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Talent In Motion
Raw Films: An Inside Look at Producer/Director Johnny Boston
By William Lehnert
Eight months ago, Johnny Boston began Raw Films Inc., an independent production company, with the aspirations of
making intelligent and commercial films. I paid him a visit to find out more.
Rays of sunlight cut through Johnny Boston's smoke filled Manhattan apartment. Videotapes and digital video-cameras
filled the room-length shelves, and posters of Bob Marley and Che' covered the remaining spaces.
"Johnny Boston is that your real name?" Peering from behind dark rimmed glasses, Johnny Boston took a puff from his
Camel cigarette. "Please, call me Johnny," replied my host in his British accent.
Johnny has produced and directed a number of short films and music videos airing on MTV. He wrote several scripts
such as Running to Standstill, Minor Symphony, and URB, and worked as a producer in 1995 for the television program,
New York Uncut.
After traveling between New York and LA, Johnny finally settled down in New York and began his career as a producer.
When asked why he chose New York over California, Johnny explained that everyone there had a "sugar coating." In LA, no
one would give their honest opinion like they would in New York. The open honesty of New York made him feel "raw"
uninterested in pleasing everyone with his project. What he really wanted was to create high-concept,
intelligent films.
"I love making films. Even if nothing comes of them, they are my passion. Films keep me going." Johnny spoke of numerous
upcoming projects for Raw Films such as Closed Doors, a comedic after hours anthology for cable television, a film
based on a Pulitzer Prize winning children's story, and a full-length gangster film (which was to remain nameless), to
be shot next year.
"What do you see coming up in your future," I asked. A smile appeared on Johnny's face.
"It's the new millennium, I see some great things -- I'm a cynical optimist. Today we live in a world that's coming
together, unbelievable opportunity, but there will always be conflict of one kind or another and that makes good
film. I look forward to a world of peace and joy. I'm certainly no hippie, but in my future I see making some great
films, directing, producing -- and I look forward not only to working and making some money, but working with some
really talented people."
One of his more recent projects is Man in Uniform, the pilot for Raw Films' Closed Doors anthology. According to
Johnny, the series is more of a pet project and is not even near the kind of film that he wants to create. The pilot
takes a humorous look at one woman's erotic fascination with men clad in uniform. While eleven of the episodes are
completed , Raw Films still needs the proceeds and the time to produce the other eleven expected Closed Doors
episodes.
This month, Raw Films held two New York screenings for "Man in Uniform," "Gothic Line," and two shorts,
"I Was Here First," and "The Beautiful Ones." While discussing his screenings, Johnny's inflection hinted at
his expectation of impending success. His vigor for success was undeniably clear, even through the smoky room.
I asked him if success would make him happy.
Turning to me and pointing to a poster of one his films on the wall, Johnny began. "You know why I'll get ahead? I'm
dedicated. I work very hard, and I'm a fighter. I'm a good producer and I'm good at motivating people. I get things done
cheaply and efficiently and I don't like to take shit." Johnny doesn't see himself as a hard ass, but admits to having
been one in the past. I could definitely see it.
As I gathered my things and shook hands with the producer, I asked him where he saw Raw Films in one year. With a
beaming smile and a nodding head, Johnny answered.
"I see Raw doing very well, having a significant role in producing some high-concept, intelligent films. I see
some of its directors or those attached to the company shooting some moderate budget films. We're going to be
bigger than Miramax!"
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