October 22, 2004

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Palo Alto Online

Ahead of the P.A.C.

by Tyler Hanley

Filmmaker Jesse Harley is hoping to dispel the myth that only Hollywood-bound directors can succeed in the business. The 24-year-old protˇgˇ sits at the nexus of a fledgling non-profit group's goal to bring together aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals -- right here in Palo Alto.

"I really want to make (filmmaking) available to the working class," Harley said.

Thick glasses magnify the hopeful glimmer in Harley's eyes, and his tweaked ball cap fits with the creative persona of a man who embraces art and refuses conformity. Harley's fervor mirrors the objectives of Palo Alto Creations, or P.A.C.3, the non-profit organization of which he is co-chair and executive director. Harley said the numeral 3 represents three important aspects of Palo Alto Creations.

"There are three fundamental elements involved: non-profit management, enthusiasm with independent film and industry professionals," he said.

The blossoming enterprise has slated a series of film- and television-related workshops with industry professionals, with costs ranging from $60 for one workshop to $1,000 for a pre-paid series.

The professionals are an eclectic bunch of cinematic specialists. Nathan Franson, makeup-effects technician for Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," will discuss makeup; Rosemary Welden, casting director for the James Spader thriller "Shadow of Fear" (2004) will talk casting; and sound director Bret Michel will chime in about sound. Many other speakers -- more than 36 total -- are slated for the series, which begins in February.

The climax of P.A.C.3's series will be a hands-on filmmaking experience. Able participants will cooperate on an independent, feature-length film, employing all aspects of the project, from lighting and sound to performance and editing. The film, selected from a screenwriting competition, will be shot and edited using digital video technology.

The challenges of operating an arts-based non-profit are daunting for a young director to carry alone.

Enter Sue Lubais, P.A.C.3 co-chair and Web master. Whereas Harley provides the creative inspiration, Lubais offers financial know-how.

Lubais, who acts as management and marketing consultant, has utilized her 25-plus years of experience in high-tech marketing and sales (her resume includes a stint at Intel) to help Harley get 501c3 non-profit status and subsequently launch P.A.C.3. And having Lubais onboard is helping Harley better understand other facets of filmmaking.

"He's getting a hell of a business education," Lubais said.

Harley and Lubais met in a way most Palo Altans can relate to -- they're neighbors. Lubais would watch with interest as Harley started shooting low-budget independent films during his high-school days at Palo Alto High School. His first feature-length film, "Blood Brothers," was intended as a Paly senior project, but when instructors informed Harley that he couldn't get school credits, he simply went ahead and completed the film. The feedback he received proved inspirational.

"The same people who said I couldn't do it gave me an award for excellence in video," he said.

A self-proclaimed film lover herself, Lubais has helped contribute to Harley's endeavors -- her pet sheep dog, Fluffy, was featured in the Harley-produced film, "The Gargoyle." But Lubais and Harley are at odds in determining which of the three independent feature films Harley has directed -- "Blood Brothers," "Stone Tears" or "The Gathering" -- is his best work. Harley quoted "The Gathering" as his biggest disappointment; Lubais called it his crown jewel.

Both Harley and Lubais agree that filmmaking resources and knowledge should be available to everyday, working citizens.

Once P.A.C.3's film is finished (Harley said that will likely be in early 2006), all participants will receive a copy they can use to help further their careers, ideally eliminating the "catch 22" of "needing work to get experience and needing experience to get work" -- something that haunts Harley.

"By chance, perspiration and determination, I hope I've eliminated that catch 22 myself. But I did it through insanity," Harley said.

Another benefit of signing up is "Friday Night Movies" -- outings in which participants will gather to view a film and discuss the work over snacks and beverages.

"We become a community making the film together," Lubais said. Harley and Lubais may clash over which film to watch. Some of Harley's favorite films include "Stand By Me" and "Silence of the Lambs." Lubais prefers classic fare, such as "The Sound of Music" and "Casablanca." Regardless, Lubais feels that in this quick-paced world, creativity is imperative.

"All arts are important. Everyone is always moving so fast -- you have to have a little of the other thing, too," she said.

For more information about P.A.C.3 please visit www.pac3.com. Screenplays are currently being accepted.

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