We Uncovered Burnsie's Secret For Making A Low Budget Indie

Earlier this year Edward Burns (heretofore referred to as "Burnsie") told his Twitter followers that he was making his new movie (the centerpiece at TriBeca Film Festival this year) for $9,000 in the can. We're not in showbiz, but we can tell you that is not a lot of money at all. So how does he do it?

Well first he signed up for a Twitter account, and then he asked other creative types to essentially work for free. Amongst these things were poster designs (he just announced the winner), and music (he asked for bands to submit songs for the soundtrack). Of the latter, we're told by his publicist, "he's specifically looking for a song with an acoustic, coffee-house sort of sound and another that is more of a dancey, indie-rock sound."

Surely these people will be paid back via exposure (or, you know, getting some new Twitter followers), but what about those unnamed masses who have helped him along every step of the way? Burnsie asked his readers for advice on everything during the course of making this film. For example: What do you think of this? What do you think of that? What should I call my new movie? Did the Mets win? Why do you love She's The One so much? Seems like NYU may have hired the wrong guy to teach students about movie-making.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on April 18, 2011 5:19 PM

Comments [rss]

omeyer

I have worked for Ed Burns on three of his movies and I can tell you he is the nicest man in the business. He is sincere, caring and gracious to every crew member. I didn't know he was soliciting people to work on his new project but I would have gladly worked for him gratuitous.

Bats4Belfry

Someone pointed out that the song sounds like What I Don't Believe on Down With Wilco.... Hmmmmm

Michael Dean

There are now numerous graphic design artists, and unsigned musicians that have had their careers changed because of this film and how it was created. I can't see any negative angle on why involving people who would have spent years to catch their break are enabled by this process.

It's a rare thing for those that aspire to big dreams to have a look into the world of filmmaking. Ed Burns gave us that, along with a huge amount of inspiration. There aren't too many others that have been so generous with their success.

Vatche Arabian

Haters gonna hate. But really, what is the point of this "article?" It's called twitter crowd sourcing, its not like he got his twitter followers to write the film, fund it, shoot it, act in it, edit it, and mix the sound. He's simply involving fans in the creative process, and his fans appreciate it.

Vatche Arabian

also by uncover, you mean, not uncover anything right?

Noah Nickels

looks like burnsie didn't choose your song, jealous much.

jaycjay

"heretofore referred to as "Burnsie""

Heretofore? Then why do you continue to refer to him that way throughout the article?

MattyGC

Henceforth was the answer we were looking for, folks...henceforth

*does trebek head shake*

MattyGC

d'oh

matteus

Not sure I agree with the tone of this article. As a creative professional, I often ask my friends (designers and non-designers) for their opinions, and I know a few who would gladly let me use their work, with proper attribution, to have some exposure in return. In the end, it's me who is responsible for deadlines and what the final deliverable looks like, and to make sure it has a consistent vision. In this way, Burns is more of a curator than a director, or maybe some blend in-between. So I can see why a true-blood film director might be insulted. A thorough philosophical study of the rise of "curators" online and their role in different industries for the 21st century would be an interesting read, indeed.