A Case Study
Narrative | Dramatic Features
Film Name: Richard Nixon: Getaway Driver
Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama, Alternate History, Satire
Date: August 16, 2019
Director: Kevin Daniel Lonano
Producer: Blake Myers, Kevin Daniel Lonano
Writer: Kevin Daniel Lonano, Brian Lonano
Cinematographer: Robert Lieberman
Budget: $7,000
Financing: Self funded
Shooting Format: Super 8 and 16mm film
Screening Format: NA
World Premiere: The United States Super 8 Film and Digital Video Festival
Awards: Honourable Mention at the United States Super 8 Film and Digital Video Festival
Website: NA
indieactivity: What is your film about?
Kevin Daniel Lonano (KDL): “Richard Nixon: Getaway Driver” is a gonzo short film about the 37th President of the United States drinking heavily, tripping on acid, and talking about his involvement with the Kennedy Assassination in what is either an alcohol-soaked confession or a psychedelic freak-out. The concept popped up in 2012 but wasn’t written down until 2015.
The Official Trailer for “Richard Nixon: Getaway Driver” directed by Kevin Daniel Lonano
Tell us about the festival run, marketing and sales?
Kevin Daniel Lonano (KDL): “Nixon” has had a nearly year long film festival run and has screened at the Chattanooga Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, the Northbend Film Festival in conjunction with Nighstream, and the Hollyshorts Film Festival.
Give the full Official Synopsis for your film?
Kevin Daniel Lonano (KDL): Drunk on power and tripping on LSD, President Richard Nixon recounts his role as the getaway driver for JFK’s second shooter. Is he confessing to save his soul, or is it all just a bad trip?
Development & Financing?
Kevin Daniel Lonano (KDL): I was in creative doldrums and hadn’t completed a film since 2012. I wanted to do something fast and rough around the edges to get back into making things again. The concept was something my brother Brian Lonano and I had been kicking around for a few years so I decided to put it down on paper and move forward with it. The voice over in the film was a later addition written by Brian. I funded the film entirely myself.
Production?
KDL: I decided to shoot on film, partially because I had access to ten-year-old 16mm short ends and working film cameras, but also because I wanted to experiment with expired film and achieve a particular look. We shot the film back in April 2016 but I needed to step away from the project. Beginning in 2019 I set out to finish the film myself but decided to start from scratch, shot new insert footage, and reshaped the film in the edit. We completed the sound mix in August of 2019 and I began submitting it to festivals immediately.
Festival Preparation & Strategy?
KDL: My brother has had experience on the festival circuit so I sought advice from him. Many festivals have been very kind to the film and the film has had a modest run.
The Release?
KDL: After its festival run I plan on releasing the film to the public for free on my Vimeo page.
Advice from the Filmmaker?
KDL: Don’t concern yourself with what others are doing or how things are “supposed to look” or “supposed to be.” Make it interesting. Make it weird. Make it yours.
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