Introducing a Real Change vendor as an idea instead of a real person, Todd Gardiner failed to acknowledge the reality of a hardworking vendor, which is why we’re here.
Mr. Gardiner was featured in last week’s issue (“Short film featuring Real Change wins SIFF People’s Choice Award,” RC, June 20, 2012). He received praise for the short film he made, which included an actor posing as a Real Change vendor. Briefly mentioned in the story was how he came across an actual vendor, who “claimed the spot they were filming as his selling turf.”
Well, that vendor was me, Isaiah John, and Mr. Gardiner’s claim to not want to have me travel around the city for a daylong shoot is totally false. In fact, anyone shopping at Whole Foods knows I am the most theatrical vendor out there and would have leapt at the chance to be a part of this short film. Alas, they saw fit to ignore me. One member of the film crew even went so far as to say, “This is not about you,” with a cold glare.
I was stunned. For two years I have stood on that corner, selling papers and entertaining people all day. Now, out of the blue, thanks to Mr. Gardiner, Real Change at Whole Foods on Westlake is “not about me.” Well, have I got news for you, Mr. Gardiner and crew: Real Change is most definitely about me and all the vendors out there working hard to make it happen. Vendors are not standing around like zombies in your film, but real people. Here’s a tip: Next time you make a fictional film on a factual subject, do it in a place that doesn’t directly insult the people you are trying to exploit. Reading more than four to five papers a year might also help wrap your mind around this concept. As for my readers, fans and Real Change staff, let’s just keep it rocking!
Isaiah John | Vendor No. 11125