The Ghost and The Negro, Web-Series
Framed for murder, a bookstore keeper teams up with a self-proclaimed ghost hunter to clear his name.
Interview with Writer/Director Sylvester Folks
Watch The Ghost and The Negro here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I am big fan of murder/mystery films, especially those that have a supernatural twist. I grew up watching Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the Twilight Zone and these two shows had a high impact on my writing and storytelling. One thing that I've noticed in a lot of the modern day horror/supernatural films is the lack of people of color portraying roles outside of comic reliefs or victim number number 3.
I thought how cool it would be to take a character that doesn't believe in the supernatural and have them come face to face with it and develop emotions and feelings they've never had before.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I would say because this film is an adventure story into the most charted but yet challenging terrain known to man, and that's exploring what is means to love and what it takes to overcome fear.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
At the heart this is a love story about two people who have both suffered hurt and loss and they inadvertently begin to help each other even though they are not fully aware of each other's background when they first meet. I think we all desire to be with someone that helps us get through our worse times and not be afraid or judgemental of us.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The evolution came during filming. Once your actors are in character the words roll off their tongues differently than how it was written and the emotions go up and down depending on the scene. The actors were so terrific taking the script and making it their own by completely embodying the characters not only in traits but in motivation.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been spectacular. We did three screenings at the LA Film Festival and the audiences responded differently in all three screenings but were thoroughly entertained at the same time. From having people walk up and compliment the project to the numerous facebook posts praising the story and direction it has been a wonderful experience.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The biggest challenge is having people ask you questions about what's coming ahead and wanting to know when will they get more. You don't want to spoil everything on a post but you don't want to prematurely give the fans a time frame for when the next round of episodes are released.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By the grace of God, I was blessed with such a wonderful cast and crew and I don't want their work to go unnoticed. I hope to attract people who enjoy not only watching a project with a few scares but a character driven piece that brings raw emotions, laughs and of course a few jump out your skin moments.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Web-media viewership is continually growing and with this project being short form content, I hope producers and companies see the potential of providing an exciting form of entertainment that already has its own built in audience. From there you can only go up.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope every individual that watches these episodes will have their own journey of connecting to the characters and experiencing their loves and fears.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Do black people see ghosts?
Would you like to add anything else?
The two main characters are named after Sidney Poitier and Hattie McDaniel, the first two African-American Oscar winners.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Working on gathering additional funding for the next round of episodes and writing a feature film thriller.
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. 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
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Length: Three episodes total, 5 minutes in length
Director: Sylvester Folks
Producer: Sylvester Folks
Writer: Sylvester Folks
About the writer, director and producer:
Sylvester K. Folks is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. He graduated from Faulkner University, class of 2005, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. From 2007-2013, he worked as a Police Officer for the City of Montgomery. From 2008-2012, he wrote and produced the stage plays, “The Game’s on You”, “Halo”, “ Colored’s of the Confederacy” and “The Lovely Patient”.
In 2013 he wrote and directed his first short film “Montgomery”, followed by short films, “The Accountant” and “Roommates”. In 2013 he wrote and produced his first feature film, “The Lovely Patient”, which was acquired by “World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation”. His most recent directorial projects are the episodic series, “The Ghost and The Negro” and the short film, “Dumb Stuff”. He is the father of two children, Clark and Collin, and has been happily married for 10 years to Andrea Folks.
Key cast:
Demise Harp
Daniela Cobb
Jamila Turner
Faith Bruner
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Sylvester and Andrea Folks
Made in association with: ElyJuniorProductions
Release date: Available online now
Where can I watch it?
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL82y2rFvbRnd7bzEXvuriWAM5FlRAoLPP