Ray and Migdalia Etheridge --July 2010
This months interview features husband and wife filmmakers Ray and Migdalia Etheridge. Making of many low budget independent films over the last few days
Firstly, why don't you tell us a about yourselves?
(Migdalia) – I was born in Cuba and came to Miami, Florida, as a child. I graduated from FIU, in Miami, with a BBA in 1977. I worked as a full-time accountant until 2007. But, my destiny, was about to change when I met and got married to Ray in 1997.
(Ray) – Yes, I got her hooked on filmmaking. (“smile”). We’re both 58 years old, and you’d think that we’d know better by now, but filmmakingis very addictive, and we have completely surrounded ourselves with it. We bought a house for the specific purpose of being able to use it as a “studio”, and we have used virtually every room in the house as a “set”, including the attic. Our walls are covered in movie posters and autographs, we collect 16mm movies (yes, actual “film”), and when we’re not planning or making a film, we sponsor a film festival called “15 Minutes of Fame”. We “retired” from “real jobs” three years ago, but we are busier than ever. Migdalia and I have done seven feature films
since 2005.
(Ray) – Yes, I got her hooked on filmmaking. (“smile”). We’re both 58 years old, and you’d think that we’d know better by now, but filmmakingis very addictive, and we have completely surrounded ourselves with it. We bought a house for the specific purpose of being able to use it as a “studio”, and we have used virtually every room in the house as a “set”, including the attic. Our walls are covered in movie posters and autographs, we collect 16mm movies (yes, actual “film”), and when we’re not planning or making a film, we sponsor a film festival called “15 Minutes of Fame”. We “retired” from “real jobs” three years ago, but we are busier than ever. Migdalia and I have done seven feature films
since 2005.
How and why did you get into the business?
(Migdalia) – When I met Ray, I was an accountant. When we got married, 13 years ago, I started going with him to his night and weekend assignments and was fascinated by the entertainment industry. Even though I kept my day job as an accountant, I couldn’t wait to go with Ray and be “his assistant” and, later on, his “field producer”.
(Ray) – When I was in the 7th grade, my parents bought an old-fashioned general store in a small Oregon community, and one day my teacher allowed me to thread the 16mm movie projector for a classroom screening. I was hooked. My mother bought me an 8mm movie camera for Christmas, and I was on my way. I made several films while still in high school, and later studied film at the Southern California Film Institute. After several jobs with film distribution companies, I realized that I enjoyed “making” films more than “selling” films, so I became a news cameraman/editor...something that I did for over 30 years. Throughout my career I shot everything from game shows, to soap operas...all the while watching other people do their jobs, and learning. My credits, by the way, are at http://rayetheridge.scriptmania.com
(Ray) – When I was in the 7th grade, my parents bought an old-fashioned general store in a small Oregon community, and one day my teacher allowed me to thread the 16mm movie projector for a classroom screening. I was hooked. My mother bought me an 8mm movie camera for Christmas, and I was on my way. I made several films while still in high school, and later studied film at the Southern California Film Institute. After several jobs with film distribution companies, I realized that I enjoyed “making” films more than “selling” films, so I became a news cameraman/editor...something that I did for over 30 years. Throughout my career I shot everything from game shows, to soap operas...all the while watching other people do their jobs, and learning. My credits, by the way, are at http://rayetheridge.scriptmania.com
What are your aspirations?
(Migdalia) – I would like to continue producing movies and maybe even commercials. I would like to make good quality films that would get distributed by different high-profile companies in the entertainment industry. Also, I would like to have the songs that I write (which are showcased over the end credits of our movies), to become known in the entertainment industry as well.
(Ray) - I love the process of filmmaking, and simply want to keep busy. It doesn’t matter to me if I am working on our own project, or someone elses. I don’t need to be the person in charge. I am equally happy working with the lights and camera, or as an assistant.
