Inside the Tiny Cinema: How One Filmmaker Built His Own Microtheater & a Loyal Following

David B. Weaver, known to audiences as Davey B. Gravey, is redefining the cinematic experience – one tiny screening at a time. The filmmaker operates Tiny Cinema, a fully functioning movie theater built inside a solar-powered trailer, offering intimate showings of his short films to just four people at a time in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. What began as a film school experiment has blossomed into a unique, immersive art form, and Weaver is now seeking funding for his most ambitious project yet: a short film titled “HELLCAT.”

A Microcinema Born From Experimentation

Weaver’s journey to Tiny Cinema began during his time at Emerson film school, where he fell in love with the aesthetic of Super 8 filmmaking. He described the process as “magic,” enjoying the feeling of “living nostalgia.” This fascination led to experimentation with magnifying glasses and projectors, transforming amateur images into otherworldly vignettes. After graduating, Weaver returned to his hometown in Colorado and continued to hone his craft, working as a projectionist at Alamo Drafthouse while developing his unique vision.

The initial concept for Tiny Cinema arose from a canceled festival appearance in Oregon. A friend suggested building a temporary movie theater inside a horse trailer, which eventually evolved into a cargo trailer equipped with a real cinema. The project gained momentum in 2017 with the addition of solar panels, allowing it to operate entirely off-grid. The space itself is meticulously curated, featuring salvaged theater seats from the Boulder International Film Festival and a custom-built dimmer switch, reflecting Weaver’s playful and inventive approach.

The Gravey Persona and the Allure of Tiny Cinema

Weaver doesn’t just present films; he embodies a character, Davey B. Gravey, complete with spectacles and suspenders. This persona adds to the immersive experience, transforming each screening into a live performance. Guests are invited to choose from Weaver’s collection of silent short films, which are then scored live with musical instruments. The intimate setting and unique presentation have garnered a dedicated following, with word-of-mouth and social media driving attendance. As producer Jared Jacovich put it, “It’s so pure…That feeling doesn’t go away.”

Tiny Cinema’s appeal lies in its deliberate rejection of scale. Weaver aims to create an experience that is “less passive” and more akin to a live show, offering a unique blend of storytelling and performance. The trailer’s unassuming exterior belies the magical world within, creating a sense of discovery for those who stumble upon it in Sunset Triangle Plaza. Weaver’s commitment to the project is evident in the fact that he handles every aspect of each screening, from setting up the trailer to managing the energy of the audience.

From “Low Noon” to “HELLCAT”: A Growing Filmography

Weaver’s films have evolved alongside Tiny Cinema, reflecting his growing artistic confidence. “Low Noon,” his first short, was a slapdash Western riff born out of necessity. “Moonglow,” inspired by a family farm in Virginia, explored darker and more emotional themes. His 2023 film, “Up, Up and Away,” featured a real hot air balloon piloted by his father and relied entirely on music to tell its story. Each film showcases Weaver’s commitment to experimentation and his ability to create compelling narratives with limited resources.

Now, Weaver is turning to Kickstarter to fund “HELLCAT,” his most ambitious project to date. The Kickstarter campaign details plans for a practical car stunt shot on multiple Super 8 cameras and the inclusion of a real cat actor. The project represents a significant step forward for Weaver, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within the confines of Tiny Cinema.

The Business of Tiny: Funding and Future Plans

The Tiny Cinema operates on a donation basis, relying on the generosity of its audience to sustain itself. Weaver’s commitment to the project is underscored by his weekly presence in Sunset Plaza, where he sets up the trailer and welcomes guests. The success of the “HELLCAT” Kickstarter campaign will be crucial to realizing Weaver’s vision for the film, and Jacovich believes the project’s unique appeal will resonate with potential backers. “It doesn’t receive more independent than this,” Jacovich stated. “Seriously. Independently made, funded, distributed, exhibited. Everything.”

Weaver’s approach to filmmaking is a deliberate rejection of conventional industry norms. He prioritizes artistic freedom and direct engagement with his audience over commercial success. This commitment to independence is reflected in every aspect of Tiny Cinema, from its off-grid power source to its intimate screening space. The project serves as a reminder that creativity can thrive outside of traditional structures, and that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the smallest of spaces.

Catching a Screening

Davey B. Gravey’s Tiny Cinema can be found in Sunset Triangle Plaza in Los Angeles on Saturday nights. Details about upcoming exhibitions are available on the theater’s official website: graveystinycinema.com/exhibitions. Those interested in supporting the “HELLCAT” project can uncover more information on the Kickstarter campaign page: kickstarter.com/projects/daveybgravey/hellcat-five-lives-left.