The Punk-Rock Projectionist of Tiny Cinema

In a unique corner of Los Angeles, David B. Weaver, known as Davey B. Gravey, is redefining the cinematic experience. Operating out of a solar-powered trailer, Tiny Cinema offers an intimate, almost magical, screening room for just four audience members at a time.

A Tiny Theater with a Big Vision

Each Saturday night in Silver Lake’s Sunset Triangle Plaza, Weaver opens the doors to Tiny Cinema, showcasing his short, silent films for a donation. The space, meticulously crafted, features checkerboard linoleum floors, vintage seats salvaged from a Boulder, Colorado theater, and custom-made glass sconces. A Super 8 projector displays films onto red velvet curtains, creating an immersive and nostalgic atmosphere.

From Film School to a Solar-Powered Cinema

Weaver’s journey began during his time at Emerson College, where he developed a fascination with Super 8 filmmaking. This passion led to experimentation with projection techniques, including using magnifying glasses to create unique visual effects. After graduating, he continued to hone his craft, working as a projectionist at Alamo Drafthouse and participating in film festivals.

The Evolution of Tiny Cinema

The concept of Tiny Cinema originated from a canceled film festival event in Oregon. Left with a finished short film and no venue, Weaver, with the aid of friends, transformed a horse trailer into a mobile cinema. By 2017, the trailer was equipped with solar panels, allowing it to operate entirely off-grid.

A Collaborative and Community-Focused Project

Tiny Cinema is not a solo endeavor. Producer Jared Jacovich, a longtime friend of Weaver’s, has been a consistent supporter, recognizing the unique vision from the beginning. Jacovich describes Weaver as “the embodiment of whimsy,” and believes the project’s success lies in its authenticity and intimate scale. The cinema’s design incorporates contributions from various friends and collaborators, from the oversized dimmer switch to the airbrushed lightning bolt on Weaver’s Tesla.

Current and Future Projects

Weaver’s filmography includes “Low Noon,” “Moonglow,” and “Up, Up and Away,” each exploring different themes and visual styles. He is currently fundraising for his most ambitious project yet, “HELLCAT,” which aims to feature a cat actor and a practical car stunt shot on multiple Super 8 cameras. The project is seeking $50,000 in funding conzit.com.

A Defiant Act of Independent Filmmaking

In an industry often dominated by large-scale productions, Tiny Cinema represents a defiant commitment to independent filmmaking and a unique connection with audiences. Weaver’s goal isn’t growth or expansion, but to maintain the intimacy and artistic integrity of his tiny cinema. As he puts it, “The point is to be tiny. That’s what makes it special.”

You can visit Davey B. Gravey’s Tiny Cinema in Sunset Triangle Plaza on Saturday nights in Silver Lake, Los Angeles from 6 p.m. To 10 p.m. conzit.com. Dates for special exhibitions are listed on the theater’s official website, and more info about the upcoming “HELLCAT” is available on Kickstarter.