“The 100-minute documentary follows Steve Balderson and the cast and crew of "Firecracker" as they shoot the film on location in Kansas over the course of a very exhausting year. From building the extravagant circus sets to struggling with the budget and disgruntled crew members, "Wamego" acts as a first hand guide to the trials and tribulations of producing independent efforts.
Originally intended simply as bonus footage to accompany "Firecracker," "Wamego" blossomed into a full-length documentary when fellow filmmakers Josh Kendall, Joe Martin and Ed Laboeuf offered a hand in the project. The documentary features extensive behind-the-scenes footage as well as interviews with "Firecracker" cast members Mike Patton (former lead vocalist of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle) and cult film star Karen Black.”
Source: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2004/jun/04/making_movies_anywhere/
I approached Steve Balderson in 2002 while still in film school about the prospect of building a documentary around his upcoming independent feature in the small town Kansas town of Wamego. Before long I was out capturing footage, coordinating shots and weaving myself deeper into the movie production.
RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES:
• Planned and organized a year-long production while dealing with difficult personalities
• Over 35 hours of footage shot over 8 months
• Dealt with difficult personalities and loss of funding