(Ray) - I love the process of filmmaking, and simply want to keep busy. It doesn’t matter to me if I am working on our own project, or someone elses. I don’t need to be the person in charge. I am equally happy working with the lights and camera, or as an assistant.
Who are your idols, and/or influences?
(Migdalia) - I admire both Clint Eastwood and Roger Corman for their longevity in producing, acting and directing so many movies with a low-budget to work with. In the music portion of the entertainment industry, I like the Beatles & BeeGees for their amount of good quality material that they have produced throughout the years. I admire Melissa Etheridge for her fight with cancer and amazing comeback to keep on producing and singing her songs.
(Ray) – I would have to say Roger Corman, (“The King of the B-Movies”), who is over 80 years old, and still producing several films a year. I was blown away by his book, “How I Made A Hundred Movies In Hollywood And Never Lost A Dime”. To date, I think that he has made nearly 400 movies.
(Ray) – I would have to say Roger Corman, (“The King of the B-Movies”), who is over 80 years old, and still producing several films a year. I was blown away by his book, “How I Made A Hundred Movies In Hollywood And Never Lost A Dime”. To date, I think that he has made nearly 400 movies.
Tell us about your movies, What Should we expect from them? Any comparisons to similar movies?
(Migdalia) - Ray and I have produced 7 full-length feature films and some short documentaries. All the films are mystery/suspense with some action in them. All of them are very different in plot. We like nature, so most of them showcase Florida’s lush green scenery. One of the films, “He’s Dead”, was compared to a
“who’d done it” script of the 1940’s. Another film, “Bad Spirits”, was partially filmed in the Everglades, so it has an Indian Motive feeling to it.
(Ray) - Although we do not make what you would call “family films”,our movies are, for the most part, “family friendly”. We try to avoid sex, gore, and vulgarity. If a character dies in one of our films, it is almost bloodless. This is a rare concept in microbudget filmmaking.
“who’d done it” script of the 1940’s. Another film, “Bad Spirits”, was partially filmed in the Everglades, so it has an Indian Motive feeling to it.
(Ray) - Although we do not make what you would call “family films”,our movies are, for the most part, “family friendly”. We try to avoid sex, gore, and vulgarity. If a character dies in one of our films, it is almost bloodless. This is a rare concept in microbudget filmmaking.
What where the best, worst, and hardest parts of making movies?
(Migdalia) – Filming in Florida has its drawbacks because it is hot and humid. Also, there are 6 months of Hurricane weather. During the filming of “Detour to Hell” in Miami, there were 3 major hurricanes that we had to endure. We had to shoot without electricity towards the end of the filming, and the temperature was well over 100 degrees. The best part about filming, though, is getting to know so many actors with so many different interesting personalities.
(Ray) – We absolutely LOVE the process of making a film, and it’s always a thrill to show it to an auditorium full of people. Our biggest challenge is to make an entire movie on a budget of only $2500.00 (Yes, you read that right). It can be done if you write your own script...”if you don’t have a boat, don’t put one in the script.”
(Ray) – We absolutely LOVE the process of making a film, and it’s always a thrill to show it to an auditorium full of people. Our biggest challenge is to make an entire movie on a budget of only $2500.00 (Yes, you read that right). It can be done if you write your own script...”if you don’t have a boat, don’t put one in the script.”
What are some reoccurring problems you run into while making these movies?
(Migdalia) – Since our actors are volunteers, it is tough to get committed actors. It is also very difficult to recruit good actors.
(Ray) – Yes, it’s hard to find an actor who is willing to work every weekend for two months…FOR FREE! (They are working for experience, exposure, and something to put on their demo reel). Another ongoing problem is finding filming locations, which generally require permits, and expensive insurance policies.
(Ray) – Yes, it’s hard to find an actor who is willing to work every weekend for two months…FOR FREE! (They are working for experience, exposure, and something to put on their demo reel). Another ongoing problem is finding filming locations, which generally require permits, and expensive insurance policies.
