Volume 1, Issue 6 |
| Crystle "Clear" Roberson |
| Film Director Crystle "Clear" Roberson |
Director, Crystle “Clear” Roberson, is a true testament to “paying your dues.” Having educated
herself about the facts of life, and understanding that each experience we endure is the
prerequisite to great storytelling, Crystle has planted her foot firmly in the world of motion picture
art.
I Am Entertainment Magazine caught up with the talented filmmaker in between her work on
Paramount Pictures film, Footloose, to discuss her film career and where she’s headed.
IAE: Where you’re from, what got you interested in the entertainment industry?
CR: I was born in Germany, but raised in the United States in Georgia. I spent many summers in south Georgia
with my grandparents and was a very imaginative child. I fell in love with photography in high school, which led
to my passion for motion photography. I was never interested in the entertainment industry; I was always
interested in the art of filmmaking. However, I know the industry is a necessary vehicle by which to make a
living doing this craft, so here I am.
All in all, storytelling is an art form that has been with us since the beginning of time. Everything from culture
and spirituality, to myths and fairytales, has been passed down through every generation by the telling of
stories. Film and Television is undeniably powerful and thrives even during times of recession. Entertainment
has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Which is why I approach my role with all due respect and
seriousness.
IAE: What college did you attend, what was your major?
CR: I graduated from Valdosta State University with a BFA in Mass Media. I also took some graduate courses
at Savannah College of Art & Design. I was planning on getting my MFA in Film/Directing, however, I craved
more “on set” experience. I wanted to network and learn set etiquette. Although I left grad school, my
education has never let me down.
IAE: What was you first job and How did you land the gig?
CR: My first (paid) feature film job was on the set of Rainforest Films’ hit movie, “Stomp the Yard.” I think I was
able to land that gig because I had worked numerous times on other projects for no pay. I showed the crew my
work ethic and passion; I had to prove myself in a way. Working for free may seem hard in the beginning, but
pays off big in the end. Before “Stomp,” I worked for CBS News. I quit the news job once I found out I had the
film job.
IAE: In 2006 you received a film grant for SOT, what do you know now that you wished you had
known then, about filmmaking?
CR: Absolutely nothing. I didn’t know half of what I know now when we made “The Song of Time,” and if I could
go back in time, I’d leave everything as it was. It’s sort of like choosing to go back to kindergarten and color
inside the lines. The flaws are what made it beautiful because it all came from a genuine place. “The Song of
Time” is still my favorite simply because of this.
IAE: You won best short at 3 different festivals for your film, “Standing Reign”. How does it feel to
be recognized by your peers and how has that helped your career?
CR: One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that you have the respect of other filmmakers. When
you’re alone visualizing your story and your shots, you have no idea how the outside world is going to accept
it. It means so much to have that confirmation from your industry colleagues. It provides that push to keep
going, especially in times of inevitable obstacles and self-doubt.
IAE: What are some of the projects you’ve worked on the last couple of years?
CR: Well, professionally, I’ve had the joy of working on crew of projects like “Zombieland,” “Vampire Diaries,” a
TBS pilot called “Franklin & Bash,” and the remake of “Footloose” which (at the time of this interview) is
currently shooting here in Georgia.
In between the above mentioned, I was busy Directing some unique projects. In 2008 I had the pleasure of
Directing the talented Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump, 24) in a short film I wrote called “The Black Cage.”
Later that year, I co-Directed a pilot episode of a family show called “Wildflowers.” In 2009, I had the pleasure
of Directing a music video on location in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico. Idris Elba, who is a brilliant actor, is
also a very talented musical artist. I’m honored that he gave me the opportunity to visually express his song
“Private Garden”.
“The Drop”, my most recent short film, was Executive Produced by Grammy nominated Gospel singer, Martha
Munizzi. “The Drop” is a true story about a boy who was robbed of his eyesight by a drunk driver, and how he
finds his way back to life.
Most recently, I traveled to London and shot a trailer for a future project entitled “A Bad Day for Benny”, which
will be my first international comedic project.
IAE: What have been some of the greatest challenges, and accomplishments thus far in film?
CR: Throughout my pursuit of this dream, I’ve found that dreams and money tend to run in two different
directions. Sometimes, you can’t possibly chase one without sacrificing the other. Whenever I was presented
with an option to go after my dream or more money, my dream always prevailed. Because of that fact, I have
had problems sometimes with paying for film festival submissions, websites, and other expenses associated
with promoting a film.
When I think of my greatest accomplishments thus far, I immediately go back to receiving the award for my film
“Next Doors Next” at HBO in New York through Blackfilm.com for the Chase Legacy Film Challenge. I also think
back to the day when my Grandmother, Flora Belle, watched my film “The Drop” almost ten times in a row. The
look on her face was priceless. I felt more of a sense of accomplishment then, than ever before.
IAE: What projects are you currently working on?
CR: Currently, I’m in development of two feature films. One is a music industry based drama called “The
Beautiful Ones” and the other is a comedy, based on a true story, called “Daddies and Dianne”.
I’m also signed on to Direct “Autumn”, which is a fully animated family story based in West Africa. All of these
projects are predicted to go into production in 2011 so looks like next year will be a busy year for me. I’m so
excited about the future and am ready to give it my all plus some.
IAE: If I could change anything about the entertainment business, what would it be and why?
CR: Our world is beautiful because of the variety of people and places. I would love to see this reflected more
behind the scenes. Audiences consume film and television now, more than ever, and it is our duty to give them
a well-balanced meal with variety and substance. This is why filmmakers, whether they are male, female, black,
white, brown, or yellow, should have the same opportunity to show a variety of stories to the world. Film is a
reflection of life, and it should be true to that reflection.
herself about the facts of life, and understanding that each experience we endure is the
prerequisite to great storytelling, Crystle has planted her foot firmly in the world of motion picture
art.
