Digging For Weldon Irvine is a feature length documentary about the life and influence of heralded Musician
Weldon J Irvine Jr.
We (Teal Octopus Productions in association with Thrice Great Films) began development of this film in fall of 2015. It has since changed from a good story, to the story of all of our lives. Though Weldon was a musician, the story of a dream deferred is all too common in this world. It can be argued that Weldon set aside his dreams and supported countless musicians in several genres - until mentorship became his dream.
A labor of love, so far this project has been funded out of pocket. In order to compensate our gracious and talented crew and give you the audience, the cinema experience you deserve, I decided to come to the community and ask for a bit of assistance. We have applied for several grants and have raised money offline - but this process as you know, is different.
Digging For Weldon Irvine began production last year and we have already filmed some powerful interviews. We have made some very meaningful connections which you'll be able to see that in the teaser. Sure, it looks good, but I want it to look and sound a lot better. There is also a score of people whom we still need to interview.
We are asking for funds to help our efforts in
- Sound Recording/Mixing
- Editing & Color Correction
- Music licensing
- Image/Video Licensing
- Camera Rental
- Compensation of crew.
- Travel and lodging of interview subjects.
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FILM SYNOPSIS
Written by Angelika Beener
“What happens to a dream deferred?”
Langston Hughes’ cautionary prose has been the stimulus for some of the most important artistic offerings of the 20th century. Chiefly among them, the civil rights anthem “Young, Gifted and Black”, written by prolific musician-composer-playwright Weldon Irvine. In the wake of his untimely death, a focused, contemporary reflection upon his life reveals the astounding irony that Weldon Irvine would come to be one of [the music’s] most quintessential examples of Hughes’ examination. Digging For Weldon Irvine explores the enduring legacy of a man deeply vital to the culture of black freedom expression, yet is somehow overlooked within that very lexicon.
Award-winning director Victorious DeCosta (Dirty Hearts, Love Seat) brings befitting and timely examination to the life and legacy of Weldon Irvine, whose work drew appreciation from the likes of Freddie Hubbard and Nina Simone to Mos Def and Q-Tip. His bountiful and socio-culturally evocative work in music and theater was central to the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s; integral to the evolution of hip hop, from its inception through its golden era of consciousness and heavy jazz-laden sampling; and whose dedicated mentorship sparked a movement in his long-time residence of Jamaica/St. Albans, Queens, helping develop some of the most well-known figures in jazz today.
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Through previously unreleased audio and music from Irvine and exclusive interviews with those closely associated with the tortured artist professionally and personally, DeCosta helps us understand the journey of an artist of moderate success yet monumental influence. Equally as important, how these two realities coexist, and why? Irvine, who wrote over 500 songs and over 50 plays, relentlessly strived to reinvent himself within an industry and a world that didn’t always reciprocate, understand or appreciate his voice. A hovering backdrop of generational burdens, toxic vices, and unapologetic blackness paint the complexities that sing an all too familiar refrain of the native sons' inability to fully escape the web of American fate. Yet, the resilience of Weldon Irvine's creative contribution remains a lovely, precious dream.
THE FILMMAKERS
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Director - Victorious De Costa
A first-generation New Yorker born of South/Central American parentage, Victorious De Costa has dedicated his life to providing social service locally, nationally and abroad. As a Disc Jockey (Sha Stimuli, Weekend Money) and radio host, his life-long love for the arts and activism has taken him around the world where he learned the art of storytelling from different cultures as well as techniques to reach people in need.
A member of the Sundance Institute and co-founder of Teal Octopus Productions, De Costa's debut and sophomore short films, Dirty Hearts and Love Seat received both awards and critical acclaim regionally. As a producer of the forthcoming politically charged feature-length documentary Never Forget Yusuf Hawkins, Victorious continues to dedicate his stewardship to the community.
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Executive Producer - Joey ‘ G-Clef’ Cavaseno
G-Clef is a jazz composer and arranger, hip-hop lyricist and producer. A mentee, and confidante of Weldon Irvine, G-Clef started his professional jazz career as a prodigy, performing clarinet with Lionel Hampton and legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham. His modern swing band, the Yalloppin’ Hounds, became the first in the world to combine the elements of traditional Swing with Hip-Hop stylings. The music of the Yallopin’ Hounds was featured in the films, Nola and Dead Pet, and hit Showtime series Weeds. His group“Soul Kid Clik was managed by Weldon Irvine. Weldon referred to G clef as "The Master's last disciple".
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Director Of Photography - Michael Quigley
Michael Quigley graduated from the American University of Rome with a BA in Communications in 2003. For the last fourteen years he has worked in the New York film industry, overseeing lighting on commercials (Verizon, Lexus), independent films ( Very Good Girls, The Meyerowitz Stories ) and studio features ( Run All Night, Spiderman: Homecoming ).. He has wrote, directed, shot, and edited music videos, documentaries, and short narratives. His short film The Great Accountant (2016) has played at festivals across the country and recently won awards for Best Director and Best Editing at the Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival. Michael has worked for notable Directors of Photography such as Bobby Bukowski, Chung-Hoon Chung, and Bradford Young.
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Music Supervisor - Tasha Digital
Tasha Digital is an online and on-air music personality, based in New York City. Passionate about preserving arts and culture, Tasha collects vinyl records from all genres and time periods, and curates what she finds in online music communities - where she's better known as Analog Lady. As the founder and creative director of Analog Media Group, Tasha is a digital marketing strategist for brands catering to a new generation of tech-savvy consumers. When she's not working, she's networking at events, concerts and cafes — writing along the way.