This filmmaker knows how to hustle!
A Brooklyn high school teacher and aspiring movie star is ready to give it all in his latest film, “Celebrity Sex Tape.” The short romantic comedy, playing Tuesdays this month at the Kent Theatre in Midwood, follows a Woody Allen-esque character so desperate for stardom that he decides to make and then leak a sex tape with a celebrity — any celebrity. The role is slightly autobiographical, said its director and star.
“The movie continues my character’s heartwarming, me-against-the-world movie-making saga about a regular Joe’s quest for fame, only with a controversial new spin,” said Keith Black.
When Black isn’t teaching high school math, the Mill Basin resident spends his summers writing, directing, producing, and starring in his own films.
“During the school year I’m like Clark Kent, mild-mannered, grading papers — and then in the summer I turn into Super Movie-Man,” said the teacher.
During his two months off during the summer and holiday breaks, the educator works under a tight production schedule to make movies such as “Shmoikel’s Twilight” and the feature “Driving Me Crazy.” Luckily, Black has a dedicated team of actors and behind-the-scenes crew on his side.
“This was a labor of love,” he said. “My whole crew gave their time and energy and believed in me and the movie.”
Funding the projects is also a challenge, but Black raised $2,000 to produce “Celebrity Sex Tape,” in part by tightening his belt in other areas.
“I ended my subscription to JDate. I started taking my dates to the early bird specials,” explained Black. “Instead of taking my clothes to the laundry, my mother volunteered to do them for free to help me out.”
And shooting on the streets of Brooklyn led to some unexpected encounters, said Black.
“One woman actually jumped into the scene and asked what I was doing,” he remembered. “I said, ‘Ma’am, there is a camera, a sound person, an assistant director. What do you think I’m doing?’ ”
Despite the joy Black gets out of the movie biz, he remains dedicated to his students.
“I hope to be the Hollywood’s first full-time school teacher-filmmaker,” quipped Black.
This limited run may just be the start for “Celebrity Sex Tape.” Black plans to use the almost nine-minute film to capture the attention of Hollywood producers, and to turn his short into a feature film.
“Vin Diesel made a short film ‘Multi-facial’ which got him discovered and ignited his career,” said Black. “Billy Bob Thornton made ‘Sling Blade’ as a short and it transitioned to a feature. I’m emulating their approach.”
“Celebrity Sex Tape” at the Kent Movie Theatre [1170 Coney Island Ave. between Avenue H and Avenue I in Midwood, (718) 338-3371]. Aug. 23 and 30 at noon. Free.
