Films about the film industry are rarely interesting. There’s a lot of a self-congratulating and back-patting, and often not a lot of substance. The exception that proves the rule, Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton’s 2011 documentary These Amazing Shadows was an informative and inspiring look at film history and restoration. Through the lens of The National Film Registry, the film examined how films have impacted and reflected American society throughout the 20th century. Now, Mariano has taken to Kickstarter to finish next project: Being George Clooney.
The industry doc crosses the globe and offers a look at the men and women who provide the voices to Hollywood’s biggest talents when the films screen in other countries. Centering on the men who provide the international voices of George Clooney, the film provides an interesting look at an aspect of cinema that not many people think about. Mariano’s previous films, These Amazing Shadows and Lost Forever, managed to create emotional and energetic stories out of film history and restoration, so hopes are high for Being George Clooney, which should prove more dynamic.
Mariano has recently taken to Kickstarter to finish funding his film. His crew has already been to Berlin and Rome, and he hopes to raise $90,000 to finish out the world tour and the film. Kickstarter has become a popular fundraising venue, even for those inside the industry. The new Veronica Mars film was funded on Kickstarter and has just recently released a trailer, and Zach Braff’s Wish I Was Here was recently picked up by Focus Features. While Mariano’s film is not as high-profile as any of those projects, it shows that the platform is apparently here to stay. It also raises some very interesting questions and concerns about the current situation in Hollywood.
Being George Clooney‘s Kickstarter campaign runs until March 17. Check out the page to view a trailer for the film.
Leave a Comment