How We Made This
Filmmakers be aware that stories can sometimes be in our own backyards-- such was the case with this piece... every Sunday evening, I would see members of the Buffalo Soldiers California motorcycle club tooling down Crenshaw Boulevard on beautiful Harley Davidson bikes. They were headed towards their clubhouse on Crenshaw and Jefferson and the bold yellow lettering saying Buffalo Soldiers just kept calling to me. I was intrigued by this group of riders who were named after the historic African American soldiers-- who escorted settlers through the West and fought valiant battles on behalf of the United States. Read more about the history of the original Buffalo Soldiers.
Buffalo Soldiers California is a tribute organization that serves the African American community by raising funds to treat diseases like Sickle Cell and breast cancer as well through events like the 'Blanket Run' which is an annual event that brings motorcycle clubs together in the Los Angeles area to collect blankets, socks and tee shirts for the homeless. Buffalo Soldiers California is a family organization with an intergenerational member roster and more female members than any other club in the state. The brothers and sisters of this organization encourage fellowship with the community and other motorcycle clubs through their weekly events, Taco Tuesdays and Soul Food Sundays.
This group of beautiful men and women welcomed me into their organization, club house and events for over two months-- and I am honored to know them and to have had the privilege of documenting their community and acts of charity. The title is an ode to the Bob Marley song.
I shot this piece on the Sony HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camera provided to SmogTV by BandPro. Additional footage, including most interviews were shot on my Canon GL1 sometimes using a cheap wired lavaliere from Radio Shack. Robert Kandle provided superior production support (one day on 3 hours sleep!) And sincere thanks to editor, Greg Cusamano who created the wonderful effects and did an overhaul polish on this final version. My friend and fellow artist, the talented Shania D. produced the smooth sounds of the intro and outro of the piece.
The continued support from the SmogTV family goes above and beyond any kind of bolster I've had for my art and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
