Burke Roberts
Encyclopedia
Burke Roberts is an American film director and multimedia artist. His work has been exhibited at numerous international film festivals,
fine art galleries, museums and independent cinemas.
Roberts grew up on a ranch in Colorado.
At eighteen, Roberts came to Hollywood and acted extensively in television and film. His performances of note include Vincent Gallo
’s “Brown Bunny” and “NYPD Blue
”.
Moving behind the camera in the late 90’s, Roberts’ work as a director has received international acclaim in some part due to his unique DIY high-production values. He has been profiled in an eclectic array of cultural publications including a feature interview on Suicidegirls.com, Tank Magazine
London, cover story for Cinetrange Paris, multiple articles in his hometown periodicals – L.A. Times and L.A. Weekly and many more. In order to realize his work, Roberts formed “The Bizzurke Army Underground Film Militia," (also known as “Bizarrmy”) a network of artists and technicians who devote their time and talents pro bono to his productions. His films deal with challenging themes, such as oppression, fanaticism and extreme circumstances. His first film “Jesus Rides Shotgun” begun a cult following and begun an expanding body of challenging short works: “Handicap City”, “Echo Of A Man”, “Insult To Injury”, “Some of An Equation”, “Substance Ovuse”, “Engineering Nudes” and “Sky Drops” - All of which have played in dozens of cities and countries due to Roberts unique approach of touring his films in a tradition historically practiced by independent musicians.
Many of his works were produced by novelist/director Jennifer Chambers Lynch such as “Insult To Injury” (2006) – A ‘high end guerilla film’ that takes place in the height of the great depression with train hoppers. This film screened in Paris, London, Barcelona, Berlin and many more. It received an award for ‘Best Cinematography’ at the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival and screened in the Short Film Corner of the 2006 Cannes Film Festival
.
Another of his decorated accomplishments is the film “Some of An Equation” (2007) - filmed in one single shot. “Some of An Equation” gained critical acclaim all over the world, receiving awards including ‘Best foreign short’ in Madrid, ‘Innovation in Cinema award’ at Vision Fest - Tribeca and was the opening film at Slamdance Film Festival
’08 the piece went on to almost 2 dozen more international festivals including San Francisco International Shorts Film Festival, Boston Underground Film Festival
, Expression En Corto (Mexico), Fantastic Fest
, Oldenburg, and many others.
“Handicap City” (2002) was written, directed and designed by Roberts and produced by Jennifer Chambers Lynch and DP’d by Frank Buyers A.S.C. Owing much to German Expressionism and graffiti art, the film is not as much a typical narrative as a multi-sensory painting, set in motion by the writings of a man who is trapped in a Kafka-esque, visceral metaphor for "oppression in society." “Handicap City” also traveled domestically and abroad, from midnight screenings all to presentations at fine art festivals and galleries, including Mama showroom (Art Rotterdam), The Horse Hospital (London), 8mm (Berlin), and others.
Having avoided the music video arena for 15 years Roberts recently entered the genre - the first of which he directed was named in the top 50 music videos of 210 by NME Magazine for Warpaint
'Stars'. Within one year he also dirceted video's for Swahili Blonde
, Patrick Park
, The Mccarricks and Sistol which premiered on such online venues as Pitchfork
, NME
, Paste Magazine and LA Times. In recent years he has expanded his ventures into large scale sculptures and installation art. His portable projection system, “The Engine” is a pioneering angle of Roberts’ DIY practices. The work consists of a 2000-pound light and steel sculpture that kinetically supports a 17 foot screen. The transportable, self-contained exhibition system has been used as an alternative mode for distribution and presentation of alternative cinema. It debuted at The Architecture and Design Museum of Los Angeles and was shown at NASA
, Tesla Motors Showroom, Burning Man
and Coachella
.
Roberts also curates an art festival in Los Angeles known as Engine CollisionFest. The festival includes novelists, poets, performance artists, fashionistas, musicians, creators of new media and practitioners of cinema. Past participants have included David Lynch
, Cory Macabee (“The American Astronaut
”), creators of Adult Swim
's Metalocolypse, Wu Tang Clan's Raekwon
and Warhol Superstar Cherry Vanilla
.
In March 2010 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art
presented a full retrospective of Roberts work as the Midnight headliner of their annual Young Directors night.
Roberts in presently in pre-production for two feature length films and is a feature programmer for Slamdance Film Festival.
fine art galleries, museums and independent cinemas.
Roberts grew up on a ranch in Colorado.
At eighteen, Roberts came to Hollywood and acted extensively in television and film. His performances of note include Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo is an Italian-American film director and actor. Though he has had minor roles in mainstream films such as Goodfellas, he is most associated with independent movies, including Buffalo '66, which he wrote, directed, did the music for and starred in; The Brown Bunny, which he also...
