Paul’s vision is amazing but he needs your help to put the finishing touches on it. You can be a part of an amazing piece of art. Click on the link to Paul’s Kickstarter account below and find out how!
Zia: What was the idea behind “Adult Rappers”?
PI: Growing up. Listening to hip-hop. Getting older. Having spent some time, albeit short lived, in "the game". Adult Rappers is, as it sounds, about coming of age...sort of. We're talking to rappers past and present about what it means when rap/hip-hop is your occupation and you reach your autumn "rap" years. I think it's a story that's relevant to fans of the music whether they actively pursued a career in "the game" or not. Rappers get older and for many, their music stays the same age.
Zia: Who inspired you to start making this film?
PI:My friends...and Brian Coleman's book "Check The Technique". Buy it!
Zia:Like many people our age, rap played a huge role in our adolescence. Who did you listen to growing up?
PI:Oh, man. My earliest hip hop catalog was all Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Run DMC, EPMD and Eric B & Rakim. When I was a kid there were only so many hip-hop artists so when a tape dropped, you bought it.Too many to name. I still have my cassettes too.
Zia:Was it tough finding all these MCs?
PI:It still is. I've been working on this for over a year. Peaks and valleys.
Zia:How hard was it to convince them to be a part of “Adult Rappers”?
PI:It can be hard to convince anyone to speak openly and honestly about themselves on camera. It's easier once folks sit for an interview, see what we're about and then in turn tell their people. The cast has grown pretty organically - thanks especially to twitter.
Zia: Tell us a little about your link on kickstarter.
PI:You should go there. Watch the trailer (which is really just to give you a little taste of what we've shot without revealing too much) then donate repeatedly until we reach our goal...starting with you, Zak. GO!
Zia:As tools for film production become more accessible to fans turned film makers do you think we will see a lot more of these indie docs in the future?
PI:We already see more film/video content than ever before. I'm lucky to earn my living practicing my craft. Projects like this are a labor of love for me and I'll always pursue them. It's like creative oxygen for me. I think you'll only see more great stories in the future, yes. Technology shouldn't be hurdle that stops people from finding their voice and just making stuff.
Zia:Does it help the medium or does saturation of the art form dilute the talent?
PI:Personally, I think it helps. Usually great work be it music, film or otherwise has the uncanny ability to make it to people on it's own to a degree. Especially these days. If people are into it, they will share it. It's really like we've all become documentarians to a degree. Thanks to social media we document and share our life; the things we like to watch and listen to are a huge part of that experience so we share it.
Zia:What was the plan by starting up kickstarter campaign?
PI:The plan was to just try to raise enough money to hit the road for a couple weeks and close the loop on a few stories and get as many more interviews as possible. So far I have piggy backed all my shooting on other jobs so it's been very catch as catch can, which can be a catch 22 when it comes to catching those rascally rappers.
Zia:It looks like the film is finished or at least partial made already, what’s left?
PI:No. That's probably the biggest misconception. The film is not finished. We have more to shoot and then we'll really begin to edit and finish. I'm lucky to have a long time creative collaborator who also happens to be a great friend and pretty damn good editor. We've just started to dive in. Lots more to do but we can't wait to wrap shooting and get started.
Zia:$10,000 seems like a very small amount to bank roll a film. How much have you poured of your own cash into this project? It’s got to be a hell of a lot more than 10K because the production looks good.
PI:It's very little in the world of feature films, true, but it's all relative. I'm fortunate to have lots of great friends and co-conspirators that have helped to get me this far. I can't put a price on that. At times I have a crew with me to shoot and we have to cover those costs, other times it's just me and a DSLR. I'm really happy with everything we have so far - as I said, labor of love.
Zia:What happens if you don’t reach the goal? You are not scrapping the idea we hope?
PI:If the kickstarter fails, we'll move on. I'll just have to come that much more out of pocket to finish (don't tell my wife)...I've been really encouraged by all the support from people I've met along the way. This story resonates with people and we can't wait to share it. Kickstarter coming up short would not be the first setback we've encountered.
Zia:What is the roll out process for this film? Are you doing festivals?
PI:We shall see. We need to finish this sucker first!
Zia:What is your dream scenario for the documentary?
PI:Honestly, just to finish. I'd love to see it screen someplace for all the people that have pitched in. Also it would be cool if Redford saw it.
Zia:Paul, what is your every day job? What keeps the roof over your head?
PI:I'm a director. I'm a very lucky bastard.
Zia:What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?
PI:Make films. I give the same advice to aspiring musicians, artists, chefs, cooks, whatever...make your own luck. You can't wait for someone to give you the opportunity to do what you want. Get started.
Zia:With all the self taught computer kids out there is film school even a necessity anymore?
PI:I did not attend film school but I'm of two minds on this, part of me wishes I had and the other part of me is happy with the route that got me here. I was not a great student so I think it would have been a waste.
Zia:What project are you working on after Adult Rappers?
PI:I'm not sure. I have some ideas but don't want to jinx it.
Zia:Final question: 5 best MC’s of all time?
PI:Holy shitballs! Did you really just ask me 18 questions and then open the pandoras box of a Top MC's list? You are cruel. I hate lists. Let me say this. Rakim. G.O.A.T. Period. Also, RIP Adam Yauch. End of list.
Paul, Thank You so much for your time and thanks for making a film that speaks to so many!
Please help Paul finish!!!! This will be an amazing piece and you can be part of Indie Film culture forever!!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adultrappers/adult-rappers http://www.pauliannacchino.com/
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