You both have been making films together for years now, Does one of you do a certain job (or jobs) and the other do something else, or do you both work together on the same jobs?
(Migdalia) – For the most part, Ray has his duties, and I have mine. I am the script supervisor, slate person, craft services, administrative (as in paying bills, issuing the gas money for the actors, sending call sheets and script pages, etc), and make-up. Together, Ray and I do the set decorations, purchase the costumes, and advise on the editing/music. I also do the lyrics to the song that will run over the end credits of the movie.
(Ray) – We are a two-person crew, with the exception of an occasional PA, who helps carry equipment. I write the script, direct, and handle all of the technical stuff, such as the lighting, camera, audio, and editing. Both of us conduct the actor auditions.
(Ray) – We are a two-person crew, with the exception of an occasional PA, who helps carry equipment. I write the script, direct, and handle all of the technical stuff, such as the lighting, camera, audio, and editing. Both of us conduct the actor auditions.
Would you recommend other couples work on movie projects together?
(Migdalia) – I like working with Ray on the movies and other projects because I get to spend time with my husband. Otherwise, I would not be spending much time with him. Sometimes it can be difficult but, to me, it is worth it to be with my husband. So the questionof working together has to be answered by each individual couple planning to work together.
(Ray) – It has been said that making a movie is like “giving birth”, so it’s great for a couple to share the experience of filmmaking. Just remember that when things get tough, you can’t “fire” each other. (“smile”). You HAVE to work out your disagreements…and there WILL be disagreements.
(Ray) – It has been said that making a movie is like “giving birth”, so it’s great for a couple to share the experience of filmmaking. Just remember that when things get tough, you can’t “fire” each other. (“smile”). You HAVE to work out your disagreements…and there WILL be disagreements.
Do you ever plan on making films separately from each other?
(Migdalia) – I hope not. I love working with my husband. We plan every detail before the shoot date, and we work almost as a “one-person” band.
(Ray) – No, we will always work together. We share the success, and we share the blame. When we are not making films, we are working on our community film festival...together.
(Ray) – No, we will always work together. We share the success, and we share the blame. When we are not making films, we are working on our community film festival...together.
Any upcoming or past projects you think may interest of readers?
(Migdalia) – Our next upcoming project is going to be called “The Day The World Stopped”. Ray already wrote the script, and I already wrote the lyrics to the song. It will be another mystery/suspense. We hope it will be interesting to the movie-lovers public.
(Ray) – Most people are surprised to hear that we are responsible for a oddball 1991 film, “FART-THE MOVIE”, starring Joel Weiss. The Farley brothers actually “stole” the title from us, and did another FART movie in 2000. By the way, our film is available at: http://etheridgeproductions.scriptmania.com
(Ray) – Most people are surprised to hear that we are responsible for a oddball 1991 film, “FART-THE MOVIE”, starring Joel Weiss. The Farley brothers actually “stole” the title from us, and did another FART movie in 2000. By the way, our film is available at: http://etheridgeproductions.scriptmania.com
What are some of your favorite Favorite Horror, Sci-Fi or Action movies (your own excluded)?
(Migdalia) – We love old classics and we own quite a few of them. “Race With The Devil” comes to mind. I was surprised to find recently done independent movies like “The Crazies” to be so good and intriguing, as much as the old classics are.
(Ray) – I was brought up on the great “drive-in” films of the 60s.“The Fly”, with Vincent Price, comes to mind. The original “Psycho”, William Castle’s “13 Ghosts”, and “House On Haunted Hill”. More recently, I enjoyed the “Hellraiser” and “Nightmare On Elm Street” series.
(Ray) – I was brought up on the great “drive-in” films of the 60s.“The Fly”, with Vincent Price, comes to mind. The original “Psycho”, William Castle’s “13 Ghosts”, and “House On Haunted Hill”. More recently, I enjoyed the “Hellraiser” and “Nightmare On Elm Street” series.