How now to make films, says Scary Cow
By: Mara Math
Special to The Examiner
June 5, 2009
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| See ya: Jager McConnell says there’s no room for egos in his production company. (Courtesy Photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — The community-based movie production company Scary Cow’s “eighth round” film festival is Sunday. In just more than two years, 167 members have completed 102 films and, as of next week, will have handed out approximately $65,000 in funding. The cooperative also offers networking, classes, equipment rentals and screenings for audiences of 500-plus. The Examiner spoke with founder Jager McConnell:
What inspired you to start Scary Cow, given that you’re already a full-time software marketing director?
I was trying to make my own feature film, and there was no resource where I could try out crew people with no hard feelings. The Yahoo groups for people who say they want to work on films, those people don’t have any skin in the game — they say, “Great, see you on Saturday!” And then they don’t show up.
Where does the name “Scary Cow” come from?
Hollywood looks at indie filmmakers with no money as docile cows. They’ll tell you, “You need a half-million to make a film.” But what if those cows banded together to make films and change how things are done? A $70 zombie movie was huge at Cannes this year!
Is the membership all beginners?
Not at all. I’d estimate that 20 percent have never done this before, and 10 percent are really expert, and the rest of us are in-between.
Is there ever an issue with members wanting to work only with the established names?
Scary Cow is not about “Let’s make films with famous people.” It’s, “Let’s make films together.” Our most famous person, he’ll listen to all the pitches at our pitch meeting and say, “There are two films I really believe in.” We never have that “I’m the last kid on the soccer field” feeling going. The people with the egos, they don’t stay in Scary Cow.
How has the rise of digital filmmaking affected Scary Cow?
That’s the only way Scary Cow could ever have worked. Tech is at the point where it doesn’t matter much. What matters is, what’s your story and do you have people to make it. And if you have those and the will, you’ll get your film made.
Have you made the film you wanted to when you started Scary Cow?
I’ve worked on four shorts, but I’ve never made my feature yet because I’m too busy with my paying job and with Scary Cow. I wish I’d found Scary Cow instead of founding it — I’d be much further along!
IF YOU GO
Scary Cow Film Fest
Featuring 19 shorts and slightly longer films
- Where: Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco
- When: 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday
- Tickets: $7.50 to $10
- Contact: www.scarycow.com
