Filmmaker Tom Madigan understands that quality storytelling is not dependent on big budgets and high-tech gear. The Toledo-area native and graduate of Bowling Green State University made his first feature film back in 2001—a dramatic thriller titled The Darker Side of Romance—on a budget of just $150.
The essentially no-budget film was picked up for international DVD distribution in 2003, launching the then 23-year-old into the world of filmmaking. According to Madigan, “It was available in every Best Buy in North America for three or four years.” This early success prompted him to move to Hollywood. “I moved to LA with no job lined up and about $3,000 in the bank,” Madigan said.
Juggling Many Jobs
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After working for a short time at a video store, Madigan landed a job teaching English as a Second Language in night school. “This meant that I could write in the mornings or afternoons, and also pursue independent movie-making on the weekends,” he said. He has also done work as a freelance camera operator and editor. “For a while I was in high demand in LA to edit all kinds of video. Most people in LA, in show business, have many jobs,” he said.
Since moving to Hollywood, Madigan has written, directed, produced and edited about a dozen 8mm and digital short movies, as well as a “drive-in style” feature entitled Dead Doornails; “This was my second feature. It was shot in 2007 in Los Angeles, guerrilla style, for approximately $2,000.”
Will Tom Do Better In Toledo?
Madigan recently returned to the Toledo area to recuperate from west coast living. “I’m currently in the Toledo area awaiting my next assignment in LA, and writing a new thriller,” he said. On Saturday, June 28, at the Maumee Performing Arts Center (inside of Maumee High School), Madigan will host a showing of Dead Doornails. “It will screen to the public for only the second time ever,” he said. This event will also include his other short movies.
While back in Toledo, Madigan hopes to meet with aspiring filmmakers. “I would love to connect with anyone in the area interested in making, or already making, low-budget movies,” he said. “This is the primary purpose of the screening. Also, it will give you a good laugh.”
The short movies will run from 7-8pm, and the feature will run from 8:15pm-9:45pm on Saturday, June 28. Admission is $5 at the door. Free for public school teachers, librarians, and local fire and police officers. Recommended for adult audiences.
1147 Saco St., Maumee. MadiganFilms.com Some of Madigan’s films are available
on his youtube channel youtube.com/MadiganFIlms
