Blast N Scrap launches new film program

B42s organizer Jamal Page poses with posters planning the group's future.

Fort Collins-based Blast N Scrap has launched a new program focused on film production. Local filmmaker Jamal Page is working with the indie music incubator to educate local artists on filmmaking and videography.

The project will focus on giving back to Northern Colorado’s arts community while allowing newcomers to gain experience working in film and videography. Page, who founded and serves as creative director of Black Sparrow Media LLC, wants people to learn while working with the B42s.

“We want the main takeaway from everything we do to be an education purpose,” Page said at the B42s launch event December 19.

Page initially got the idea for what would become the B42s while putting together the Summer of Shorts in early 2020. When the pandemic forced him to change up his initial plans, Page was able to direct his energies into working with Blast N Scrap.

Plans for the B42s include producing advertisements for local nonprofits and businesses, music videos for acts working within the larger Blast N Scrap ecosystem and short documentaries on subjects important to participants. Blast N Scrap founder Michael “Blasti” Gormley says the program will focus on inclusivity in the larger arts environment.

“We pride ourselves on being part of a community, not a scene,” Blasti said.

While the B42s will focus on short videos, one project in the background will be a horror B-movie written by Blasti. As the collective grows, its priorities could also end up changing, Blasti said at the launch event.

“Being on the ground floor doesn’t mean we dictate what to do,” Blasti said.

The future of the B42s will be shaped by the needs of its participants, Jamal Page says. As more people are recruited, the group will have a greater impact, which will drive more recruitment.

“It’s just gonna grow from here,” Page said.

Page and Blasti plan for the B42s to meet every Monday at the Art Lab in Fort Collins, with alternating virtual discussions and in-person production days. The next B42s meeting is set for 6 p.m. January 9 at 239 Linden St. in Fort Collins.