I ask him for his council, “A random immortal movement requires something epic,” he replies in addressing the mission of 365.”
An immortal movement requiring something epic? That is a large title for me to swallow, but I take it as a compliment from our friend of the hour, Gonzo, Chameleon and Film Maker, K. Harrison Sweeney, as he begins his dialogue, or should I say monologue with us today.
I am not alone in meeting K. Harrison (I’m going to call him K. for short), with me is my long time friend Donna (not pictured). Having her participate in 365 is cause for joy, and her contribution to our conversation is welcomed by both K and myself. Group discussions are always so refreshing.
As we casually begin our conversation, K searches for a response to what he is calling and epic question, and as he does, Donna and I are captivated by the energy of a mind that does not stop. You see… K is a furry of imagination and improvisational skill.
“I’m in preproduction of my second Zombie film,” K propels. And I use the word propels very selectively.
In his description of his film we are entertained by an endless sense of humor in every aspect of K’s delivery and posture. K is a performer through and through and we all find ourselves immersed in a surreal mixture of real world issues and organic satire.
K has theater chops, I looked his bio up, Macbeth, Death of a Salesman, Romeo and Juliet and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few. Credits, that in addition to an endless lists of TV, film and commercials, further backs his credentials as he presses into the world of filmmaking.
Yet with a history of highly traditional roles, why Zombie films? I regret not asking K this question directly, but I think the answer lies in his eventual response in counseling us, “We have to dance with the mischief makers and learn exercise them!” he chuckles.
“It all in good fun,” and in this fun K has found a niche. Seems there is a gigantic culture of Zombie fans. And after a few minute in Google, I uncover a global audience of events and champions of the macabre who are eating the Zombie genre up. “Eating it up,”J, no pun intended.
K’s wit is at the core of his directorial decisions, and his intent is pure in working to produce films that are an extreme and silly escape from the reality of life, like I mentioned K is an entertainer.
And in an industry that has a reputation for crushing esteem and moral, K has managed to find a balance. In his captivating, I’m on stage form, he advises, “Do not put yourself in the presence of the demons.”
Demons…? A pretty deep and dark metaphor, and a simile that can be interpreted into all of our lives.
I view it this way. A demon is anything, situation or person who direct us in a path that diminishes self-respect and belittles or judges our worth without first obtaining a full understanding of the reasons for what we do, or who we are.
In the simplest terms, any external influence, or even self-reflected internal inspiration that makes us feel less than, or forces us to impose any negative on the will on others.
K’s smile is evident that he has managed to avoid the demons, and even though his films are raunchy, bloody and graphic, I checked out a trailer to his last film, “Undead Lovers,” there is a lightheartedness to them. Again a silly escape intended to entertain.
I ask K of his council for the future.
“’Funny you should ask me that question, I’m making a film right now for that very reason, ‘From the Trailer to the Grave,’ It speaks out about society. Things like environmentalism and racism.’”
“I grew up watching films like Mad Max and Indiana Jones, they are sagas where in every moment obstacles are overcome. That is what motivates me in my filmmaking.
I loved the Green Lantern comic book series and the way they used colors to represent virtues.”
K reflects on his childhood movie and comic influences in stating, “Every day of your life is a sequel that you are part of, and the more you embrace it, the more fun you will have.”
And using the Green Lantern as a guide, K expands on identifying the human experience. And as he does, I reflect on my outlook of life and how I manage my emotions.
For those of you who are not familiar with the emotions connected to the Green Lantern colors, here is a glossary a link in explaining its history.
Red is rage. Orange is avarice, Yellow is Fear, Green is will power, Blue is hope, Indigo is compassion, and Violet is Love. There is also Black which is Death, and is taking all the other colors to fight.
The history of the Green Lantern.
May we all have the Green to continue in Blue and to share as much Indigo as we can? And if we can stop Yellowing, in letting go of any Red, then possibly we can build a world with a lesser depth of Orange. It is up to us to choose. Do we Violet our neighbors as we Violet ourselves? I don’t know?
But I can say one thing… the smallest of acts goes a long way in starting the ball rolling in bettering our relationships?
K, a blast hanging with you. Good luck with your filming and thanks for the colors.