’s “Brown Bunny” and “NYPD Blue
NYPD Blue
NYPD Blue is an American television police drama set in New York City, exploring the internal and external struggles of the fictional 15th precinct of Manhattan...
”.
Moving behind the camera in the late 90’s, Roberts’ work as a director has received international acclaim in some part due to his unique DIY high-production values. He has been profiled in an eclectic array of cultural publications including a feature interview on Suicidegirls.com, Tank Magazine
Tank Magazine
Tank Magazine is a quarterly UK magazine that focuses on lifestyle, art, architecture, literature and fashion.-Background:Tank magazine, first published in September 1998, is produced by the independent publishing company Tank Publications Ltd., who also publish "O:Magazine" by Tank, the luxury...
London, cover story for Cinetrange Paris, multiple articles in his hometown periodicals – L.A. Times and L.A. Weekly and many more. In order to realize his work, Roberts formed “The Bizzurke Army Underground Film Militia," (also known as “Bizarrmy”) a network of artists and technicians who devote their time and talents pro bono to his productions. His films deal with challenging themes, such as oppression, fanaticism and extreme circumstances. His first film “Jesus Rides Shotgun” begun a cult following and begun an expanding body of challenging short works: “Handicap City”, “Echo Of A Man”, “Insult To Injury”, “Some of An Equation”, “Substance Ovuse”, “Engineering Nudes” and “Sky Drops” - All of which have played in dozens of cities and countries due to Roberts unique approach of touring his films in a tradition historically practiced by independent musicians.
Many of his works were produced by novelist/director Jennifer Chambers Lynch such as “Insult To Injury” (2006) – A ‘high end guerilla film’ that takes place in the height of the great depression with train hoppers. This film screened in Paris, London, Barcelona, Berlin and many more. It received an award for ‘Best Cinematography’ at the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival and screened in the Short Film Corner of the 2006 Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
.
Another of his decorated accomplishments is the film “Some of An Equation” (2007) - filmed in one single shot. “Some of An Equation” gained critical acclaim all over the world, receiving awards including ‘Best foreign short’ in Madrid, ‘Innovation in Cinema award’ at Vision Fest - Tribeca and was the opening film at Slamdance Film Festival
Slamdance Film Festival
As a year-round organization, Slamdance serves as a showcase for the discovery of new and emerging talent in the film industry; it is also the only major film festival fully programmed by filmmakers. Slamdance counts among its alumni many notable writers and directors who first gained notice at the...
’08 the piece went on to almost 2 dozen more international festivals including San Francisco International Shorts Film Festival, Boston Underground Film Festival
Boston Underground Film Festival
The Boston Underground Film Festival is an annual event held in the Boston, Massachusetts area that specializes in alternative film and video. The Boston Underground Film Festival, also known as BUFF, is the largest underground film festival in New England, spotlighting short films and feature...
, Expression En Corto (Mexico), Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest is an annual film festival in Austin, Texas. It was founded in 2005 by Tim League of Alamo Drafthouse, Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News, Paul Alvarado-Dykstra, and Tim McCanlies, writer of The Iron Giant and Secondhand Lions. The festival focuses on genre films such as horror,...
, Oldenburg, and many others.
“Handicap City” (2002) was written, directed and designed by Roberts and produced by Jennifer Chambers Lynch and DP’d by Frank Buyers A.S.C. Owing much to German Expressionism and graffiti art, the film is not as much a typical narrative as a multi-sensory painting, set in motion by the writings of a man who is trapped in a Kafka-esque, visceral metaphor for "oppression in society." “Handicap City” also traveled domestically and abroad, from midnight screenings all to presentations at fine art festivals and galleries, including Mama showroom (Art Rotterdam), The Horse Hospital (London), 8mm (Berlin), and others.
Having avoided the music video arena for 15 years Roberts recently entered the genre - the first of which he directed was named in the top 50 music videos of 210 by NME Magazine for Warpaint
Warpaint (band)
Warpaint is an American art rock group from Los Angeles, formed in 2004. The band's members are Emily Kokal , Theresa Wayman , Jenny Lee Lindberg , and Stella Mozgawa . The band's membership has also included actress Shannyn Sossamon and Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer...
'Stars'. Within one year he also dirceted video's for Swahili Blonde
Swahili Blonde
Swahili Blonde is an experimental musical project formed in Los Angeles, California in 2009. Founded by former 'WEAVE!' drummer and vocalist Nicole Turley, violinist and bassist Laena Myers-Ionita, Duran Duran bassist John Taylor and multi-instrumentalists Stella Mozgawa and Michael Quinn...
