Jeff M Giordano: How I Collaborated Virtually with 20 Artists on “Romantic Chorus” an Animated-Documentary

Jeff M Giordano started with writing Poetry and making Music as a teenager, and then later on in College — combined it with an interest in Psychology, Subcultures, Anthropology, Humanism, and the real truths of human existence, which can be best explored and expressed through a film! When Jeff first went to college, he was a Psychology (major) and Communications (minor). After learning about Film History and feeling a visceral inspiration from viewing a combination of the classics and many art films, Jeff decided that he wanted to express himself as a filmmaker, and the idea of traveling intellectually and physically exploring the world — caused him to seriously begin. 

Jeff says, “I can’t imagine devoting so much time to anything else right now. My films are like children, because of what I sacrifice to get them made! I choose documentaries because it’s the real stuff and by making documentaries, you have the freedom to experiment and embrace low or no budgets. I served in every role for my first independent film experience Among Garbage & Flowers (filmed in 2004), and these days I choose topics/concepts for our films and the collaboration makes it a loving affair because it’s such an intimate process and I love to share the wealth!”

indieactivity: How do you choose a project to direct?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): When choosing a project to direct, I consider the questions: “Has this story been told before? What can I do to deepen universal themes? Why will anyone care to watch this film, besides my collaborators, friends, and family?! How long will this project take to complete?

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Why filmmaking and screenwriting? Why did you get into it?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): I see cinema as the last great artform which reflects modern civilization. I got into it because of a burning desire to contribute something meaningful to humanity.

How can a filmmaker, if she so chooses, distribute her film? How do you get it in front of an audience?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): It feels like it’s impossible in so many ways but nonetheless because of the internet, kindness, and patience — I just don’t give up and with my team, we keep experimenting and learning how to do it better and better! You must have faith in your skills, remember your strengths, and don’t wallow in misery and mistakes.

Is there anything about the making of the independent film business you still struggle with?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): Yeah, the entire business side! I came from a family where I was the first to attend college and money has been an interesting theme in my life. It can be worrisome and prevent you from making films and yet, I don’t give up! If you trust in your skills and your team, the film can still be made. Then, the money will come (if your intentions are good, the production quality is high, the story/themes are compelling, and luck is on your side)! You have to commit and never look back.

Talk to us about your concept of collaboration?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): To collaborate is a form of magic. It is fun to take abstract ideas on day one together, and by the end of the project — look back and appreciate the experience, feeling you’ve evolved a bit more and learned new things during the entire process, which lead to more films together. Each collaborator brings their own distinct inner voice, imagination, lived human experience, along with their personal struggles, fears, obsessions, pain, triumphs, wisdom, and beauty.

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How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): It’s fucking hard but immensely spiritually fulfilling.

At what period in the filmmaking process, do you need to start planning for distribution?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): It should be the first thing you think about.

How do you think filmmakers can finance their projects?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): In every way imaginable, from working 3 or 4 jobs to support the project to raising money online, selling organs, or making other similar sacrifices. I’ve had many fine dinners of just peanut butter to get me through!

What is your experience working on the story, the screenplay, the production, the premiere, and the marketing?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): It’s a surreal experience to see the whole movie come alive; sometimes you can’t really believe you finished it! At a certain point, it goes beyond a concept and you gotta let it go, and let the audience connect with it!

What and how long did it take to complete the film?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): It was a big team effort with almost 40 people to complete Romantic Chorus and took almost two years to finish.

Did the tight editing schedule make it harder or easier? How did it affect the outcome?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): Surprisingly, the tight editing schedule helped to keep the momentum sharp and focused. It affected the outcome by allowing us to meet our deadlines.

The official trailer for the Animated-Documentary “Romantic Chorus” by Jeff M. Giordano, Aaron Gwynn, and 17 animators featuring 21 interviews with music by Laurent Mathieu

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What other films have you written and made?

• 2021 In Production: Romantic Chorus (animated-documentary);
• 2019 Making Up My Mind: Searching for Jimmy Lyons (47-minute documentary); The God-Given Talent: The Creative Life of Charles Curtis Blackwell (70-minute documentary);
• 2018: Passion is the Money (74-minute documentary);
• 2017: Charles Curtis Blackwell (Documentary Short);
• 2016: Caress Me (Narrative Short); Into the Light (Documentary Short);
• 2015: The Thrill Is Gone (70-minute documentary);
• 2014: Sutro Wants My Body (Narrative Short); Long-Distance Runners: A Cross-Cultural Love Story (70-minute documentary);
• 2012 King David: Part One (Documentary Short);
• 2011 The Tao of Bear Creek (Documentary Short);
• 2008 Cuticles (16mm Narrative Short);
• 2007 Twenty-Seven Stories (Documentary Short); The Sheriff (Documentary Short);
• 2005 Marla & Martha (Documentary Short);
• 2004 Among Garbage & Flowers (Documentary Short).

What do you hope audiences will get from the presentation of your film?
Jeff M. Giordano (JMG): That it will feed their minds and souls, and maybe offer solace as well.

What are your future goals?
Jeff M. Giordano (JMG): Romantic Chorus playing worldwide for billions of folks with many fun Q&A’s in person! To finish the book and radio play I’m writing, plus more music collaborations. Our next film project is an animated narrative feature based on a screenplay by Aaron Gwynn about the final years of Albert Pinkham Ryder, the reclusive American modernist painter, and the events surrounding the infamous Armory Show in New York City (1913).

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Tell us about what you think indie filmmakers need in today’s world of filmmaking?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): A trusting, collaborative team, talent, compelling-relevant-provocative ideas, and faith to follow through to completion! Also, learn how to cook, keep reading books, learning new languages, and frequently traveling outside of your comfort zone.

What else have you got in the works?
Jeff M Giordano (JMG): I’m working on a book, radio play, playing more music, and our next film project is an animated narrative feature based on a screenplay by Aaron Gwynn about the final years of Albert Pinkham Ryder, the reclusive American modernist painter, and the events surrounding the infamous Armory Show in New York City (1913).

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