Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Laitner.
Hi Blake, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, my story is like most indie filmmakers’: we make films and do whatever it takes to get the shot. Using all the tools and resources available to me. I have been fortunate to attend a film program called Film Connections, where I met another student named Hakym Reagan, who directed. I decided to produce my first short, “The American Dream,” after learning that the film program required students to make a film to complete it; I made one. Well, the film had some success and got into the “American Chinese Film Festival,” which my father, Morton Laitner, recognized, and we produced the award-winning short “The Stairs,” a story of my father as a 10-year-old boy listening on the staircase, watching and listening to my grandfather, Wolf Laitner, talking to Holocaust survivors about almost being gassed to death; my father here’s the same story 50 years later. Very powerful and personal piece of mind; it was showcased at “Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.” Along with many other film festivals all over the world. I also got to produce some music videos for rap artist “Def Davyne,” which music videos are a lot of fun. But let’s take a look at “We Need Rent Money,” an award-winning stoner comedy feature-length film available on Tubi and Prime Video. A story of 3 idiots who have 7 days to come up with rent. How I describe my movie as “Cheech and Chong meets Dumb and Dumber of indie films.” With a Mel Brooks-style comedy that doesn’t stop. Now let’s move to the present day: a sketch comedy show, because with producing a feature-length, let’s stop where the fun is in that called “Totally Mindblowing Show,” a new type of comedy show, where the audience dictates what the show is. The mission is to create a show “for the people, by the people, no AI involved. The pilot episode features a bunch of sketches; this show is not afraid to push the boundaries and feels like it is always improving. Episode One will feature my sketches along with 2 talented filmmakers, Matt Hewlett and Mike Schwab, content creators Christian Broeker and Landon Cash, music from Def Davyne, and animation from Brian Cattapan. We even have a very special sketch for you called “Magic School Bus Return” which Parody from the 90s animation and involves live action, hand animation from the talented Brain Cattapan even VFX team; it’s totally mind-blowing. Well, I’m reaching out to you, reader: if you are looking for free promotion on a wild show called the “Totally Mindblowing Show,” here’s your chance. Always say, “There’s always room on the Laitner Productions and Totally Mindblowing Show train; we may be heading into a mountain, but at least we’re heading somewhere.” Let’s create something bigger than all of us.
TotallyMindblowing.com
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles of being an indie filmmaker are real: getting a budget, cast, crew, props, location, and line producers is so much fun, but what isn’t? Making films right now, not just with a phone but with actual video production, is not easy. Well, filmmaking is a collaborative effort, but when it comes together, I call it “movie magic.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, when I’m not filmmaking, I’m working at Home Depot, paying my bills, and producing my show. Eventually, I’ll take a season of the “Totally Mindblowing Show” and pitch it to a network; it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll. What makes me different than others is that I like pulling off the impossible when people tell me I can’t.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I don’t have any mentor; just do it yourself is my motto. None can tell, you can’t do something special all it take is to have a great little production team, friends and family. Everyone needs some kind of support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TotallyMindblowing.com
- Instagram: Weneedrentmoney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMLHag1V7/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-laitner-834b232a?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@totallymindblowingshow?si=SFKCtjQpHoVZFETM
- Other: https://WeNeedRentMoney.com
