I asked their Creative Director, Te'Koa Laprince, a few questions about the new site.
AJ: Ok. I'll bite. What the hell is Boolaka?
TK: Basically, it’s a social networking site for filmmakers, no matter where they are in the world, or where they are in the development of their careers. It's somewhat like myspace in its setup but Boolaka has a few important differences. As a member (and membership is free) you will be able to fill out a form that will let others know what all of your skills are related to filmmaking. If someone is producing a project, they will be able to search for other members that have the abilities to handle different cast/crew positions. Conversely, if you are producing a project, you can post the project needs, and people interested in filling the positions you require will be notified of your project. You will immediately be able to get submissions from all of the interested parties.
AJ: So, when I am producing my next short film, I can post a job listing on the site?
TK: It's much better than that, actually. You can actually post photos, concept art, trailers, treatments, anything you want to share so that people can learn more about your project. You can also post what kinds of things you are looking for, as far as crew positions, cast, music, etc. But people will be able to learn about your project and decide if it might be something they are interested in being a part of.
AJ: I get it. And I notice you let people create pages for what they do as well, like acting, composing, etc. My only concern is that there won't be nearly as many Script Supervisors as there will be Actors, or Directors.
TK: Boolaka is about filmmakers helping each other, however they can. For instance, you are a director...but you are also an actor, and I'll bet you have experience in several other crew positions?
AJ: That's very true.
TK: You could help out on someone's shoot as the gaffer or DP, and then they might return the favor when you are producing your film.
AJ: Got it.
TK: It's also a great way for actors to get to know the directors and producers of the world. They say that this business is about who you know, and you'll be getting a chance to work closely with directors and producers that will appreciate your help on their project.
AJ: Is there anything else going on with the site?
TK: It's still in the beta phase, but we are building some great features into the site. We will be featuring videos done by our members, and interviewing people who are making it in the film industry. It's always great to hear how other people made their way into the business, so we'll be continuing to reach out to people who are very successful all around the industry.
AJ: Te'Koa, thanks for taking the time to sit down for this interview!
As a side note to our readers, as I have experimented with this new site, I’ve noticed some things. There are many aspects to Boolaka that have been seen before on the internet, but not to this degree. A site like Filmaka.com, that caters to low budget filmmakers, is actually owned by Fox. They have found a great way to create low cost web videos for their commercial clients without lifting a finger. It states clearly in their ‘terms and conditions’ that if you post a video on their site, they claim full ownership of it. Not only that, they can claim a percentage of all of your future work as a filmmaker. Will they do that? Probably not. But is that something you want to risk?
Boolaka is for filmmakers, by filmmakers. You own your work. As I’ve discovered, their objective is to help virtually anyone get their projects finished and ultimately, help them to get discovered! If you're looking for scripts, writers, directors, producers, distribution, actors, financing, equipment or any other resources, the Boolaka Community has got you covered. Their Panel of Industry Experts can help people strategize, plan, deploy, and implement their own film, television, commercial or web project... on time and on budget.
As soon as I heard of this site, I was intrigued. I am now a member, and am gearing up for my first project that will use Boolaka members, almost exclusively.
