local girls make good–film, that is
by stephanie marks

Remember that kid in the neighborhood who used to put together plays and productions, telling you where to stand and how to act? Meet Marcia Flowers, director.

(Yes, they hated to see her coming!) How about the one that saw a need and did the footwork down the right avenues to find money to make it happen? That would be Reba Williams, producer. Together they form White Flower Entertainment, a local independent film company with a lot to say through their “different way of looking at things” from all sides.

Women and the film industry? You want to be an actress, right? No, we want to make films. What’s wrong with this picture? Actually, nothing. From all appearances, Hollywood belongs to the big boys when it comes to raising revenue to produce projects, to being taken seriously to create something other than sappy, syrupy love stories. Marcia and Reba don’t get caught up in the fear of what might await them, but instead choose to focus on the project at hand and create a quality product.

They simply do the work. And work it is. From this side of the screen, many of us are dazzled by the glitz and glamour of the motion picture industry. From the other side, it’s a lot of hard work, and these girls have paid some dues. They have been working steadily for seven to eight years to get their foot in the door, make contacts, and build confidence in what they have to offer. And yes, they DO have Hollywood representation. It is their belief that if everything had been handed to them, they would not feel the same appreciation for their achievements and maintain the drive to push themselves to get better and better at their craft. They write their own material with a unique blend of Marcia’s dramatic leanings and Reba’s non-stop “shallow” (her word) comedy. Naturally they prefer to produce their own projects in order to keep the story intact, as the worst thing, they tell me, is to have the message lost.

So what is an independent film anyway? I’ve always seen it as an off-the-wall, out there piece of work that doesn’t stand much of a chance of being picked up by a major studio. Not necessarily, say Reba and Marcia. While some of you may envision college kids running through the woods filming The Blair Witch Project, think My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Erin Brockovich, Good Will Hunting – all independent films. White Flower Entertainment chooses to produce projects that will attract a mainstream audience. They operate as much as possible like a major studio using a traditional business approach. Though always on the lookout for a good show to present to any audience, they mostly target women over 30. With nine major projects in different stages of development, their repertoire includes chick flicks (per Reba, “There have to be chick flicks, because chick flicks are good”), comedies, romantic comedies, several television pilots including a sit-com in the old style of Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Designing Women, and a children’s show.

Baby boomers constitute a large part of the population and are starved for good entertainment. Reba comments that ‘there is so much you can say and do without violence, machine guns, machetes and exploding buildings,” though these things will continue to show up. Since 9/11 and what we’ve seen as first-hand real life experience, there has been a real shift. Character-driven films are finding a wide audience. These are Marcia and Reba’s specialty.

As you might well expect, they have a particular project that is near and dear to their hearts. It was their very first shoot, a ‘gritty, graphic piece of work’ about domestic violence. It was shot on film (no easy task) on location here in Asheville, using local talent. They had no money, so the actors and crew agreed to do it on deferment. There is no way to watch this piece without feeling strong emotion.

From their first showing in L. A. to the 3rd Annual International Women’s Festival at Oregon State University to several college audiences, the response has been positive. When Sony Picture Classics in New York wanted to see if these girls could tell a story, if this director was someone they could work with, Marcia dug through her stash of old scripts and sent this film. She wanted to submit a piece of work that would have an impact. “Hopefully they would wake up the next morning and say, ‘Oh my God.’” Her wish came true. The whole Sony staff viewed the film and said it stayed with them, calling it one of ‘the most disturbing things’ they had ever watched. Sony Classic’s response: Yes, indeed they could work with this director. Today Marcia and Reba are ready to get this film and its accompanying study guide out into the world, marketing it as a learning tool for colleges and universities, domestic violence shelters, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations that could reach out and touch someone needing to hear its message.

An interesting phemomenon has taken place among the groups who have viewed the film. There are always several people who, possibly for the first time, open up and tell their stories. It brings up a lot of ‘stuff’ in viewers. How much easier the healing becomes when we are able to speak our pain outloud and be heard? This film certainly adheres to their mission statement, part of which states, “ We have an obligation and responsibility to write, produce, and direct quality films and programs that evoke emotion and imagination while enhancing the human spirit.”

White Flower Entertainment is moving ahead step-by-step to realize their dream of becoming recognized, mainstream filmmakers. Marcia affirms, “If you can dream it, you can do it. No matter what it is. If you can see it in your head, you can do it.” There’s no hesitation in her voice as she continues, “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we are going to the top, and I’ll tell you why. Because I can see it.” These are words of knowing from her inner core, which can be adopted by me and by you.

Do you love your work? Is your job getting in the way of what you love to do? Take a cue from Marcia Flowers and Reba Williams. Lights! Camera! Action! Live your life to the fullest and dare to follow your dreams. There’s a star in the universe with YOUR name on it.
[ whiteflowerentertainment.com ]

Reba and Marcia will be our guests at our monthly potluck gathering Sunday, January 4th, 4-6. They will discuss filmmaking and show some clips of their work.

Stephanie Marks, a one-year resident of Asheville, is a writer, artist, and spiritual finder. She is a ministerial student at The New Seminary and facilitator of the 1st Friday Good Stuff Gathering.
[ 828.258.6746; steph@allonespirit.org ]