Blind
Filmmaker’s Groundbreaking Feature Secures IPTV Launch
History-Making
Film will Stream Worldwide via New Broadcast Outlet
(TAMPA,
FL) There aren't many blind feature film directors. In fact, there's only Joe
Monks, and his debut feature, THE BUNKER, will begin streaming in October on
IPTV thanks to Tampa-based distribution company Commodity Films.
It's
an unusual success story that began when Monks, a writer and longtime
comic publisher, decided to tackle the biggest challenge of his career:
directing a movie. Despite the obstacles his handicap presented, as well as
vocal internet naysayers, Monks raised the money to begin shooting, and
embarked on a journey no filmmaker had taken before.
Enter
Russell Hess, a film distributor who saw enormous potential in the
envelope-pushing project, and reached out to Monks to offer his services.
"I
was more than mildly intrigued when I heard a blind guy was making a movie. At
first, I reacted as many would, thinking that this was some kind of stunt. Not
only was I completely wrong, what Joe accomplished is far better than most
amateur filmmakers I've seen during my career."
After
a year's worth of discussions, the two finally met face-to-face, and sealed the
deal.
"It
took me a while to trust somebody after the hassles I had in production,"
says Monks. "But we secured domestic distribution, foreign distribution
and now the IPTV deal. Not bad for a first-timer who can't see, huh?"
THE BUNKER premieres Halloween night, Oct. 31 on CommodityFilms.com, and will run for free
through November 7th, along with a "Making of" documentary, and
REDEMPTION, a TV pilot based on one of Monks' teleplays. Just click Watch Now
to enter the Commodity Films Screening Room. Monks and Hess will be promoting
the launch through the 31st, when Monks will wrap the promo tour at Backstreets
Sports Bar in Cape Coral, helping with their costume contest. (No, he won't be
judging.)
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