The Story Of Indie Film Makers: Jay and Mark Duplass
Filmmaking is a both a form of art and a multibillion dollar industry. But a lot of art is made outside the realm of major studios. A film produced without financing and major distribution is what is referred to as an indie film. Indie or independent films are known for their different style. A filmmaker’s personal artistic style can be realized in them.
Jay and Mark Duplass are a duo that is known for creating some of the best indie films. And here is their story.
Early Life of the Brothers
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the brothers developed the love of writing and music at a very young age. As kids in the 1980’s they taught themselves to play the theme song of HBO on the acoustic guitar.
In 1985, eight year old mark and 12 years old Jay would sit in front of the TV and soak in the classics of the American cinema. Raising Arizona is the movie that they attribute to their love for films.
Duplass Brother Production
Duplass Brothers Productions was founded in 1996; with the release of their first film Connect 5. The company initially produced low budget mumblecore films. But now they have expanded to studio projects with recognizable talent signed on to star in their films.
Their 2005 road movie, The Puffy Chair, was screened at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the 2005 SXSW Film Festival. Safety Not Guaranteed, released in the year 2012, was also screened at the Sundance Film Festival. They have produced a total of 15 films spanning from 1996 to 2015.
After making a mark in the world of movies, they expanded into television in the year 2015. Their first television series, Togetherness, is aired on HBO. They also have a series all set to hit the television screen in the year 2016. Animals, will also be aired on HBO. And if that isn’t enough, they have another series, the teacher, in development. This too will be aired on HBO.
Rise of the Actors
If you make films, sometimes you want to star in them as well. The brothers did exactly that! Mark started acting in the year 2002. His debut role was as Brad, in the short film The New Brad. He also produced and wrote The New Brad. Whereas, Jay started in a feature film, Nights and Weekends, in the year 2008.
“No one can stop you from doing exactly what you want to do. If you can accept that the cavalry won’t come, and if you can be the cavalry, it gives you a chance to be happy”. — Mark Duplass
