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Episode 23: Join the Squad with Amber Goetz
The Sidekicks of Havasu (and Beyond)
For those of you whose first experience with SideKickBack is this post, welcome! And thanks for reading 🙂 I just want to take a moment to set up the forthcoming gratitude by explaining one of the founding principles of the main squeeze here, SideKickBack Radio, the podcast in which I interview friends and colleagues who are doing really amazing stuff. I strongly believe in altruism, in people helping people. I wanted to provide a platform for my friends and colleagues to talk passionately about their various endeavors and record it for you fine folks to hear about. As they promote themselves, new points of view are shared, great stories are told, and there is a guaranteed educational experience with each new guest. As corny as it sounds, it is the SideKickBack way. Everybody wins.
During a recent phone call with Amber Goetz, one of the producers of the forthcoming mega-hit comedy film Highway to Havasu, we brought up how simply amazing some of the citizens of Havasu (and some beyond its city limits) were in helping us achieve our dreams of making an iconic movie. Food, boats, private residences and businesses, even a golf course and hovercraft were offered to us, all by people looking for little or nothing in return. Perhaps the smallest of financial compensations and/or a shout-out in the credits of what could very well be a major breakthrough independent film sensation. People helping people.
I’ll never forget riding around on Gary Meyers’ hovercraft. He emailed our producer Amber, offering up his awesome little vehicle. We had no place for it in the story, so we made one. Three hours later I was gliding across Lake Havasu, with cool and fresh Colorado River water spraying in my face as we spun a couple 360’s; all whilst sporting a sweet Jet Tribe life jacket. I’ll never forget the delicious tacos of Javelina Cantina or Vinnie’s Pizza, a lot of Vinnie’s pizza. The fellas and their Commander Boats, whose intimidating rides flanked our Backyard Beauty as we pulled into the channel to celebrate spring break Lake Havasu style. And then the other fellas of Sea Tow, who helped out with our water shots. And let’s not forget SWAT for letting us partake in the partiest of parties.
Then there’s simply the good individual people who dedicated their time and support to us. The students of Lake Havasu High School who hung around WELL AFTER SCHOOL LET OUT to be background actors. The people walking by set who asked us what was going on, and then left as a new Twitter/Instagram/Facebook follower. Whether it was one minute of time, a whole day, or its still going, your support in our endeavor is so much appreciated.
I’m sure my list is incomplete, and that’s what’s so great about all this. So many folks offered a helping hand in so many ways, big and small. To you all I can only say, a very big thank you. Lake Havasu City was my home for two crazy months and it will always have a special place in my heart, because of all your kindness and generosity. Can’t wait to see you all again soon and eat your food.
SideKickBack blog post…WA-CHA!!!
Episode 22: The Future of Entertainment with Julie Young
We are back and we missed you all! Thank you to Amber Goetz at AMP Creative for helping to keep SideKickBack intact. My guest on our triumphant return is another Sundance friend, virtual reality content producer Julie Young of Emblematic Group. We talk about Project Syria, working with the great Nonny de la Pena and the battle of CG vs. 360.
Stay up-to-date on all things Emblematic Group by visiting their website here!
Episode 21: Slap That Explicit On with Melani Carroll
Episode 20: Lighting…What’s Up With That?!? with Lars Lindstrom
Rolling right along with the very third installment of the Highway to Havasu series! I sit down with our Director of Photography, Lars Lindstrom. We talk cameras, Mormon Missionaries and the writing on the wall.
Stay up-to-date on all of Lars’ projects by visiting his IMDb page here!
Episode 19: It’s Time! with Blair Skinner
My guest this week is the wonderful director Blair Skinner. We chat about women in film, some old-school thievery and her upcoming short film Eleanora: The Forgotten Princess.