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Queer Money


Aug 29, 2017

It’s hard for any artist, including gay artists, to stand out in saturated cities such as L.A. and New York. That’s why these gay artists moved to Denver, an alternative city, to stand out from the crowd and avoid high production costs. Gay Artists in Denver “It really comes back to the story… You get to tell people’s stories—that don’t usually get to be told.” Listen to Gay Artists Thriving in Denver Gay Artists Summary Rachel Herring Finley is the lead actor in Carlos Daniel Flores’ short film I Stand Still, an abstract piece built around an original poem that explores the love between two women. Part of Denver’s own CinemaQ Film Festival this past July that highlighted local and national gay artists, the short pays tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, reminding us to “allow ourselves some joy and respect our truth, whatever that may be.” Born in Puerto Rico, Carlos was exposed to music and the arts from a young age. Film direction satisfies his “desperate need to express” himself, and allows for experimentation via the medium itself. He recently moved to Denver from Florida, and is inspired by the energy and creativity of the city. Rachel has a degree in opera and musical theatre training from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, but she returned to her home state of Colorado to perform in local professional theatre. Carlos and Rachel met through the Denver theatre community, and today they share the process of collaborating on I Stand Still, discussing the organic nature of the project, what it was like to film in Denver, and the connections between the Pulse shooting and the film. Listen in on their advice for aspiring actors and directors, and learn the value of supporting the arts and gay artists in our community! Topics Covered on Gay Artists Rachel’s long journey to performing in film • Degree in opera • Trained at AMDA in New York for musical theatre • Returned to Denver • Involved in theatre, met film community • Fell in love with film How Carlos came to be a director • Born in Puerto Rico • Father is musician • Love of all arts • Realized possibilities of film as medium Rachel’s affinity for acting • Singing cultivated love of performance • Love of story What drew Carlos to directing • Desperate need to express self • Loves all aspects of filmmaking • Need to actively create something The background of the short film, I Stand Still • Part of series • Film built around poem • Ambiguous, abstract form • Subject ties into Carlos’ process of accepting himself as bisexual The amazing experience of filming in Denver • Carlos recently moved to Denver • Loves city, beauty of the mountains • Not oversaturated with industry people • Struggle to find other creatives • Feels like no rules yet • Project was very small, didn’t need permits to film in public spaces The art scene, gay, straight and otherwise in Denver • Carlos appreciates energy and creativity • Acceptance of all forms has come alive in last decade • Investment in murals, street art How the Pulse Nightclub shooting affected Carlos’ creative process • Doing sound design, composing music for I Stand Still • Shooting made it difficult to continue • Ultimately finished film as tribute, dedicated to victims The connections between the Pulse shooting and the film I Stand Still • Personal connection for Carlos: Clock tower at end as body count • Broader analytical connection: Accept your truth, whatever it may be Carlos’ advice for aspiring directors • Just start creating • Don’t worry about what others are doing Rachel’s guidance for would-be actors • Give yourself the opportunity to make mistakes • Learn from small parts, projects • Network with other artists, learn from their experience The top three locations for film production • Santa Fe/Albuquerque • Atlanta • Vancouver