The journey of "The Florida Project" began with the discovery of a series of impactful black-and-white newspaper articles. These pieces highlighted the hidden homeless communities in Florida, a stark contrast to the nearby fantastical world of Walt Disney World. "The Florida Project" behind the scenes is an inspiration in Hollywood.
Captivated by these stories, Sean Baker, fresh from his work on "Starlet" in 2012, saw an opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of hidden social struggles.
Although "Starlet" garnered festival acclaim, it didn’t open the professional avenues Baker had hoped for. Nevertheless, this did not deter him. Instead, it set the stage for his next big project.
From "Tangerine" to "The Florida Project"
With a reputation for creating visually striking and socially relevant films, Baker took a significant step with "Tangerine" in 2014. The best part? It was shot entirely on an iPhone. This approach not only showcased Baker’s resourcefulness. But it also garnered enough success to revive his vision for "The Florida Project."
The success of "Tangerine" opened critical doors. It allowed Sean Baker to secure a development grant from Cinereach and reconnect with his regular team, including co-writer Chris Bergoch and the Freestyle Picture Company producers.
GTN / “Tangerine” set Sean Baker up for the massive success of “The Florida Project.”
This phase marked a pivotal shift, setting the groundwork for the vibrant storytelling that would characterize "The Florida Project."
Building the Project
"The Florida Project" behind the scenes: As momentum grew, Baker directed "Snowbird," a promotional film that introduced him to cinematographer Alexis Zabe. This connection proved crucial for the visual narrative Baker wanted to achieve. Subsequently, June Pictures, led by former ICM agent Alex Saks and financier Andrew Duncan, decided to fully fund "The Florida Project," investing $3 million and granting Baker the creative freedom he needed by providing him with the final cut rights.
This financial and creative backing was complemented by A24 Films acquiring U.S. rights and Protagonist Pictures taking on international sales, which propelled the film into the global spotlight at the Cannes and Toronto film festivals.
"The Florida Project" Behind the Scenes
This 2017 indie film centers around Moonee, a six-year-old girl living in a budget motel just outside Disney World. Her summer adventures with friends are set against the backdrop of her young mother Halley's struggles to maintain stability and dignity under challenging circumstances.
Elle / “The Florida Project” beautifully juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of poverty. It is captured through the authentic performances of newcomers Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite and Willem Dafoe's portrayal of Bobby, the motel manager.
These characters and their stories resonate deeply, offering a raw and unfiltered look at life on the margins.
The Great Cinematic Success of “The Florida Project”
The film’s success is a testament to Baker’s dedication to narrative authenticity and cinematic innovation. "The Florida Project" earned nearly $5 million, significantly surpassing its modest budget. This commercial achievement, coupled with critical acclaim, underscored Baker's ability to engage audiences with powerful, thought-provoking content.
The film’s use of 35mm film helped capture the vivid yet gritty aesthetics of Kissimmee. Thus, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience.
Sean Baker's behind-the-scenes journey with "The Florida Project" showcases his commitment to storytelling that highlights underrepresented communities. From initial inspiration through to its successful reception, Baker’s work emphasizes the importance of persistence, creativity, and a deep empathy for his subjects.
Thus, "The Florida Project" behind the scenes not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader social issues it portrays. This makes it a standout achievement in the realm of independent filmmaking.
