I bought the CD single of this song that I heard heard about from a few friends. The song blew me away, and I called the producer and pitched him a music video idea. He loved it. I flew out to Flint, Michigan with nothing more than my video camera, follow focus, and a reflector. I showed up at 8am on a Saturday and we shot a 5 minute music video in about 10 hours. We filmed in 5 locations and had a cast of over 10 people!

We had no lights, no tripod, and none of the "actors" had any professional experience. It was a scorching 100+ degrees outside and staying hydrated and cool proved challenging. However, as you see, these folks were very talented and pulled off a nearly impossible task. The video turned out fantastic and it's being entered into a few music video film festivals.

It was truly a community effort and I applaud the hard working dedicated people of my hometown of Flint on making something I think tells a sad story but leaves you with a sense of hope.

Enjoy.

Just wrapped a 5 minute narrative music video for the song "We Gone Make It" (The Fight Ain't Yours Alone) in Flint Michigan.

I pitched the idea of a gritty urban drama in the vein of Menace II Society, Juice, Boyz N The Hood, and Above The Rim. However, Flint has seen enough tragedy, so, taking inspiration from the song lyrics, we set out to create something realistic but with a dose of hope.

Filming was a challenge. As I flew in from NY, we didn't have lights or even a tripod. All I brought was my Nikon D7000, Nikon D90, a borrowed wheelchair (for dolly shots) and some Flexfill reflectors. That's it! The weather was nice but hot - 103 degree heat index!

None of the "actors" (really just volunteers) had any real experience on camera, but you'd never know it! They did most scenes in just one or two takes! I was astounded at the professionalism and talent. These folks are naturals! Thanks to all involved.

The film will hit the film festival circuit this Fall.

or you can by about 21,531 homes in Flint, many of which are valued around $200 bucks.

Take your pick.

The store is open until December 31st, so you have plenty of time to pick one up if you haven't done so and sport one of these rare shirts!

2006

2007

All photos by Steve Jessmore

Here's the press release:

Kildee Announces Nearly $2.8 Million in Housing Grants for Genesee County

CDBG and Home grants will help revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) today announced $2,764,797 in funding for Genesee County through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The County has been awarded $1,925,896 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and $838,901 in HOME grants, both of which work primarily to provide decent housing to low income individuals. “This is very good news for our area and for families in Genesee County.  This funding will help revitalize our communities and ensure that families, regardless of income, are able to obtain decent, affordable housing,” said Congressman Kildee. The HOME program funds a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people. CDBG funds a wide range of programs, focusing primarily on the rehabilitation of affordable housing and the construction and improvement of public facilities. These projects also provide economic opportunities for local residents.

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