Nothing but imagination
Hi friends!
Just before I left for Europe earlier this month we wrapped filming my new documentary "Spoke - the incredible story of firefighter Rudy”. None of us expected the film to grow as big as it did during production. Fortunately, we had an amazing crew and cast who made it happen! Here is what some of them shared:
This looks incredible. Can’t wait to see the final project. Everyone should feel very proud! ~ Christian
It's evident that a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work has gone into this project. ~ Mark
Absolutely. Great work, team! I was almost in tears just watching the teaser! I know the full story will be just as compelling. ~ Essence
Ooh looks moody, love it. ~ D’Angelo
It's been an amazing experience working with you. ~ Kizzy
I truly appreciate you bringing me on to be a part of this production. I love the vision for this project and I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished film.
The biggest highlight for me was meeting Rudy and his family. Rudy is such a calmly inspiring person and I know this film will be well received. ~ Brian
Here I’m feeling sorry for myself with one cancer. And then I meet Rudy who has battled three cancers and think to myself, “What an inspiration! I can do this!” ~ Tseno
Many more thank you(s) and photos to follow in the year ahead. For starters, I wish to thank our tireless, intrepid local producer Micah Knapp for supporting my vision and running the production in the kindest and most constructive way.
Thank you to our costume and production designer of super human powers Mariya Apostolova for the sensitivity of heart and the creative eye of a true professional.
Thank you to cinematographer Matthew Skala who said:
"A film director has never pushed him so hard. What we achieved in five days was nothing short of amazing, imagine what we could do with bigger budgets."
Thank you to my friend Albena Trandeva who after watching “Kaval Park” in San Francisco earlier this year called me up, "Bogdan, you have to make a movie about this guy..."
Mind you, I had vowed not to make another doc because of how much work it is - seven years for the last one. But then, I spoke to "this guy" and realized every doc is different. In case you are wondering, "this guy" is firefighter Rudy Pospisil - three times cancer survivor and an avid biker who cycled around the world for a decade to raise awareness for the disease.
"Spoke" is the telling of Rudy's incredible story. He was absolutely a delight and a true inspiration to direct. Last but not least, thank you to my film partner from Itchy Rodent Films, Ben Johnson, and all the dedicated crew and cast who made filming possible!
Yes, there is a snake in the film, a turtle and a dog as well - I wanted a goat, but producer Micah dissuaded me... (Photos by my friend Tom Tzenov.)
A new chapter in my career has begun. “Spoke” is my fifth documentary and by far the biggest one. I cannot wait to share it with you.
Before I got to Dublin, I was in Belfast. The Titanic museum is a must see, but what really stood out for me was learning an unsettling piece of history about the Protestant and Catholic parts of the city which are still divided by a wall. There has been a truce for 25 years, but Tanya who picks me up is a taxi diver. She tells me she stills senses the tension in her customers. Several gates along the wall still close at night.
TIP for the world traveler:
In Dublin you need Euros. Budget well, it’s a very expensive city…
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Where Stories Live - Dublin
And since this is not an ordinary travel log, I’m sharing photos bellow from a permanent installation in Dublin which really moved me, it somehow relates to “Spoke” and my art…
An Irishman’s heart is nothing but his imagination.
G.B. Shaw
You must go on, I can’t go on, I’ll go on.
Samuel Beckett
…I rhyme
To see myself, to set the darkness echoing.
Seamus Heaney
I will put in your hand the sun and the moon.
Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill
Are changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
W.B. Yates
The installation was a few blocks away from my ABNB. I passed by it several times a day reading some of the writing, the last day there I stopped to read all of it. Then, I walked into the building in the photo bellow… (The installation is on the outside along the sidewalk on the right of the building.)
…I walked in and saw a few people seated in the entryway. “Excuse me,” I said, “what is this place? Is it a gallery?” A woman looked at me amused, “No, it’s a police station.”
Ireland - not what it is but what else it is
Stay inspired,
Bogdan