Artist Relief Sequel 🗽

Describe your artistic practice in a few words (e.g. filmmaker, weaver, poet). (required)

Filmmaker/ Journalist (POV Camera Glasses)

Select all that apply to you and interpret each according to your respective discipline. While we know this is not a comprehensive list, this information helps give us a general sense of your artistic accomplishments. (required)

• I have presented, exhibited, performed, or published my work
• I have been interviewed or had my work reviewed in a publication
• I have taught in my discipline

In 100–300 words, provide a biography that expands on your artistic practice and accomplishments. Use this space as an opportunity to note anything not mentioned above. (required)

Right now the focus is to make a documentary film over the next few months leading up to the election, which is shot entirely on a camera that is small enough to fit in between the eyes in a pair of glasses. This is different from all other kinds of moving images in that the camera is invisible and therefore the characters as real as they can get. We always ask permission after the interaction has come ended, and surprisingly 95% of people curiously oblige. No other camera can capture this kind of authenticity as well an unparalleled immersive experience, as each character we come across looks directly into the eyes of the audience. Since 2013 we have shot and edited over 80 short POV films and are now looking to create the first feature film shot entirely on these camera glasses. (We’ve started making music recently to aid in this effort). This was once referred to as “true point-of-view” in filmmaking, as opposed to “false point-of-view” which we see often in tv and movies where the actor or broadcaster is looking directly into the lens of the camera. Therefore we say that this wearable camera technology, specifically a camera quietly placed between the eyes, is in a way, “The last camera angle” which the director cannot get authentically. They must fake it. Therefore it is an unsuccessful trick which more times than not has the opposite effect and pushes the audience away. Our goal is to bring these POV filmmakers and the people of the public spaces, as well as the audience members, closer together to create a bridge between the screen and the artists. It’s a form of virtual and augmented reality. It’s sensitive, empathetic filmmaking, and we want to take it on tour across America.

Provide a URL to your website, social media, press link, or any other digital presence that demonstrates your artistic career. (required)

www.youtube.com/FUNPOV

FINANCIAL NEED

This section gathers information about the dire financial emergencies you are facing due to COVID-19. We define “dire financial emergencies” as the lack or imminent endangerment of essentials such as housing, medicine, childcare, and food. We are aware that each artist’s needs differ, so ask that you thoroughly and accurately describe your situation. For more information, please visit the FAQ.

Within the next 4 weeks, what are your immediate financial needs? We define “dire financial emergencies” as the lack or imminent endangerment of essentials such as housing, medicine, childcare, and food. Select all that apply. (required)

• Food (unable to buy groceries)
• Housing (unable to pay rent or maintain a steady or safe living situation)

Review the statements below and select all statements that apply to you. (required)

• I am unsure when I will make any income again
• I have no financial safety net (savings, assets, family resources, etc.)

In 100–300 words, briefly describe the dire financial emergencies you are facing due to COVID-19 and identify where you urgently need support within the next 4 weeks. (required)

COVID-19 has only exacerbated my experience over the past 5–6 years as someone trying to make a living in the arts. I ran out of money for the 4th time in NYC just before COVID hit hard. So I had to head home up north anyways. However my mom is putting her home at the end of the month and so I will be back on the road again soon. Climbing out of the prison of poverty over these past years has been truly a confusing challenge and I hope one day Artist Basic Income can be like a test program for Universal Basic Income. Every day I struggle to find work and a long-term place to live. Thank you very much for considering my application here and reading these words. And thank you for helping artists. “I see little of more importance to the future of this country, and our civilization, than the full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free, to follow their vision wherever it takes them.” This is what I hope to live up to one day and build the community around, and thanks to JFK for articulating it. One day too shall like to set up a fund that gives POV glasses to any creator who wants them. Empathy cameras for all people. An easier way to communicate. Less look at me and *more* story unraveling before me.

FUN☆POV