Introduce Yourself : Introduction (Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex) by Robert L. Camina

My introduction comes a little late, but my name is Robert Camina and I'm primarily an independent film director/producer/writer in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area. Aside from my film production company, I also freelance in other film, television and video productions. I am always looking for professional and full-time career opportunities. I have a wide variety of both transferable and specific skills. My first feature film, a documentary, RAID OF THE RAINBOW LOUNGE (2012), debuted to sold out audiences, rave reviews and a media frenzy. RAID OF THE RAINBOW LOUNGE recounts the widely publicized and controversial June 28, 2009 police raid of a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar that resulted in multiple arrests and serious injuries. The raid occurred on the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Inn raid. The film, narrated by Emmy nominated actress and TV icon Meredith Baxter (Family Ties, Glee), screened during 33 mainstream and LGBT film festivals across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The film won several awards including 5 “Best” Film and 3 “Audience Choice” Awards. The film also received attention from the Office of the White House, Department of Justice and a division of the U.S. State Department. At their invitation, the Library of Congress hosted a screening in September 2014. (www.RaidoftheRainbowLounge.com) In June, I debuted by second feature film, UPSTAIRS INFERNO, a full length documentary about the largest gay mass murder in U.S. history. The film is narrated by famed New Orleanian and New York Times best selling author, Christopher Rice. On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar located on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. The result was the largest gay mass murder in U.S. history. Despite the staggering historical significance, few people know about the tragedy. Thirty-two people were killed and some bodies were never identified. One-third of the New Orleans chapter of the Metropolitan Community Church were killed in the blaze, including two clergy. The primary suspect was never charged with the crime. The tragedy did not stop at the loss of lives. There were also the delayed injuries: lost jobs, fear, public ridicule and severed families. The devastation was compounded by the homophobic reactions and utter lack of concern by the general public, government and religious leaders. The fire permanently altered lives and was the root of many lifelong struggles. Through interviews with survivors, families/friends of victims, witnesses and scholars, UPSTAIRS INFERNO recounts the deadly fire and its aftermath. (www.upstairsinferno.com) I'm thrilled to say that UPSTAIRS INFERNO is being well received by audiences and critics! Since its debut, the film has won 5 Jury Best Film/Audience Choice Awards. Recently, the Austin American Statesman named UPSTAIRS INFERNO one of the ten best films at the Austin Film Festival! Both documentaries required an intense amount of research, resourcefulness and diplomacy. This included reading thousands of pages of police reports, sworn testimonies and newspaper articles. This thorough research and fact checking was necessary to create our discussion guides for the on-camera interviews and ultimately, our story lines and script. As you can imagine, the films required a lot of administrative work as well. This included creating budgets, overseeing spending decisions, negotiating talent through SAG, and managing copyright and clearance for images, music and footage used. It also required hiring talent and crew, and managing their contracts. I look forward to meeting other professionals in the area, learn, create and contribute to quality productions. It's great to be part of the Stage32 community. -Robert (www.CaminaEntertainment.com)