NiCC: How we came to be, and why we will be around for years to come!

The idea for the Nickel City Collective (NiCC) developed from hundreds of conversations that took place between us and other passionate filmmakers on Colorado sets: between shots, during breaks, or on long rides to locations. The pay for these gigs was poor-if anything at all-one of the many incongruencies in life.

After a while the conversations seemed to take on a standard form, starting with “I have an awesome idea,” then meandering through logistics, and ending with, “ If we could just organize some people and funds I think we could pull it off!” Sometimes these “awesome ideas” came to fruition, yet more often than not, the organization of the people and funds proved too tricky. Thus, we saw a number of Colorado filmmakers move from Colorado to LA or NY, to give their dreams a go in a seemingly more promising environment.

So, from all these conversations with local filmmakers, and due to our general disinterest in NY and LA, we decided to found NiCC, a non-profit that would organize and support all those up-and-coming filmmakers in getting pivotal experience in the industry, right here in Colorado. But it didn’t happen that quickly. For the thousand roads into the filmmaking industry, 999 often seem like dead ends, and I had to go through a few dead ends before seeing the necessity for NiCC.

I had graduated from CU Boulder’s film department in May 2007, and after working for a summer on a Discovery television production, I took off traveling.

Upon returning to Colorado, I sought out whatever film work I could get, and after struggling to get by on freelance work, I landed a job as an "Associate Producer." I was so thrilled! I’d made it! Or…so I thought. This company, whose name I won’t mention, was owned by a NY/LA pair who had somehow ended up in Denver, cursing the local film scene and treating all it’s participants like incompetent losers. The irony was that this company made sub-par infomercials for a chemical company that created products that DO NOT WORK! The changes we had to make to scripts because the product demos always failed provided a constant source of entertainment for me, but the laughs weren’t enough to keep me working there.

So, in the midst of my time working with this company-a terrible display of Denver's potential in the film industry-I contacted my creative collaborator, Sam Granillo, and we started really laying the foundation for NiCC. Eventually I, like four of their other employees in a two month period, left this production company and ventured off. At which point, Sam and I dedicated ourselves to establishing NiCC.

Skip forward five months: Our first fundraiser was wildly successful! We raised funds to file for our 501c3 non-profit status, and to pay our operational costs for awhile. We also hosted a great night of entertainment, featuring local bands and brews for an array of friends, family, and industry professionals. We were sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, the Long Spoon Collective, the Outdoor Cinema Network, the Bookend Café, Silver Canyon, and many other great organizations!

Now, we are in the midst of organizing our next fundraiser. It will be similar in style: a fun night of drinking and celebrating the local arts community. We hope to raise a good deal of money from this fundraiser so that we can start our first term of filmmaking.

We see NiCC being around and successful for years to come- it's not another film production company, but rather a company that will give funding, community, organization and structure to all the burgeoning filmmakers among us.

Plus, NiCC will support all the well-established production companies in the area with highly experienced employees! We've started many great friendships through our development, and we're confident those collaborations will continue to grow. From this growth, the Colorado arts scene will see an organization that changes the way filmmakers gain experience. And, if it is as successful as we believe it can be, we will take this model to other cities that need a kick-start to their arts scene.

So, if you’re reading this, we can only assume you are an interested party, and we ask you to support us in any way possible. Check out our website (nickelcitycollective.com), keep reading the blog (nickelcitycollective.blogspot.com), and find us on facebook or twitter. We hope to funnel all received contributions back to the arts community in Denver!

Become a Sponsor—Make Films with Us—Collaborate

Nickelcitycollective.com

With love, Matt Talarico and Samuel J Granillo

History behind the name.

Nickelodeon History in Denver

• With in ten years of the creation of filmmaking, such a high demand existed for the beautiful medium that small theaters, otherwise known as Nickelodeons, started popping up all over the states. Nickelodeons, so labeled because it cost just a nickel per film program, were primarily packed with immigrant workers. The viewing experience differed greatly from what we’re used to today. Each film program lasted anywhere from about ten to sixty minutes and most programs were accompanied by piano, phonograph, or a lecturer who would explain components of the films to the audience. Due to labor unions fighting for and winning shorter workweeks for employees, and because going to watch films had become so affordable to the working class because of nickelodeons, attendance rose greatly between 1905 and 1907. By 1908, Nickelodeons were the main form of film exhibition.

• From the popularity of films, to their actual structure, the Nickelodeon had a great impact. Interestingly, the Nickelodeon also had a great impact on Denver. Near the peak of the “Nickelodeon Boom” Denver had more theaters per capita than any other city in the nation, thus dawning the name the Nickel City.

• As a young organization attempting to make a positive change, we want to honor Colorado’s past ties with the film industry while laying a solid foundation from which the industry can keep on growing in the future, right here in Colorado!!!!!

Mission Statement

The Nickel City Collective (NiCC)

NiCC is an organization connecting and funding Colorado filmmakers, showcasing diverse voices, and providing mentorship and education opportunities.

-Mission Statement-

The Nickel City Five:

1) Stimulate the local economy:

• Hire local, buy local, rent local.

2) Learn through experience:

• Provide hands on opportunities to rotate through all positions in the filmmaking process.
• Support underprivileged, diverse, and young talent.

3) Use socially responsible business practices:

• Push the standards of environmentally responsible filmmaking.
• Provide a positive environment for all the people associated with the collective and its projects.
• Include all the diverse voices of the collective equally.

4) Showcase the power of film as a medium for social commentary:

• Explore socially pertinent themes through narratives, documentaries, and animation.

5) Bring attention to the potential in Colorado for filmmaking:

• Exhibit our work through theatrical release, film festivals, and the internet.
• Create a widely recognized name in America’s filmmaking scene that is directly associated with Colorado.

As filmmakers, we understand that the most efficient way to learn the process of making a film is through hands on experience. In the journey from student to professional, it was often suggested that we move to larger film hubs outside of Colorado where more film opportunities existed; however, we recognize that Colorado has the foundation and talent needed for great filmmaking. What we will provide through the collective is the opportunity for local filmmakers and artists, to remain in Colorado, and gain invaluable experience.