Zeke Zelker is an independent filmmaker specializing in transmedia. His latest film, Billboard is now in release. We had the chance to ask him about the film and his career. Here’s what he had to say.
Hello Zeke. Let’s begin with how it all started. Tell me about what got you interested in being a filmmaker.
Zeke Zelker: I’ve been telling stories to get myself out of trouble since I was a kid. I fell in love with the romance of film … the red carpets, the fashion, the mechanical sound of film running through a gate, Cannes, juxtapose that with renegade filmmakers like Waters, Welles, Jaramuch and my punk rock sensibilities made filmmaking a right fit for my knack of storytelling.
You’ve chosen to skip the typical ‘Hollywood’ route to movie making and instead produce films in your hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Tell me what’s been the most rewarding about that decision.
ZZ: I went back home to make a difference. My hometown didn’t have the best reputation, I wanted to help change its image by showcasing it in films that would be seen around the world. I love making films here but it’s a challenge. I have to bring a lot of resources in and it’s very tough raising money in the area because people don’t understand the business model.
You specialize in transmedia. Tell our readers what that is and how you’ve come to make it part of your approach.
ZZ: Transmedia is a way of telling a story by building story worlds around a concept. The audience can simply enjoy a piece of the creation or immerse themselves within the story. The story moves from various screens to events, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. This way of storytelling is no different than what my family did when building an amusement park. You build a story around the mechanics of the entertainment properties and profit centers.
Your latest project is called Billboard, which you serve as writer and director. I understand it’s based on true events. What’s the story about and how did you come to tell it?
ZZ: Billboard is inspired by a true story that took place in the early 80’s. Our film is set current day and it’s about an independent radio station struggling to survive so they pull out the oldest trick in radio, the wacky contest. WTYT 960 decides to host a billboard sitting contest where four people will live on billboard in hopes of winning a mobile home and nine-sixty thousand dollars. At the story’s core, we explore what lengths people will go to succeed in our society and how media plays a huge part in our perception of truth.
How does transmedia play a part in Billboard?
ZZ: For Billboard we’re telling two sides of a story. We crafted a feature film that focuses on the radio station hosting the billboard sitting contest. We also created a web series which is based on a solar powered video feed of the contestants living on the billboard. It’s interesting to see how each other’s actions affect the other. We also created the radio station wtyt960.com that acts as the leaping off point for the project and offered ways how people could create contestant profiles on the station to become a part of the project. We host live events where many people don’t realize that they’ve become a part of the story.
What have been some of the larger challenges for you as an independent filmmaker?
ZZ: Funding.
Certainly, cinema has played a significant role in your life. If you could watch any movie with its star or someone on its production crew, which film would it be and who would be sitting beside you?
ZZ: On the Waterfront with Kazan. I admire his body of work. We created without pretense and told authentic stories.
Our website dedicates much of it content to exploring great moments in movies. Has there been any movie moments that have had impact or influence on you?
ZZ: I can relate to Cinema Paradiso, which began my love affair with cinema. The ending, where Toto views all of the clips that were edited out by the censors gets me every time I see it.
What film would you recommend our readers put to the top of their must see lists and why?
ZZ: Oh geez, there’s so many. I have to think of something that many people may not have seen. Dancer in the Dark by Von Trier. Bjork gives an amazing performance. The film is so unexpected.
Zeke, it’s been great having this opportunity to learn more about you and your work. Good luck with Billboard and all your future endeavors. I hope our paths cross again.
ZZ: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share.