here to Awesome festival and roving conference DIY Days (which provides insight into the process of funding, creating, distributing and sustaining as a creator of media (film, games, music, design, software). I am part of the NEW BREED which is a component of this creative endeavor.

@openindie – “We want open values for film distribution. We are OpenIndie.” — a fascinating new film movement created just now for the independent filmmaker to share his/her work with others. The strategy includes using the networks of the filmmaker to build interest and help curate screenings in the areas where their film is in demand. Keep watching their site for updates. My film WHAT’S UP LOVELY is a part of this and I’m very excited. If you are a filmmaker and a part of OpenIndie, contact me so I can start a list.

@TedHope – “This is that filmmaker producer currently filming SUPER.” – a huge indie film producer with an impressive pedigree. He is trying to forge his way into the ever evolving market and is sharing his thoughts with everyone. Not to be missed.

@lanceweiler – “story architect of film, tv and games – an all around culture hacker www.lanceweiler.com“ – He is a critically acclaimed award winning writer/director and recognized as a pioneer because of the way he makes and distributes his work. Always fascinating to hear about his strategies and where he thinks the industry is going — and how to sustain a career in it.

ACTORS:

@JoeSchermann – “A musical theatre composer/lyricist/musical director/singer/actor.” – and then some. He is starring in my new film project — a musical titled “HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG” – read more about it on my BLOG

@meganrayemanzi – “Megan is an actress who spends her time off playing Top Chef in the kitchen, doing yoga in Union Square, and jumping in the front row for local rock bands.” - Megs is someone who I’ve been dying to work with but the right project hasn’t come up yet. Seriously talented. So serious that her latest short film “TUB” is playing at Sundance this year. But I’m not jealous….not in the least. Just need to work with her before everyone else does. Here’s her website

@Christinarose12 – “www.christina-rose.com” — lead actress in the film I was just hired to direct DEATH OF THE DEAD – Broadway, tv and film – she does it all!! In fact, she is starring in my next feature film — a musical titled “HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG” – read more about it on my BLOG

@Heathertoc – “I love my unpredictable and exciting life as a working actor in LA! Visit my website for more! www.HeatherTocquigny.com ” - LA-based actress I’ve heard only great things about. Very supportive and I hope to collaborate on something with her sooner than later.

@ErinCronican – “Actor & Career Coach – Helpful hints, inspiring tidbits, and a little bit of love for actors – www.erincronican.com or www.theactorsenterprise.org“ – a NY mover and shaker – great voice and knows how to use it. Another one I need to find a project to work with.

@TheresaFowler – “Bite me.” – her bio says it all. Feisty and full of energy. Worked with her briefly on a film project but know she has great things to come.

@DarylRay – “www.darylraycarliles.com“ — actor and dancer…lover not a fighter. Met him a few years ago when I arrived in NY and his selfless energy to the arts and his network of friends is amazing.

SCREENWRITERS:

@DreamsGrafter – “Screenwriter, Scriptreader, Blogger & all-round DreamsGrafter (trying to keep the spambots out – not you!)” – huge indie film supporter and runs a great blog sharing her experiences of an aspiring screenwriter!

@KageyNYC – “Screenwriting student @TheNewSchool. Developing a short film & a feature-length script. (Don’t be shy re: protected tweets – it’s to keep out bots, not you!)” – Kim is an aspiring screenwriter whose work I can’t wait to see on the screen — another huge supporter of mine that I am very thankful for. And she attended NEW YORK LATELY at the Big Apple Film Festival!!

@CriticalTodd – “Writer, web monkey, and general man about town.” – a great supporter of indie films. Always has something interesting to say and share.

@AmyLaurel - “I am a Screen / Novel Writer and Actress. Hobbies: fencing, martial arts, computers and anything outdoors. I’m a free spirit!” – Actress and writer – who is in the process of having one of her screenplays produced, and this will be the first time her work has been made into a film. Can’t wait to see it! She’s constantly writing writing writing — which is good for a screenwriter. Check out her site for more info.

MUSICIANS:

@kevinrieplmusic – “composer for film & video games. Creds Include Gears of War 1&2, Clemency, New Hope Manor, Crackdown2, Aliens:Colonial Marines www.kevinriepl.com” – composer extraordinaire and has shown nothing but huge support for indie films (and me). You can tell this guy loves movies