Walmart #FightHunger
You wish all your jobs had a social impact of this size.
Thats one thing that rang true all through pre & post production. Each job is special in its own right, but I could probably count on one hand how many jobs encouraged a larger follow through and a call to action of this magnitude. It was an honor and privilege to Direct this spot for Walmart's #Fighthunger campaign.
Thought and process
Creatively, this script went through alot of changes till we landed on the right one. Adrienne Nicole was the Executive Producer on this project and from day 1 I felt at ease. Her production company brought me in early to really help craft the story via Walmart's wishes. We knew from the beginning that we would be working with reverend Chianti Mitchell, who had dealt with the task of fighting hunger in her own community. Her story would carry the narrative, and visually we'd see the pastor welcoming her flock into the worship house. The only caveat? Walmart wanted our pastor's story to be true, and authentic, I.E. no set script. I worked with reverend Mitchell for a few weeks to really understand her story. On the day of principle photography when we had our interview I knew the right questions to ask, and reverend Mitchell was beyond comfortable.
Team work make the dream work
It was an amazing crew from top to bottom. We shot on the Alexa Amira with Optimo zoom lenses to really give us the intimate warm feeling keeping with the Walmart brand. Leading the visual charge was Cinematographer Hilda Mercado and her Bcam Op Denise Bailie. Instantly Hilda and I clicked, she understood my motivations and brought alot of stylistic and lighting choices herself. This Director & DP relationship is always big for me since I still photograph alot of the projects I Direct.
If you're looking for any drama you won't find any here. I'm always amazed and constantly blessed at how smooth my shoots run. The crew gels nicely, the clients are all happy, and we come away with an amazing product that reminds us why we do what we do. Its an indescribable feeling. Untill the next time, thank you to each and everyone involved.
Exec Producer - Adrienne Nicole
Director - Mike Cooke
Producer - Phoenix Higgins
Prod Manager - Joshlyn Hargrove
1st AD - Devaughn Hughson
2nd AD - Justin Higgins
Dir of Photography - Hilda Mercado
Camera Op - Denise Bailie
1st AC - A Camera Warren Brace
1st AC - B Camera Stephan Cook
2nd AC - Rose Ashikyan
DIT - Darnell Williams
VTR - Paul "Tre" James
Storyboard Artist - Tony Zollo
Gaffer - Ben Lambeth
Key Grip - Doug Davis
Swing - Andrew O'Berry
Sound Mixer - Peter Redding
Hair - Derrel Dabney
Hair - Lashae Cole
Make Up - Zavia Rawlins
Makeup - Teena Kim
Wardrobe - Stylist Troy Clinton
Catering - Angela Foster
Craft Service - Chelsia Green
PA - Nate Patterson
PA - Everett Johnson
PA - Francine Simon
PA - John Johnson Jr
PA - Ndeye Thioubou
PA - LeeAnn Chisolm
Photographer - Brittany Wages
Across The Tracks pt 1
Things have been moving along pretty swiftly. I've been knee deep in pre-production for my next project. A short film entitled "Across The Tracks"
Our "tracks" location
The Plot
The film follows Ella and Tara in racially charged 1960s GA. Both sisters were born to African American parents, but through a unique twist of fate, Ella was born with fair skin. After a childhood of prejudice and bullying due to their “blackness" Ella saw her chance to change her destiny when schools were desegregated. That year Ella decided to become white.
In the film we witness two sister's struggles, the incident that drove them part, and how their relationship has maintained over the course of 40 years.
Conception
I wrote this film with Emmy Award winning super producer Kimberly Y. James. We both drew on our own experiences as minorities and growing up in a world where things were different on the other side of the tracks.
Our Initial script blocking w/ index cards
This film is not without its challenges. We've broken almost every rule in the book that pertains to shooting a short film. Traditionally you shoot a short that can be done relatively easy, a simple script, a couple of friends who have a weekend free, a VERY small budget and a location that you can easily get to from where you currently live. But our story is anything but traditional...
Instead we opted to embrace the hurdles that are ahead of us, and bank on the simple notion that this is a film that people will want to see. The rest would fall into place, and so far we've had a streak of amazing luck and support in getting Across The Tracks up and going.
LOCATION
We're shooting this film in Arlington, Ga. A small town close to the edge of the state, where my grandparents were born. Its a very picturesque town that still maintains some period piece charm of the late 60s. We took our story infront of the town council and immediately they green-lit us for production. With their blessings in tow, we began location scouting.
CURRENT STATUS
We've gotten alot of support early on and our team is strong. Across The Tracks has received 501(c)(3) non profit status through From The Heart Productions and we're currently gearing up for crowd-funding through Seed&Spark. I'll be updating on all other production details as we draw ever closer to principle photography in October.
Michael Cooke Director/Co Writer - Across The Tracks
Spiegel Holiday Video
This was a hell of a project to work on. Alot of details, and a short time framed made for one of my more challenging shoots. Given everything that was against us, I couldn't have been happier with the results. Shot on DSLRs, and filmed on location with some of the best host imaginable this really was a labor of love. Check the video below. Happy Holidays yall
-Mike
Client: Spiegel
Creative Director: Richard Lowe
Fashion Director: Ekat Murphy
Director of Photography: Mike Cooke
1st AC: Jamal Solomon
Post: Andrew Makadsi
Technical: Canon DSLR