With Peter Bradley
At 79 years old and overlooked since the 1970s, abstract artist Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his artistic process on the cusp of his rediscovery.
Interview with Director/Producer/Editor Alex Rappoport
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Peter Bradley and I live less than ten minutes from one another in the small town of Saugerties, NY. I was introduced to Peter three years ago by local art gallerist Robert Langdon, who told me about Peter's remarkable early career and showed me examples of his beautiful paintings. When I understood that Peter lived nearby and that he seemed to have been forgotten by the larger art world for quite some time, I sensed both a great visual story and an opportunity to record an important personal history that appeared not broadly known.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
One need not be connected to or passionate about art to appreciate Peter Bradley's story or craft. His singular place and remarkable associations within American 20th Century culture are of general historical interest, and the nature of his paintings - which he describes and executes with a complete lack of pretension - are as beautiful as they are accessible. There are no hidden messages or deeper meanings to the work; purely abstract, the appeal of his paintings is all on the surface.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Peter Bradley's biography touches on a number of important themes: the importance of individual creative expression; how character is shaped by one's parent(s); how one person can push racial boundaries; and the importance of music to human experience.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This film is essentially an oral memoir, so there has never been a script or even an outline for what should be included. Many hours of interviews across a wide range of subjects and chapters in Peter's life were recorded and structured (over more than two years of editing) into the finished film. Ultimately, decisions about what to leave out of the film were made on the basis of pacing and overall running time.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Responses to the film so far, based on three work-in-progress screenings in 2022, have been remarkably positive. I was a bit worried that audiences might tire of only seeing one person for 85 minutes, but the singularity of the subject turns out to be one of the most-liked aspects of the film. And in the end, it's all about Peter and his personality and the fact that he comes across as an open, sincere and charismatic guy with a good sense of humor.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No. I love Peter and nothing will change that.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
All that any filmmaker wants is for their creation to be seen by an audience that is as large as possible - and hopefully to get other people to pay for the cost of making it! Producing and editing this particular film was very easy for me; I own the gear, worked alone, and it was just a matter of my personal time and effort to get it to a certain point. I've been very fortunate in the final stretch to receive financial contributions to the project's 501c sponsor, Filmmakers Collaborative, from some folks who understand the importance of Peter's story and believe in my craft as the storyteller. That said, there is still a fair budget gap to close before everything is paid for - including three years of my time - and there is ample room at the With Peter Bradley table for more partners.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
In short, all of the above!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
When I started making the film I was deeply concerned about getting Peter's story known so that he could sell some paintings again. Now that he has been rediscovered (by Karma Gallery) and is selling his work globally, I'm pleased that my film is finished at a time coinciding with his re-introduction to the art world. Therefore I hope there is an equal chance that people will be interested in the film because they've already heard about Peter, or conversely that people will seek out Peter's art because of the film. Mostly, I hope my work is regarded for what I believe it is: an organic and intimate portrait piece; an important record of personal history; and a fascinating and inspiring study of the creative process.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Um... "Who is Peter Bradley?"
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Peter is painting ever more beautiful images every day. I'm researching a film about a very cool photographer.
Interview: January 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
With Peter Bradley
At 79 years old and overlooked since the 1970s, abstract artist Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his artistic process on the cusp of his rediscovery.
Length: 1:26:00
Director: Alex Rappoport
Producer: Alex Rappoport
About the writer, director and producer:
ALEX RAPPOPORT has been a cinematographer and editor specializing in film and television documentaries for over 30 years. With Peter Bradley is his feature directorial debut.
Key cast: Peter Bradley
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists, film festival directors and buyers
Facebook: With Peter Bradley Film
Instagram: @withpeterbradleyfilm
Hashtags used: #withpeterbradleyfilm
Website: www.withpeterbradley.com
Other: YouTube
Made in association with: Fierce Optimism Films
Funders: filmmakerscollab.org/films/with-peter-bradley
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance/Park City, UT - 1/22/23