Thursday, 02/15/07

BLACK HISTORY MAKER: ROBERT L. POOLE
By Shellie R. Warren

Local filmmaker

It has to be an affirming moment when a nationally known actor and screenwriter sings your praises. Young filmmaker Robert L. Poole should know, because Amun Ra Theatre director jeff obafemi carr has been spreading his name around, describing Poole as "the next Spike Lee … if not better."

Poole's list of credits includes The Earl Thompson Movement, a short film he wrote and directed that drew favorable reviews at last year's Nashville Film Festival. He also directed the recent TPAC production of God's Trombones that starred Eddie George. But it's his upcoming projects that he appears most passionate about, like a soon-to-be-released feature by local director Nicole Whalen, and his contributions to the Nashville International Black Film Festival.

"I'd like to own and operate my own production company and teach young people how to make films," Poole says. "It's important that youth take ownership of this medium that has so much of an impact on their lives."

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN FILM?

I've always loved movies, but I didn't really consider filmmaking as a career until high school. I enjoyed acting, but I realized the roles I got would always be decided by someone else unless I wrote the stories myself. I became interested in filmmaking when I discovered that those behind the scenes held the power in regard to what was portrayed onscreen. At an early age, I was conscious of the negative portrayal of African-American men in the media, and I wanted to do something to change that. Like I said, I really enjoyed acting, but I wanted more control.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOU?

In the realm of film, I'd have to say the names that are always mentioned: Federico Fellini, Akira Kurosawa, Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee and Fernando Meirelles. But I've also been influenced by the traditional arts. I'm a Fisk graduate, so the writings of Nikki Giovanni, James Weldon Johnson and Langston Hughes have played a role in my work. Even visual artists inspire me. I was telling local artist James Threalkill the other day how one of his paintings inspired me to write a short story (out of) which I hope to make a screenplay. The greatest influence on my work, however, is my daily interaction with people. I love listening to people share their stories.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT DOING FILMS IN NASHVILLE?

Every project I've worked on, whether it's for film or stage, has been met with enthusiasm and encouragement. People are excited to see things happening here, and it's the (local) relationships that I've built that have enabled me to do far more than I could have otherwise. The main challenge is getting people to come out to see the final product. Venues are doing what they can to attract diversity, but I'd like to see a lot more people who look like me when I stare out into the audience.

ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS?

If you have a camera, go ahead and start shooting. If you don't have a camera, write. In between shooting and writing, do some P.A. (production assistant) work. You will gain experience and begin building relationships.

For more on Robert's work, go to www.isaiah40films.com or e-mail rpoole@isaiah40films.com