Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Thomas, Lindsey Cummings and R.L. Malpica.
Free Lane Films consists of three individual artists, Matthew Thomas, R.L. Malpica and Lindsey Cummings, who came together to make independent movies.
In early 2016, R.L. called a video conference with Matt and Lindsey to pitch the idea of making a film. After bouncing thoughts back and forth, the idea of ‘Beyond the Bridge’ was formulated and Free Lane Films was born. What started as a project turned into a dynamic short-film that revolves around the epidemic of mental illness.
The filmmakers build off each other’s energy and have a unique chemistry that cultivates into beautiful art.
Matthew’s interest in the arts started in high school where he realized he had a passion for writing music. That culminated into writing poetry, short stories and comedy. Three years ago, Matthew created the WhoslosingTV channel on YouTube in which he contributed as the main writer, director, actor and producer.
Lindsey developed a passion for the arts in high school at Culver Military Academy, where he recorded music, studied speech and creative writing, participated in dance recitals, talent shows and Black history programs which was the primary catalyst for his foray into filming, writing and directing films. After studying marketing and African American studies at the University of Iowa, Lindsey’s accomplishments include recording, writing and producing music as an artist for S.K.Y. Entertainment and writing/producing for WhoslosingTV.
R.L. wanted to be a filmmaker since the age of 12. He studied theater arts and theater tech in high school, in addition to creating a number of productions for school projects. His first step towards a dream in filmmaking was accomplished by earning a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University. Since then, he’s written numerous feature length scripts before partnering with Matthew and Lindsey to help write, act and direct for WhoslosingTV.
Please tell us about your art.
Beyond the Bridge is a short-film about mental health told through the lives of three people. An
award winning therapist dealing with the guilt of losing his twin brother to suicide, a 2nd
generation Cuban-American afraid to reveal his true identity as a homosexual and a washed-up
rock star battling addiction in the midst of losing it all. Three people… Three separate lives… all connected by their desire to make sense of their individual realities.
The film itself is a story that needs to be told. We often overlook the topic of mental health when it’s one of the biggest issues affecting society.
Our vision is simple… we want to make beautiful movies. Not in the sense of visually appealing but films that offer aesthetic beauty. As filmmakers, we take pride in respecting the craft and studying the art form on a path to translating our visions to reality.
The goal is to create independent films that don’t answer questions but make impactful statements on the tragedy and triumph of the human experience. The idea of making movies is easy, but actually putting in the work to make one’s dream a reality is a rough journey. We love that journey!
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Matthew — I don’t think the role of an artist has changed. A lot of the things that are happening today were happening yesterday, it’s just the progression of technology that have made these things more visible. The role of an artist first and foremost is to be true to themselves. Art is expression and must be honest, the best artist is authentic and fearless. Events don’t affect my art.
Lindsey — No, the role of an artist has not changed. We’re living in an overly sensitive and politically correct era. I feel that the history of this time will be littered with inaccuracies if artists don’t provide a different and genuine perspective. Now it’s more important than ever that we are brutally honest and unapologetic in our critique and depiction of society; that we tackle taboo and restricted subjects. That has always been the role. And the events and issues of the times affect a large part of that. I write about my experience. I write about the things that I know, that I see, that I feel, that I go thru. In my opinion, it is the only way; if you want to tell authentic stories.
R.L. — While I don’t think the “role” of the artist has changed, I do believe the motivation of the artist has changed. When the motivation is skewed, it ultimately affects the perception of the role. The arts have been looked at as a distraction from the ills of the world for centuries, so the idea of an artist is the same. Unfortunately, the artists the majority of the world actually see contribute to the world’s issues more often than not. Events and issues in society will always affect my art, but in a positive way. My art comes from my personal outlook and perspective, so society is like a never-ending supplier of content. Stories are merely compositions of experiences.
One of the best parts about our film company is that all three of us have our own social experiences and thoughts. Utilizing those different perspectives gives us the opportunity to come up with some pretty interesting film ideas.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Our film ‘Beyond the Bridge’ is debuting at Cinemark West Plano on Saturday, April 14th @ 4:30pm. This is an exclusive screening and tickets can be purchased at freelanefilms.com
After the screening, you’ll be able to purchase a Blu-Ray at our website freelanefilms.com. Also, be sure to check out our YouTube and Vimeo pages.
Support us by buying a ticket to the screening and/or buying the Blu-Ray! Shares & Retweets help as well!!
Contact Info:
- Website: freelanefilms.com
- Email: info@freelanefilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelanefilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeLaneFilms/
Image Credit:
Dominique Malpica, Matthew Thomas, R.L. Malpica, Lindsey Cummings
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