THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Posted Sep 25, 2008 @ 12:00 AM Artistic endeavor: "The Art of Pain" ââ¬" an independent, feature-length dark-comedy film (with ninjas, zombies and starving artists).
Where you might have seen me or my work (or will soon): Our film is rocking the festival circuit right now. It recently won Best Feature Comedy at the Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield. In October, it'll play the Eerie Horror Film Festival in Erie, Penn., as well as the Thriller! Chiller! Film Fest in Grand Rapids, Mich. Can't make it? You can always get the limited edition DVD at www.artofpainmovie.com.
Day job: Graphic designer ââ¬" a handy skill set that gets me work in any city and definitely helps with the movie posters and ad campaigns.
Twenty-word description of myself: Male bipedal omnivore, age 32, 6-feet 1-inch, green eyes, brown hair, 190 lbs., known for odd film-making behavior and kicking (butt).
Behind-the-scenes interests: Songwriting, drawing crazy cartoons, tortoise husbandry, unicorns and my hot GF.
Family: My younger brother, Greg, stars in "The Art of Pain" and lives in Chicago. Our mom, Connie, and our dad, Ralph, do the Springfield thang.
Time spent in Springfield: You mean time served in Springfield? That's how I felt about the place growing up. When I was 20, I moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College for film. This summer, having completed "The Art of Pain," an opportunity arose to make the move to Los Angeles ââ¬" since I heard rumors they do a lot of movie-making out there, I took the plunge. So far, what I love most about Hollywood is the feeling that anything can happen. As the rest of the country enters fall, I realize that I have come to deeply appreciate Springfield. Where else can you get a horseshoe or Vic's Pizza? Springfield is like the Shire from "Lord of the Rings." Take care of it! First film-making moment: In Springfield, Greg and I were filming a scene in front of that Pink Elephant statue (the one with the glasses and martini glass). The scene involved an insane, rage-filled golfer slaughtering a confused hobo. It was the first of many, many film moments I've had where I stop and think, "My life is freakin' weird!" Proudest film-making moment: When "The Art of Pain" premiered at the Sunscreen Film Festival in Florida this year, we won the Audience Award. The cast and crew (who have become some of my best friends) and my family were there with me. We couldn't have asked for a better kick-off for the film. What a great reward for our hard work! Most embarrassing film-making moment: We shot "The Art of Pain" at a movie theater where I used to work. For a couple scenes, we needed the popcorn machine running. Well, I forgot to turn it off and we burned the whole batch to a crisp. Then, at 6 a.m., after all the cast and crew had left, my old manager made me stay behind to scrub the popper and restock the corn. "Ya missed a spot, Mr. Big Shot Director!" Something my colleagues don't know about me: I just got a phoenix tattoo on The Learning Channel's show "L.A. Ink," to commemorate "The Art of Pain." If I made the cut, it should air late November or early December. Corey Miller free-handed it on my shoulder and it looks freakin' sweet. Please don't tell my dad ââ¬" he hates tattoos.
Something artistic I'd love to try: Web-isodes! Also, I want to make a 3-D movie with dinosaurs.
Something artistic I'd never try: Remaking a classic film that I love. Oh wait, that's not artistic! Filmmakers I look up to the most: Joe Swanberg. That guy can make an entertaining, creative film with no money.
Favorite filmmakers: My brother, Greg Brookens, the Coen brothers, David Lynch, Judd Apatow and, yeah, Steven Spielberg (though he's so "uncool" now).
Influences: The Internet, Apple computers, high definition, industry trends, cheap beer, my friends, pop culture and science.
Dream project: When I'm more seasoned, I am dying to do an epic fantasy/sci-fi trilogy in the vein of "Lord of the Rings." If Peter Jackson can start with "Bad Taste," I have hope.
Most important lesson learned: Swallow your pride, set the ego aside and remember, "It's who ya know!" Advice for those who'd like to do what I do: Be like the phoenix and rise from the ashes. CAW CAAAWW!!! Also, think marathon, not sprint.
Why I do it: Watch my film, "The Art of Pain" ââ¬" it's all there!
