The process of creating this documentary started with something universally relatable and aggravating: a parking ticket.
Well, actually $800 worth of parking tickets.
Reed, co-director and narrator of the film, had his car booted and amassed so many tickets that he eventually made the hard decision to let go of his car.
Well, actually $800 worth of parking tickets.
Reed, co-director and narrator of the film, had his car booted and amassed so many tickets that he eventually made the hard decision to let go of his car.
After this painful experience, we decided we needed to make a movie about the PPA—The Philadelphia Parking Authority.
We gradually began interviewing friends and neighbors, intending to make a film about this hated organization. But to our surprise, the concept of “Car Brain” kept coming up.
We gradually began interviewing friends and neighbors, intending to make a film about this hated organization. But to our surprise, the concept of “Car Brain” kept coming up.
Car Brain
noun.
A condition suffered by someone who believes in the superiority of cars as a means of transport, who cannot conceive of alternatives to cars, who drives recklessly and does not understand the dangers of cars, and who generally does not empathize with anyone outside of a car.
noun.
A condition suffered by someone who believes in the superiority of cars as a means of transport, who cannot conceive of alternatives to cars, who drives recklessly and does not understand the dangers of cars, and who generally does not empathize with anyone outside of a car.
The film shifted gears so to speak and became an exploration of the crisis around car ownership in Philadelphia. We examined traffic violence, bike lanes, and the difficulties of sharing space in the city. Car Brain brings together Philadelphians from all walks of life to answer the question: how do we coexist?
We decided to shoot the project on mini-DV camcorders from the early 2000s (mainly the Sony PD-170, a favorite tool of skaters and video artists). This was both a budgetary and aesthetic choice. We loved the noisiness and vibrant colors of this older camera. It seemed to represent the spirit of Philadelphia, a place that is rough around the edges but contains undeniable warmth.
We hope this film speaks to you, wherever you live.
Love,
Matt & Reed