The Filmmaking Commune Idea: Permaculture + Art

So this has been a thought of mine for a while now. Probably since I was 16, so over a decade.  I didn't know about permaculture then, but now it makes even more sense.
Basically, I have found the world of filmmaking to be such that every kind of artisan is needed. This encompasses things like music, painting and dancing as well as cooking, building and people skills. I'm not sure if many of you have ever worked in the film industry, but it can really feel like a village, and I can't help but think of how interesting it might be to establish a sustainable model for living together and producing art.
Below is a link to a short ramble on this subject. Yes, shameless self promotion:


I hesitate to use the word "commune", as it conjures up images of hermits and moochers. But it does sort of capture what I'm going for. I never really grew up watching many films, but while making short videos and putting on stage plays with friends, I fell in love with the process of production. One thing to note is that food costs are the second highest cost of principal (shooting) production, usually second to talent/producer pay.

I'm not plugged in to really ANY community at the moment. I don't really have friends that I hang with. I've moved a lot. I've distanced myself from other filmmaking acquaintances. I'm searching. Just thought I'd throw this idea out there. Does anyone know of stuff like this already going on? I'm in Oregon FYI. Thoughts appreciated.

Amy~

I love this idea.  My 116-year old daughter and I have immersed ourselves in our local film-making community a couple of times over the past two years.  I fell in love with the process.  There is nothing in the world quite like set come to life with a tight team who share the passion and commitment and communicate well.  I also find myself in the early-stage enthusiasm towards permaculture as a holistic way of life, and I can't get immersed deeply enough over the past few months!  The idea of combining these two passions of mine is VERY appealing to me!  I am in Illinois.  I only have a large yard at the moment, but hope to join or help create an intentional community before too much time passes.  

On set, we started off as PA's and have kind of found a niche in production design, but I really love doing script supervision and continuity work, too.  I am good photographer, but have never done most of the more technical roles on set.

You are right, the long hours on set and the demands for sleep and food, as well as sharp mental focus and artistic inspiration mean that living together and solving those challenges in a unified way makes a lot of sense.

I just wanted to give me hearty agreement and cheers in response to your post!

Ann

Hi Amy,

I commented on your post on FB, love your idea! My kids have naturally incorporated movie making into their free time on our homestead since they were little. They had a movie channel, even won some contests: http://www.veoh.com/list/u/LundFamilyProductions
This lifestyle definitely nurtures creativity, and showing that off to the world sounds like a great idea to me. The subject doesn't need to be about Permies, any display of creativity is testimonial to living closely with nature. We do Workaway and encourage our guests to apply themselves creatively.. I could see this being a fun thing to put together for a given amount of time in the summer, a few hours working on a permies project and a few hours working on a movie project. We have gardens full of amazing food and a big live-in crew already in place with an awesome setting near Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains. This is our Workaway profile: https://www.workaway.info/account-en.html

Keep the ideas coming!
Meg

Let's put on a show!  https://permies.com/t/61052/art/Put-Show

At our farm/IC we have a museum, that (so far) has made a rather great movie set. We've had three short movies filmed here, and have won "best set" and "best costumes" in the Cleveland Film Festival. A few weeks ago the Cleveland Film Commission sent a rep. down to visit to take details and shoot stills for inclusion in their N. Ohio Movie Locations Catalog. So, ...there you have it. Your idea in (at least partial) practice. Intentional Community & movie making. Jim & Laura and others. Stone Garden Farm & Village, Ohio. If you'd like to talk more about it, ...let's. P.S. We also have had "Garden to Table" six course meals here serving up to 100 people a sitting. So "catering" movie folks with great organic/permaculture meals would not be a stretch for us. It's all fun.

I really like the idea of establishing a community around art, music and other shared passions while working together on permaculture based projects to thrive. Years ago, back in the 90's I guess, I used to try to make my ideal schedule for the day if money were not an issue. Art/Music, Permaculture and Health seemed to be three areas that would provide most if not all the things one needed to live as a group. I call this the harmony of the spheres like Pythagoras. Still dreaming after this as a way of life, looking for that community and look forward to a time when I can spend all my time learning the things that truly capture my interest and passion. Amy, I am not far from Oregon so reach out if you like, let me know if you'd like to collaborate etc.

Amy,

Count me in! Now, I want to make a film of me teaching my fabulous Kids Yoga Play Day~ wiggle n giggle.

Although you do look like you are doing cats and plants first, which is fine, when you're ready to shoot that film, count me in.
I would love to have you film me and the kids-as yet to be cast-in a film about yoga, dance, creative arts-that gives them values
while teaching parents how to have a hilarious and happy time with their children!! Imagine that.

Keep your amazing films coming and when you need crew, should you need this in the coming
year, I'm the travelin' mobile yogi, artist and happy spirit come to make you smile!
Here is the site of my most recent training in Tennessee: www.lovingmamasyogatraining.com

Holler!!!

Love and blessings,

Ajeet the Yogi
aka gg