Introduction to Moe Taylor and BrainDagger Films

Moe Taylor – IMDb

Moe Taylor, an emerging force in the world of independent filmmaking, has carved a distinctive niche for himself with his unique storytelling approach and visionary direction. With a passion for exploring deep, thought-provoking themes through the lens of compelling narratives, Taylor’s works have resonated with both critics and audiences alike. Whether he is searching the jungles of Central America on the hunt for psychedelic therapy with The Importance of Strange Perceptions or taking us on a trip from the subatomic level to the entire observable universe in As Organism he’s always on the pulse of cutting edge storytelling. As the founder of BrainDagger Films, Taylor has turned the company into a platform for innovative and experimental cinema that pushes the boundaries of conventional filmmaking.

BrainDagger Films, known for its bold approach to storytelling and production, has quickly gained recognition in the film industry with the resounding mission statement, STOP HATING PEOPLE BEFORE YOUB MEET THEM! The studio’s commitment to creating thought-provoking, genre-defying films and fighting the rampant waves of misinformation in the media today reflects its mission to challenge the status quo and offer new cinematic experiences. Under Taylor’s leadership, BrainDagger Films has produced projects that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually captivating, marking the company as a key player in the independent film scene. He is also the Festival Director for another creative outlet, The Peurto Aventuras International Film Festival in Mexico on the Riviera Maya.

The company’s biggest success, As Organism, the pilot episode of his ten-part documentary series on weird science and philosophy, Knowledge is Good, is a testament to the creative vision of both Taylor and his team. This groundbreaking film has garnered significant attention, including nearly 30 industry awards, marking a new chapter in the evolution of independent cinema. With its intricate narrative and compelling themes, As Organism has captivated audiences, leading to widespread critical acclaim. In this article, we delve into the making of As Organism, the innovative techniques behind it, and its impressive success in both critical and audience reception.

The Genesis of BrainDagger Films

The company’s biggest success, As Organism, the pilot episode of his ten-part documentary series on weird science and philosophy, Knowledge is Good, is a testament to the creative vision of both Taylor and his team. This groundbreaking film has garnered significant attention, including nearly 30 industry awards, marking a new chapter in the evolution of independent cinema. With its intricate narrative and compelling themes, As Organism has captivated audiences, leading to widespread critical acclaim. In this article, we delve into the making of As Organism, the innovative techniques behind it, and its impressive success in both critical and audience reception.

Moe Taylor’s passion for filmmaking began in his youth, inspired by classic films, documentaries and the art of storytelling. He attended film school at the Colorado Institute of Art while working in National parks as an adventure photographer during the summers (Mt. Rainier, Grand Tetons, Lake Powell). With those skills, he joined the Navy as a journalist and traveled the world filming news stories and gaining a larger cultural understanding of humanity on a global scale. He then went on to work as a producer for NBC, then moved onto freelance work. This passion for travel and exploration led him to establish BrainDagger Films, a volunteer run pro-bono company committed to producing innovative and challenging films. BrainDagger Films quickly became known for its unique approach to filmmaking, combining cutting-edge technology with profound narrative depth. Under Taylor’s leadership, the company has produced a series of successful films that have captivated audiences and critics alike. This vision attracted a talented team of creatives across the world who work with Moe as volunteers and share his passion, enabling the company to produce films that were not only visually stunning but also intellectually engaging at a low cost.

The Success of As Organism

As Organism is perhaps the most significant milestone in Taylor’s career. This film delves into the intricate relationships between individuals and their environments, presenting a narrative that is both compelling and intellectually stimulating. The film’s unique storytelling, combined with its innovative cinematography, has earned it critical acclaim and numerous awards. As Organism invites you to Join Rachel Sellers and Alan Watts for a journey in scale from the subatomic world to the edge of the cosmos as they open your eyes to the possibilities of the universe as a single organism. Discover the range of patterns that design the world around us and the mathematical properties inherent in the building blocks of everything we know.

Awards and Nominations

According to As Organism (Short 2021) – Awards – IMDb, As Organism has been nominated for and won several prestigious awards, including:

Best Documentary Short: Cannes World Film Festival

Best Web Series/ TV Pilot: Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles International Film Festival
Best Documentary Short: Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles International Film Festival
Best Editing: Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles International Film Festival

Best Producer: Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles International Film Festival
Best Documentary Short: Onyko Film Awards

Best Documentary Short/ Diamond Award: Mindfield Film Festival Albuquerque

Best Short Documentary (1st): Kosice International Monthly Film Festival

Best Documentary Short: Rameshwaram International Film Festival (RIFF)

Best Sound Design: Big Sur Film Festival

Outstanding Achievement Award/ Sound Editing: Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles International Film Festival

Nominee: Film Olympiad

Finalist: L’Age d’Or International Arthouse Film Festival (LIAFF)

Finalist: “Euro Fest” European International Film Festival

Finalist: Crown Wood International Film Festival

Finalist: Prague International Film Festival

Finalist: 4th Dimension Independent Film Festival

Honorable Mention: Indie Eye Film Awards
Honorable Mention: London International Film Festival

Official Selection: IndieX Film Fest

Official Selection: Anatolia Film Festival

Official Selection: Independent Shorts Awards
Official Selection: Best Shorts Competition
Official Selection: ISAAF, St. Petersburg Russia
Official Selection: Mabig Film Festival

Official Selection: Barcelona Internati0nal Film Festival

Official Selection: Aquarius Film Festival

These accolades highlight the film’s impact and Taylor’s exceptional talent as a filmmaker. The critical reception of As Organism has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its originality and visual brilliance.

Critical Reception

Critics have lauded As Organism for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to provoke thought and introspection. The film’s exploration of complex themes and its stunning visual aesthetics have made it a standout piece in the independent film circuit. Reviewers have noted Taylor’s skill in weaving intricate narratives that challenge conventional storytelling norms, making As Organism a repeat must-watch for cinephiles.

As Organism. IndyRed’s review of the short film, As Organism.

“In its most basic form, ‘As Organism’ is a documentary that ends up explaining its unusual name to its audience. Yet, there’s nothing basic about this short film – at all. This flick covers everything from world points of view and ecosystems within the atmosphere – to mother nature being just plain lazy; there’s a brain-busting wealth of information laid out in this fast-paced doc, for sure. As it was stated in the film, ‘As Organism’ could lead to an overload of the mind – but as long as you keep a little of what you’ve seen in the back of your head, your perception of things may forever be altered – even if only slightly.”

https://filmthreat.com/reviews/as-organism/

From BrainDagger films, Moe Taylor’s As Organism is a documentary short, shot in a visually over-stimulating MTV style that is hard to pull off and so easy to fail at. In Taylor’s case, he found the secret that makes it work. The writer and director starts from the microscopic and pulls back to a universal perspective.

As Organism | Independent Movie Review

Just as the universe is difficult to wrap your head around the sheer scale of it, I often feel like there are so many projects out there and that most of them are just retreads of stories, but apparently new takes on concepts are still out there to be found, and that is nice to know. To me this project was about the concept of everything macro needs the micro to exist just as much as the micro needs the macro to exist. Whether or not that’s the correct summation of what producer, director, writer Moe Taylor was going for, that’s what I came away with and think it’s a fascinating concept to ponder and expand on.

Snippets:

“As Organism is a blazingly fast documentary that takes its queues from the original Bill Nye the Science Guy show from the 90s and throws in a wallop of caffeine.”

“If you think a science documentary has to be super boring, think again… this short film is absolute proof of that.”

“If you want a great masterclass of how to edit for interest, As Organism would work wonderfully as a teaching tool but make no mistake, you just may find yourself lost in the film. I’m pretty confident that was the plan all along.”

“It’s loud, and it’s fun, and it also teaches you something.”

“The style is 100% catchy: thumbs up and four stars.”

“There is more non-human about you than what is actually human”

“This lower-budget short film has outdone plenty of the big guy productions I’ve seen from a technical standpoint.”

“As for the film in its entirety? Excellent. Very well done.”

“It has no problem keeping you hooked no matter what you believe.”

“As it was stated in the film, “As Organism” could lead to an overload of the mind – but as long as you keep a little of what you’ve seen in the back of your head, your perception of things may forever be altered.”

“There’s nothing basic about this short film – at all.”

“We are barraged with one video image after the other. It’s vibrant, colorful, and relentless.”

“Moe Taylor’s As Organism is a documentary short, shot in a visually over-stimulating MTV style that is hard to pull off and so easy to fail. In Taylor’s case, he found the secret, and it works.”

“There are so many projects out there and that most of them are just retreads of stories, but apparently new takes on concepts are still out there to be found, and that is nice to know.”

“Great job on the project and I am glad it looks like As Organism is being recognized for the quality project that it is.”

Personal Life 

Taylor’s personal life remains largely private, but it is known that his experiences and background have deeply influenced his work. His films often explore themes of identity, relationships, and the human condition, including his most recent work, The Glorious Spectacle of Human Programming. It’s a deep dive into why mankind is who we are, reflecting his own introspective nature and his understanding of complex emotional landscapes.

Early Influences and Inspirations

Taylor’s early life and experiences played a significant role in shaping his cinematic voice. Influenced by directors like Stanley Kubrick and Ingmar Bergman and writers like Stephen King, shows and articles by National Geographic and the decade of the 80s in general. Taylor developed a keen interest in travel, exploration and the weird along with the psychological and philosophical aspects of storytelling. These influences are evident in his work, which often delves into deep and sometimes dark themes, exploring the human psyche and societal norms.

The Impact of As Organism on Independent Cinema

The success of As Organism has had a profound impact on the independent film industry. The film’s innovative approach and critical acclaim have inspired other filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and explore new narrative techniques. Taylor’s work has demonstrated that independent films can achieve the same level of artistic excellence and critical success as mainstream cinema on an ultra-low budget with a lot of hard work, eager volunteers and know-how.

Influence on Filmmakers

Many emerging filmmakers cite As Organism as a major influence on their work. Taylor’s ability to blend visual innovation with deep, thought-provoking narratives has set a new standard for independent films. His success has encouraged others to pursue their creative visions, knowing that originality and innovation can lead to critical and commercial success. As Organism has also played a role in changing perceptions of independent films. Its success has shown that indie films can be just as impactful and high-quality as big-budget productions. This shift in perception has opened up new opportunities for independent filmmakers, leading to a more diverse and vibrant film industry.

Future Projects and Vision

Looking ahead, Moe Taylor continues to work on new projects that promise to further expand the horizons of independent cinema. His upcoming films are eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, who expect the same level of innovation and storytelling excellence that has defined his career thus far. Taylor has several projects in the pipeline, including a Spinal Tap style mockumentary featuring the legendary Cleveland lawyer Tim Misny, the king of billboards in northern Ohio. He is also working on an adaptation of The Viral Limit for the big screen. He wrote this dark scifi future view of mankind 20 years ago and is finally in a position to make his childhood dream of seeing in on the silver screen into reality. Each of these promise to bring something new and exciting to the table. These films are expected to continue his tradition of innovative storytelling and visual excellence, further cementing his status as a leading figure in independent cinema. He continues to focus on the core mission of BrainDagger Films pumping out promotions for small businesses, creatives and charitable organizations at no cost. Here is their mission statement.

BrainDagger Films is Moe Taylor’s pro-bono, Cleveland-based, film/television/music studio. We provide art for causes, events, non-profits, bands, businesses, etc., we find interesting, entertaining, or thought-provoking. We operate with the intention of helping people understand others they don’t get along with, nature, science, and the world around them. We hope to help eradicate the different realities we all seem to reside in. Misinformation has caused more death and destruction than anything else in the history of humankind! 

STOP HATING PEOPLE BEFORE YOU MEET THEM!!! 

Conclusion

Moe Taylor’s journey in the world of cinema is a testament to his passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From the founding of BrainDagger Films to the critical success of As Organism, Taylor has proven himself to be a visionary filmmaker with a unique voice. His work continues to inspire and challenge, leaving a lasting impact on the independent film industry. As Taylor and BrainDagger Films look to the future, audiences can expect more groundbreaking films that push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic artistry. As always they open to collaboration with any other like minded creatives less interested in money than making an impactful product.