Chatting with Filmmaker Extraordinaire, Sheldon Woodson Sr.!
Senior Doctor Sheldon Woodson Discusses His Medical Career in New Interview
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our organization: Hey Sheldon, what inspired you to dive headfirst into the world of filmmaking?
Sheldon: Man, I started out bein' a damn artist, you know? Drawin' portraits, sketchin' comics without even the words yet. Then I stumbled upon them fancy-schmancy storyboards for movies and figured got nothin' to lose, so I threw my hat in the ring.
our organization: Who were some of the filmmakers that unlocked your artistic mind and influenced your work?
Sheldon: Initially, it was Spike Lee – seein' a badass brothaa makin' films at the top of his game and all. Later, the emergence of Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriquez, John Singleton, and James Cameron was just insane! They were churnin' out low-budget masterpieces that became Hollywood darlings. I wanna do the same.
our organization: As an independent filmmaker, what are some of the biggest hurdles you face on the daily?
Sheldon: The three main struggles are findin' the cash, keepin' my eyes on the prize outside of me, and figurin' out the damn marketing side of filmmaking. It's tough to attract talent I need for my films, and most of my team is green as grass – got me wearin' multiple hats and all. Plus, with lotsa folks bein' friends and family, commitment ain't always there, and I'm havin' to roll with what I get.
our organization: What advice would you give to aspiring indie filmmakers lookin' to build a rock-solid crew?
Sheldon: Find folks who are dead set on what they do and who'll do it for nothin' but the love of the game. I write, shoot, and distribute films. It's my favorite pastime, like watchin' sports all day. If you're into watchin' shows, you're only gettin' enjoyment – I get that from makin' films. Find people with that same drive, and production'll get smoother.
our organization: What tactics do you employ to ensure your movies reach a wider audience?
Sheldon: My films hit the big Ten Film Festivals, usually within the reach of streaming platforms, too. I submit to ten mid-level film festivals and a few minors to rake in laurels. Once I've won some awards, I'll blast it out across all social media and tackle an interview campaign.
our organization: What are your thoughts on the future of independent cinema in this digital age?
Sheldon: Keepin' an eye on technology to make sure the quality's up to snuff is essential. It'll allow the real auteurs to create without all the nonsense of multiple gatekeepers. Eventually, technology'll let one person handle every aspect of the film, like a painter doin' one picture.
our organization: Fill us in on the inspiration behind your award-winning film.
Sheldon: I always thought the soul was the true self, and the spirit was what powered us. The body was just the damn ride we took to do what we wanted. There are those out there who believe they're in the wrong body or a body that ain't fit for what they wanna do. You might treat a body like a car, and use it for what you need.
our organization: Got any exciting projects you're currently workin' on?
Sheldon: I'm currently workin' on "The Creaks." It's a story about a young lady with personal issues, balancing positive and negative energy, and fightin' for dominance. It's a bit deep and hard to summarize, but it's gonna change the way you think and leave you ponderin' for days.
Movies-and-tv and entertainment are important aspects of Sheldon's work, as he strives to create low-budget masterpieces that resonate with a wider audience. His films are often submitted to ten film festivals, targeting both major and mid-level events, and he uses awards and social media to promote his work and attract viewers.