, Patrick Park
Patrick Park
-Early life:Park grew up in Morrison, Colorado. He was exposed to the arts at an early age: his mother was a published poet, and his father was a doctor who enjoyed playing folk and blues records and the guitar at home...
, The Mccarricks and Sistol which premiered on such online venues as Pitchfork
Pitchfork
A pitchfork is an agricultural tool with a long handle and long, thin, widely separated pointed tines used to lift and pitch loose material, such as hay, leaves, grapes, dung or other agricultural materials. Pitchforks typically have two or three tines...
, NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
, Paste Magazine and LA Times. In recent years he has expanded his ventures into large scale sculptures and installation art. His portable projection system, “The Engine” is a pioneering angle of Roberts’ DIY practices. The work consists of a 2000-pound light and steel sculpture that kinetically supports a 17 foot screen. The transportable, self-contained exhibition system has been used as an alternative mode for distribution and presentation of alternative cinema. It debuted at The Architecture and Design Museum of Los Angeles and was shown at NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
, Tesla Motors Showroom, Burning Man
Burning Man
Burning Man is a week-long annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event starts on the Monday before the American Labor Day holiday, and ends on the holiday itself. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening...
and Coachella
Coachella
Coachella may refer to;*Coachella, California*Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival...
.
Roberts also curates an art festival in Los Angeles known as Engine CollisionFest. The festival includes novelists, poets, performance artists, fashionistas, musicians, creators of new media and practitioners of cinema. Past participants have included David Lynch
David Lynch
David Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
, Cory Macabee (“The American Astronaut
The American Astronaut
The American Astronaut is a 2001 space-western/musical, directed by and starring Cory McAbee. The film was released on DVD in Spring of 2005. The band Billy Nayer Show, helmed by McAbee, wrote and performed the film's soundtrack.- Plot Summary :...
”), creators of Adult Swim
Adult Swim
Adult Swim is an adult-oriented Cable network that shares channel space with Cartoon Network from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am ET/PT in the United States, and broadcasts in countries such as Australia and New Zealand...
's Metalocolypse, Wu Tang Clan's Raekwon
Raekwon
Corey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
and Warhol Superstar Cherry Vanilla
Cherry Vanilla
Cherry Vanilla is an American singer-songwriter, publicist, and actress. After working as an actress in Andy Warhol's Pork, she worked as a publicist for David Bowie, before finding fame as a rock singer. She subsequently became a publicist for Vangelis.-Career:Kathleen Dorritie was born in...
.
In March 2010 The Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is an art museum in Los Angeles, California. It is located on Wilshire Boulevard along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile vicinity of Los Angeles, adjacent to the George C. Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits....
presented a full retrospective of Roberts work as the Midnight headliner of their annual Young Directors night.
Roberts in presently in pre-production for two feature length films and is a feature programmer for Slamdance Film Festival.
Filmography
- Jesus Rides Shotgun (47 min.) - 1997
- Fuck Fashion (18 min.) - 1999
- Handicap City (17 min.) - 2003
- Echo of a Man (16 min.) - 2004
- Insult to Injury (29 min.) - 2005
- Some of an Equation (8 min.) - 2007
- Substance Ovuse (5 min.) - 2008
- Sky Drops (14 min.) - 2009
- Engineering Nudes (6 min.) - 2009
- Legend of the Widower Colby Wallace (15 min.) - 2010/11
Music videos
- Warpaint 'Stars' - 2010
- The Mccarricks 'Metamorph' - 2010
- Patrick Park 'You'll get Over' - 2010
- Swahili Blonde 'La Mampatee' - 2010
- Sistol 'A better Shore' - 2011
External links
- The Engine Theater
- Engine Collision Fest
- http://www.laweekly.com/2010-03-06/calendar/move-over-james-cameron/
- http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/nightlife-and-events/wu-tang-clans-raekwon-previews/
- http://www.slamdance.com/forum/permalink/2008/8/8/155603.html
- http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/A+Plague+Called+Complacency:+Guerilla+Filmmaker+Burke+Roberts+Talks+Film+and+Fanaticism/
- http://www.cinetrange.com/special/les-indep/burke-roberts
- http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/23/entertainment/ca-film-machine23
- http://bizzurkearmy.com/press_tankmagazine.html
- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/07/swahili-blonde-.html
- http://pitchfork.com/tv/#/musicvideo/7175-warpaint-stars-manimal-vinyl
- http://www.nme.com/video/bcid/86292154001/search/Warpaint
- http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2010/04/video-premier-patrick-park---youll-get-over.html