The documentary Clapboard Jungle features a look at how the film industry copes with getting a film in front of moviegoers. It’s an awakening for most who want to get involved in one of the most prolific businesses in the world. Whether you are an ardent film goer, student of film, a budding filmmaker or know what a clapboard is, check out this film for advice and criticism.
The film is introduced by filmmaker Justin McConnell who gives his audience a whirlwind background of his life that includes always wanting to make films since he was very young. At the age of 15 he seriously started making movies, but nothing you probably would have heard about. Even his first few wide release were so low budget that he says they “just did alright”. Interviewing many from different levels of the business, the film becomes an homage for anyone getting started and a gratuitous pat on the back from those that have been fighting to remain in the game.
McConnell’s film then goes into quick comments from some of the more successful filmmakers including Director George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) , Actor Michael Biehn (Aliens, The Terminator), Producer Todd Brown (The Raid 1&2, Mandy), Director and Writer Mike Carris (The Stand, Critters 2, “Hocus Pocus”), Director and Producer Mike Mendez (Big Ass Spider!, The Covent, The Shed), Producer Garrick Dion (Drive, Nightcrawler, Whiplash), Writer Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull), Special Effects Steven Kostanski (Hannibal, Pacific Rim), Producer Travis Stevens (Cheap Thrills. We are Still Here), Produce Corey Moosa (Margin Call, All is Lost), Director and Writer Guillermo Del Toro (The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, Pacific Rim), Cinematographer Karim Hussein (We are Still Here) and so many more.
Clappboard Jungle gives a lot of good advice including: what the filmmakers would have done better, what not to do, where the film industry stands, how to avoid pitfalls, accepting criticism, sucking up your ego, listening to what people say, your need for financing. It instills hope for those who work hard and want to wade in the waters of the big guys.
Clapboard Jungle has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains language throughout. The film is now streaming on several platforms including Roku (all Roku sticks, boxes, devices, etc), Apple TV & iOS devices, Android TV and mobile devices , Fire TV (all Amazon Fire TV Sticks, boxes, etc), and on all web browsers at https://www.arrow-player.com.
Additional Film Information:
Directed and written by: Justin McConnell
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Contains language
Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min.
Opening Date: April 19, 2021
Distributed by: Arrow
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
