A young, African-American girl solicits the help of her best friend to escape the sexual torment inflicted by her Foster mother's wretched boyfriend, before they journey to reunite her with the mother she never knew. This is the story of The Monster in my Closet.
Charles W. Bush, the director of the film is a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas who holds a degree in Communications Radio/TV Production from Arkansas State University with a minor in Theater. After graduating he moved to Dallas, TX in hopes of starting a production company of his own. Immediately he began an internship with Taylor'd Productions under the tutelage of Brenda Taylor. In 2010 he, founded Appointed Productions and began his professional work within the DFW area and abroad. In 2013, he became the Communications and Media Specialist for DVA Productions, a nonprofit theater company based in Fort Worth, TX. To his credit there are many more events, television shows, commercials, music videos and films for which he has written, produced, directed and/or provided marketing support.
How did you start making films and what was the first film project you worked on?
I started making films with a canon vixia and just got some friends and started shooting. My first film was called "Against All Odds". It's buried somewhere deep on Youtube.
What was the inspiration behind the making of your film?
There is alot of domestic violence and rape in many homes and the director Malcolm X. Johnson wanted to give a raw emotion and feel in a small amount of time. I am honored he called me to produce this piece.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an independent filmmaker in the film industry?
One of the most challenging aspects of being an independent filmmaker is getting the same people to support in a major way financially. Getting funds for our films is the biggest challenge. We are fortunate to have a talented team which can lighten the load but funds are always needed in a major way.
How difficult is it to fund indie short films?
It's difficult to fund indie shorts if you don't have the support financially or resources.The multi-talented filmmakers (editor, dp, sound operator, etc) are usually the ones that make more shorts because they can wear multiple hats.
Please name three of your most favorite directors. How have they been influential in your work? The late John Singleton, Malcolm X. Johnson and Craig Brewer are three directors that I admire. John Singleton encouraged me to push the issue. He encouraged me to create outside the box and tell the story that you want to see. Malcolm X. Johnson's attention to detail is out of this world! I'm usually a run and gun director at times on set but I've learned to pump the brakes while directing and take my time. I met Craig Brewer in Memphis, Tennessee when he was doing auditions for Black Snake Moan. I love how he builds relationships with people. He is the definition of genuine and authentic.
How did your film go into production and how did you finalize the cast and the crew?
The director Malcolm X. Johnson and myself had some tough choices with the cast but the people that we chose did better in the call backs than anybody which made our decisions easier. I just got out of surgery for my leg and we went in production the next couple of days so it was challenging for me but I made it to set a couple of times with my walker.
How was the film received by your audience and film festivals and what is your plan for further distribution of the film?
So far the film has been received well by film festivals. It was nominated for best short internationally in 4th Dimension independent film festival. We will run the festival market with hopes of distribution at a festival.
What do you recommend to other filmmakers regarding the making and the distribution of independent short films?
I would recommend indie filmmakers to continuously keeping making shorts no matter what the budget. Build genuine relationships with people that are like minded. The funds and distribution will come.
What is your next film project and what are you currently working on?
The next films in line are a short comedy called "Pre-Shot" directed by Timothy Green and a short romantic drama directed by Keith Dennie called "The Moment". I'm currently working on a project that is based on a true story. It's called Amaia's story. You can support and check out the website here. https://www.amaiasstorythemovie.com/
Why do you make films?
The reason I make films is to create a narrative that is acceptable by the masses. I make films to bridge the gap between Hollywood and reality. Trailer: