Sky Directs – Making the Award Winning Movie Run Nixon

SkyDirects: Perseverance and Creativity in Independent Filmmaking

Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of the Icon Presents Podcast, host Antwon Haynes interviews the talented filmmaker SkyDirects, known for his relentless drive and creative vision. They discuss Sky’s latest projects, the challenges he has faced in the film industry, and the inspiring story behind his film “Ron Nixon.” The conversation offers a deep dive into the world of independent filmmaking, highlighting the importance of perseverance and creative problem-solving.

Ron Nixon: A Heartfelt Story:
The episode begins with a discussion of SkyDirects’ film “Ron Nixon,” which tells the poignant story of a boy with a heart condition whose mother robs a strip club to pay for his surgery. Sky shares how he has kept busy since the passing of Ron Nixon, moving on to his second feature film and meeting with Sony to discuss potential projects. He emphasizes the importance of constantly moving forward and not procrastinating, even after losing a potential collaborator.

Personal Experiences and Family Health Issues:
Antwon and Sky delve into personal experiences with health issues. Sky reveals that the story of “Ron Nixon” was inspired by his uncle’s death from heart failure. He also shares his own experience with childhood symptoms leading to surgery, underscoring the importance of paying attention to deeper health issues. Antwon relates by sharing his struggles with a growth hormone condition that caused pain and required surgery.

Challenges in Filmmaking and Distribution:
Sky and Antwon discuss the numerous challenges of making and distributing a film. Sky shares the lengths he went to complete his movie, including selling his car and dealing with budget constraints that forced him to hire a new DP and AC. He recounts the difficulties of finding a sound guy in Vegas and securing distribution. Inspired by a woman who had a theatrical run for her pandemic-era movie, Sky reached out to AMC to secure a distribution deal for his film.

The Film Industry and Marketing:
The conversation shifts to the viability of the film industry, with Antwon expressing concerns over box office flops and the agendas of major studios like Disney. Sky discusses the challenges of making successful movies and highlights examples of successful franchise films like “Bad Boys” and “Barbie.” They also discuss the importance of marketing and the need for new directors to find their niche in a competitive industry.

Inspiration and Quality in Filmmaking:
Sky cites Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg as inspirations for his filmmaking style. He and Antwon discuss their preference for older movies, which they feel have a raw and real quality lacking in today’s cinema. They praise “Godzilla Minus One,” a low-budget Japanese movie, for its impressive quality and the perseverance of its crew, who continued filming despite multiple crew members quitting.

Independent Filmmaking and Motivation:
Sky’s story is one of determination and creativity. He shares his inspiring journey of taking bold opportunities, such as crashing Kevin Hart’s office, to advance his career. He encourages viewers to take action towards their goals, emphasizing the importance of starting small and being consistent.

Conclusion:
This episode of the Icon Presents Podcast provides a fascinating look into the world of independent filmmaking through the lens of SkyDirects’ experiences. His story of perseverance, creativity, and relentless drive is a powerful reminder of what it takes to succeed in the film industry. Stay tuned to Icon Presents for more engaging conversations and follow SkyDirects for updates on his latest projects.

Support SkyDirects by following him on social media and staying tuned for his upcoming films and creative endeavors.