Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- "Being yourself is the best way to be." Joey Garfield emphasizes the importance of individuality and untraditional approaches in the professional sports world.
- "This is art...because I said so." Independent filmmaking thrives on breaking rules and defining art on personal terms.
- "Sometimes films make themselves." Serendipitous moments, like an unexpected cameo by Gary Trent Jr., highlight the magic of filmmaking.
In It's On Like A Pot Of Neckbones: Inside the Mind of Eric Collins, director Joey Garfield explores the unique and electrifying presence of Charlotte Hornets play-by-play announcer Eric Collins.
Collaborating with editor Tim Forster, Garfield captures Collins' distinctive process of handcrafting game boards, showcasing his creative expression.
With an intimate look at Collins’ life and work, Garfield brings this story to the HollyShorts Film Festival, eager to connect with like-minded filmmakers and sports enthusiasts.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make this film?
As a filmmaker, I’m drawn to the ways people express themselves creatively, especially through process-driven stories. Eric Collins embodies that spirit. We’ve known each other long before he became the play-by-play voice of the Charlotte Hornets. However, he never revealed to me that he still makes his game boards by hand. Once he shared that, I saw the film in its entirety and I couldn’t wait to pull viewers into that world.
What was surprising during the filmmaking process?
I was surprised by how welcoming the NBA was inside the stadiums. It's really a tight-knit community in there.
Is there a moment in the film that feels uniquely yours?
The Ping Pong scene! I knew we needed to include some personal moments at home with Eric and his kids. It can be tricky entering that dynamic and getting comfortable enough to shoot good footage. I knew his daughter Beatrice was a fierce competitor in Ping Pong, so I made sure to set up a match between her and her dad to warm things up. Both of them played to win. It was so much fun to film.
"Being yourself is the best way to be."
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope people gain a little insight into what it takes to be involved in professional sports and that how you do things may be untraditional but not wrong. Being yourself is the best way to be.
"This IS art...because I said so."
How has this film shaped your future storytelling?
I'm always reminding myself that even the simplest ideas become complex when you try to bring them to life—and that’s where the fun of filmmaking begins. The stories I want to direct keep circling around that simple idea of self-expression.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
I'm excited to participate in this wide range of films and talk future projects with like-minded folks. I like short films for what they are. I always get inspired watching other people's work, especially when it's projected in a theater.
"Sometimes films make themselves."
Main Cast and Crew Summary
- Eric Collins: Charlotte Hornets play-by-play announcer known for his unique voice and catchphrases.
- Dell Curry: Former professional basketball player and co-announcer.
- Ashley Shahahmadi: Sports host and reporter.
- Tim Forster: Editor, collaborated with Garfield using Frameio for production.
For more about Joey Garfield's work, visit joeygarfield.com.
