Robert Xavier Clark

Xavier Clark is the writer and director of "Black People Don't Tango;" a short film loosely adapted from his short story of the same name. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with professional experience in real estate, finance, and hospitality and is currently pursuing his juris doctorate. Creatively, Xavier hopes to option his feature-length screenplay for "Black People Don't Tango" and to work on additional projects in the future as a writer-director."
Your project has entered our festival. What is your project about? 
            The project, based on a short story I wrote, follows a highly competitive man on a journey of self discovery
             through mastering tango. It is a film that works to bust cultural stereotypes.
 
What are your ambitions with your project?  
               The project which has a feature film screenplay is looking for a studio or bigger production company to
           option and complete the project.  
 
       Tell us something about your shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?  
               We shot the project on a shoestring budget and in two weekends. I think the most surprising thing was I got the opportunity to work with both my parents. My father is in the lead as Dr. Walker and my mother as producer and a few extra roles I needed to fill quickly.  The speed and enthusiasm in which the tango and local community stepped up to assist in making sure the short was completed. Last, my  film editor, was there right when I needed him to help me shape the story I wanted to tell. He taught me so much!
 
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
The short is for mostly men who have been forced to learn to dance.
 
Why should distributors buy your film?
First we need a bigger production company to option the feature screenplay. The short was shot as a proof of concept that what we have
to offer is funny, inspiring and entertaining.

 
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
The project is a work of  comedy/fiction based on true events. What do empty nesters do when the last child leaves home. What does a man do when he has to confront something that he has avoided for years. Last,the dance known as tango which is said to originate in Argentina where there are no black people exists gets a new look in American culture.
 
Why did you decide to become a filmmaker? 
I have always loved to tell stories through written word, this leap seemed like the next likely step.


Who is your role model? 
Don't know if it's because Mother's Day is so close but I have to say my mom.

             She encouraged me by going out on a limb to get this project out of my head on paper and into stage 2 of
               what I see now has many possibilities. She never says do or die, just do it!  
 
Which movies are your favorites? Why? 
Lord of The Rings ranks high because it brings together a diverse group of which each person has something he must overcome as he fights for something bigger than himself.

                 
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?  
Real life and reading many different genres of literature.

 
Which topics interest you the most? 
Topics regarding the human condition and social justice

 
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?  
The fact that as I write I am completing my last year at Stetson Law School.

 
What do you consider most important about filming? 
Having the best team available! there is no sure thing as a solo film maker, it takes many eyes, hands and levels of skill to pull off even a short film.

 
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best? 
 I did not attend film school so I would have to say...the one that gives the director what he envisioned.

 
       What is your opinion about current filmmaking?  
It's a crazy business! One needs focus to start and
 complete a project and did I mention a great team?
 
What can disappoint you in a movie?
Bad editing, Editing is what prepares a movie to be  worth watching for viewers, it is also where the story and all involved with its telling can see what made it into the film. When done poorly, it can result in confusion as to what the film was about even why it was made.
 
   Who supports you in your film career?
My family, friends and others who I have met along my journey into making films.
But I have to say it is the viewers who take the time to watch what I have created are my biggest supporter

Black People Don’t Tango

A African American man learns to tango after a trip to Argentina.
Based on a true story.

Learn more at IMDB