For the past 26 years, genre aficionado Keith Crocker has been entertaining the Long Island film-loving community from the comfort of his lecture post; now, he’s gearing up to film his third feature film – and first in over a decade.
Whether he is waxing poetic on silent film star Buster Keaton, the impact of Spaghetti Westerns on all successive moviemaking, or, as he will on Saturday, February 5, the timeless comedy of Abbott and Costello, Crocker is without a shadow of a doubt the most passionate in the room. That is, of course, until his infectious recall of all-things film history starts to rally those on hand to match his enthusiasm and promptly begin planning the next event of his they will attend.
Starting out as a “Guy Friday” for a Nassau County movie theater owner some thirty years ago, Crocker, now 56, first burst into his industry unconventionally – working film projection for kids’ parties by day, and helping with auditorium maintenance and renovations by night.
When someone contacted his librarian wife, Christina, about an opportunity for him to host a film presentation, he didn’t hesitate. Three decades later, he is still completing the same beloved popup work Island-wide – having also taught film for the Adult Education Departments of Nassau Community College and C.W. Post’s Hutton House along the way.
Throughout his teaching career, Crocker has noted that out of an average of about “20-25 students per class,” two or three typically have a tendency to follow-up beyond the classroom.
Of these select few, Crocker has seen some even older than he go on to enter contests with original dramatic works. Another student, whom he had once taken under his wing, ultimately landed herself in contention for a “Best Screenplay” award at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Not all are going to do it; when a lot of them run into the frustration factor, and see how difficult it is to make films, the bulk of them tend to pull out. They think it’s the reality; but it doesn’t have to be.”
“(Aspiring filmmakers) always have to remember: if you have drive and desire, follow it,” Crocker urged. “Get your film made. Do not believe you have to spend a ton of money on it. Do not believe you have to mortgage something. You can make films on pennies. You have to be creative enough, too. When you interpret your stories cinematically, you have to think about the options to keep the expense from growing. If you really want to get something made, you’re going to get it made. But you have to have a drive that’s beyond just an interest.”
He added, “It’s too easy to duck out. So one of the ways to make yourself follow through: announce it to the public. Tell the world it’s coming. Because once you make it an obligation, it slowly becomes the reality you didn’t think was attainable. Don’t keep it private; get it out there.”
For filmmaking hopefuls, Crocker is there as the constant reminder that age is no limitation on your dreams so long as you don’t allow it to be. And for the purely movie-appreciating masses fed up with being cooped-up in their homes, oh, does Crocker have reel remedies for you.
To join Crocker’s presentation mailing list, contact [email protected]. Subscribers will be notified about all upcoming programming events.
Wednesday, January 26 – 1 p.m. (in-person) Bryant Library Nightmare Alley (1947) (screening)
Friday, February 4 – 1 p.m. (virtual) Bryant Library “60 Seconds of Thrills and Chills”
Saturday, February 5 – 1 p.m. (in-person) Smithtown Library, Kings Park Branch “Abbott and Costello”
Friday, February 11 – 1 p.m. (virtual) East Meadow Library A Cold Night’s Death (1973) (screening)
Friday, February 18 – 1 p.m. (in-person) Bryant Library Out of the Past (1947) (screening)