I Am Entertainment Magazine caught up with the talented filmmaker in between her work on
Paramount Pictures film, Footloose, to discuss her film career and where she’s headed.
IAE: Where you’re from, what got you interested in the entertainment industry?
CR: I was born in Germany, but raised in the United States in Georgia. I spent many summers in south Georgia
with my grandparents and was a very imaginative child. I fell in love with photography in high school, which led
to my passion for motion photography. I was never interested in the entertainment industry; I was always
interested in the art of filmmaking. However, I know the industry is a necessary vehicle by which to make a
living doing this craft, so here I am.
All in all, storytelling is an art form that has been with us since the beginning of time. Everything from culture
and spirituality, to myths and fairytales, has been passed down through every generation by the telling of
stories. Film and Television is undeniably powerful and thrives even during times of recession. Entertainment
has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Which is why I approach my role with all due respect and
seriousness.
IAE: What college did you attend, what was your major?
CR: I graduated from Valdosta State University with a BFA in Mass Media. I also took some graduate courses
at Savannah College of Art & Design. I was planning on getting my MFA in Film/Directing, however, I craved
more “on set” experience. I wanted to network and learn set etiquette. Although I left grad school, my
education has never let me down.
IAE: What was you first job and How did you land the gig?
CR: My first (paid) feature film job was on the set of Rainforest Films’ hit movie, “Stomp the Yard.” I think I was
able to land that gig because I had worked numerous times on other projects for no pay. I showed the crew my
work ethic and passion; I had to prove myself in a way. Working for free may seem hard in the beginning, but
pays off big in the end. Before “Stomp,” I worked for CBS News. I quit the news job once I found out I had the
film job.
IAE: In 2006 you received a film grant for SOT, what do you know now that you wished you had
known then, about filmmaking?
CR: Absolutely nothing. I didn’t know half of what I know now when we made “The Song of Time,” and if I could
go back in time, I’d leave everything as it was. It’s sort of like choosing to go back to kindergarten and color
inside the lines. The flaws are what made it beautiful because it all came from a genuine place. “The Song of
Time” is still my favorite simply because of this.
IAE: You won best short at 3 different festivals for your film, “Standing Reign”. How does it feel to
be recognized by your peers and how has that helped your career?
CR: One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that you have the respect of other filmmakers. When
you’re alone visualizing your story and your shots, you have no idea how the outside world is going to accept
it. It means so much to have that confirmation from your industry colleagues. It provides that push to keep
going, especially in times of inevitable obstacles and self-doubt.
IAE: What are some of the projects you’ve worked on the last couple of years?
CR: Well, professionally, I’ve had the joy of working on crew of projects like “Zombieland,” “Vampire Diaries,” a
TBS pilot called “Franklin & Bash,” and the remake of “Footloose” which (at the time of this interview) is
currently shooting here in Georgia.
In between the above mentioned, I was busy Directing some unique projects. In 2008 I had the pleasure of
Directing the talented Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump, 24) in a short film I wrote called “The Black Cage.”
Later that year, I co-Directed a pilot episode of a family show called “Wildflowers.” In 2009, I had the pleasure
of Directing a music video on location in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico. Idris Elba, who is a brilliant actor, is
also a very talented musical artist. I’m honored that he gave me the opportunity to visually express his song
“Private Garden”.
“The Drop”, my most recent short film, was Executive Produced by Grammy nominated Gospel singer, Martha
Munizzi. “The Drop” is a true story about a boy who was robbed of his eyesight by a drunk driver, and how he
finds his way back to life.
Most recently, I traveled to London and shot a trailer for a future project entitled “A Bad Day for Benny”, which
will be my first international comedic project.
IAE: What have been some of the greatest challenges, and accomplishments thus far in film?
CR: Throughout my pursuit of this dream, I’ve found that dreams and money tend to run in two different
directions. Sometimes, you can’t possibly chase one without sacrificing the other. Whenever I was presented
with an option to go after my dream or more money, my dream always prevailed. Because of that fact, I have
had problems sometimes with paying for film festival submissions, websites, and other expenses associated
with promoting a film.
When I think of my greatest accomplishments thus far, I immediately go back to receiving the award for my film
“Next Doors Next” at HBO in New York through Blackfilm.com for the Chase Legacy Film Challenge. I also think
back to the day when my Grandmother, Flora Belle, watched my film “The Drop” almost ten times in a row. The
look on her face was priceless. I felt more of a sense of accomplishment then, than ever before.
IAE: What projects are you currently working on?
CR: Currently, I’m in development of two feature films. One is a music industry based drama called “The
Beautiful Ones” and the other is a comedy, based on a true story, called “Daddies and Dianne”.
I’m also signed on to Direct “Autumn”, which is a fully animated family story based in West Africa. All of these
projects are predicted to go into production in 2011 so looks like next year will be a busy year for me. I’m so
excited about the future and am ready to give it my all plus some.
IAE: If I could change anything about the entertainment business, what would it be and why?
CR: Our world is beautiful because of the variety of people and places. I would love to see this reflected more
behind the scenes. Audiences consume film and television now, more than ever, and it is our duty to give them
a well-balanced meal with variety and substance. This is why filmmakers, whether they are male, female, black,
white, brown, or yellow, should have the same opportunity to show a variety of stories to the world. Film is a
reflection of life, and it should be true to that reflection.
Copyright © 2009-2011 I Am Entertainment Magazine, a publication of NFluential Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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