Interview: Cody Broadway

Cody, thank you for making yourself available for this interview at The Critical Movie Critics. So was it easy to create this noteworthy short documentary about this specific Austin high school football team given your Texas-bred origins and your home state’s affinity for football? Or was it more challenging than you originally thought especially given the spin of championing the hearing impaired footballers involved?

Thank you so much for this opportunity! This project was far from easy. Having to learn a new langues during filming was challenging, I learned a lot, and much some amazing people along the way. If I had the chance to do it all over again I would! I have a great love for the sport of football, but in this film is comes second. The main story is about the people and this amazing school.

What was your motivation for venturing into the realm of these young remarkable deaf gridiron players?

I wanted to help shine light on something good and unknown. This school has been around for years, but no one ever speaks of them or know what they are about. I wanted this film to be a voice for the school and all those involved. Overall, I wanted to tell an inspiring story that touched people, and make them realize no matter what or who you are, you can do whatever you put your mind to.

Cody, you stated that putting together “4 Quarters of Silence” was both a blessing and a joy. So can you pinpoint the one main element about your short documentary that expresses that “blessing and joy” you so enthusiastically stated previously? Is it about the hearing impaired athletes that scream volumes of inspiration and determination? Is it about the universal appeal of Texan football in general that incidentally embraces unconventional football players such as the Rangers? Please elaborate.

Doing this project I learned so much. The joy was being around people that just loved everything about life. I think we get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget the little things. The school, athletes, and parents showed me what true joy of life was. It’s the little things. Coach Moore was such a loving character, and always had a smile on his face. After shooting I felt good about myself and excited to share this loving and caring story.

How did the TSD Rangers first come to your attention as the basis for developing “4 Quarters of Silence” as an endearing endeavor to undertake for your creative vision?

Driving into Austin often I would notice this school, but never really knew what it was about. The school was beautiful with a track, gym, football, and baseball field. The Texas School for the Deaf was posted up outside of the campus. I had so many questions, so I did a little bit of research. I came across information on the football team and was fully inspired by it! High school football in Texas is King even for TSD. I noticed they played 9 hearing teams during the regular season. That brought up many questions for myself. How do they communicate on the field? Do they have an advantage or disadvantage against a hearing team? After meeting with the school about the idea for a documentary I felt lead to tell this story. I’m so thankful they trusted me with it all!

How can movie viewers look out for the release of “4 Quarters of Silence”? Plus, is there a way where anyone can contact you to provide feedback or learn more about your film project?

Today, we are launching our new Facebook page (4 Quarters of Silence). There we will keep everyone updated about screenings and upcoming events and festivals. If anyone has any questions about the project they can contact me directly at codybroadway [@] gmail.com or visit my website www.codybroadway.com.

So Cody is “4 Quarters of Silence” your first film project? Also, can you discuss any upcoming film projects that you might be working on at this current time?

Thankfully I have had the opportunity to work on different projects in the past. This is my 3rd documentary. Last year I realized a scripted short called “She Rides Bulls” that did very well in the film festival circuit. Currently, 4QOS, and my family is my main focus. Trying to get this film in front of eyes is the difficult part. This is a story I’m proud and excited to share.

What factors shape your decision to tackle the subject matters that appeal to you when approaching a film project?

There’s no money in doing something like this. It’s a lot of work, and takes time away from my family. The project has to really speak to me and inspire me. I only want to tell stories that people get something out of. I feel my purpose in this life is to inspire people to live life to the fullest. That’s the stories I really want to tell. I want people to walk out feeling better about life.

Do you have a particular filmmaker or film that you were influenced by that encouraged you to become a filmmaker yourself?

I’m a big fan of Jared Leto’s filmmaking. I love the way he tackles directing and telling stories. He’s real big into indie work and telling stories that normally wouldn’t be in headlines. That’s the filmmaker I want to be. I want to tell stories people don’t normally think about.

What advice do you have for young filmmakers to pursue their dream of shooting an independent film and/or documentary regardless of the pain or pleasure in doing so?

Just do it. You can sit around waiting for that “phone call,” or you can go out and do it. A lot of times I have to create my own opportunities. I’m a kid from West Texas that no one knows. So, I’ve had to make my own opportunities. The other thing is do what you want to do. Tell the stories that inspire you. Don’t do it because you think others will like it. Do you and things will slowly fall into place.

Cody, do you have any preference of genre that excites you when overseeing your film projects? For instance, do you favor the sports genre given the presentation of your gridiron gem “4 Quarters of Silence” or are you open-minded to other kinds of themes as you look to make more movies?

I favor life and stories that inspire me to do more creatively spiritually, or just do more at being a better person. I want to walk away from a film feeling something deep down inside. That is what makes a good story. Something that makes me not only think, but feel.

Cody, do you have any other thoughts on filmmaking in general that has impacted you either positively or negatively?

I just want to tell more stories, that inspire people. I hope this isn’t my last project, but if it is I’m very proud and blessed to be able to tell it!

Well Cody it has been a pleasure getting your perspective on things and here is to wishing you great success on “4 Quarters of Silence” and other future film projects that you may pursue.

Thank you so much sir! I wish you and your family a great upcoming holiday season. I’m truly blessed and thankful for this opportunity sir.