John Wilson’s Concrete Film Journey
Filmmaker John Wilson’s first feature, The History of Concrete, began with a surprising gift of sidewalk tiles from Barcelona. The film follows Wilson’s exploration of concrete’s role in everyday life, his low‑budget production journey, and his unique approach to storytelling.
By Felo News Desk · Published
When filmmaker John Wilson was touring his new feature, The History of Concrete, across Europe, a simple act of generosity set the project on a path that would become a quirky odyssey. A group of friends in Barcelona handed him a slab of sidewalk concrete that had been ripped from the street, and Wilson found himself flying that heavy piece from Barcelona to Warsaw, joking that it felt like contraband. The Polish airline didn’t weigh his bag, allowing him to arrive with a literal block of the material he was about to film.
Concrete gifts have become a running joke in Wilson’s life. He now has a backyard in Ridgewood, Queens, decorated with slabs, and a coffee table that doubles as a miniature sculpture. “I don’t want to discourage anyone from giving me more concrete, but just try to be mindful about how far away I am from home,” he quips. His low‑budget theater, Low Cinema, in Ridgewood, has become the ideal spot for delivering such dense bounties.
Why Concrete? The Spark Behind the Film
Wilson’s interest in concrete began in a very personal way. While working on a project for the Writers Guild strike, he enrolled in the only class offered: how to write and sell a Hallmark movie. The instructor outlined the Hallmark brand’s pillars—aspiration, escapism, love, and inspiration—adding that “trauma is fine if it ends on a high note.” During the class, the foundation of Wilson’s own house started to crack and his basement flooded, prompting a fascination with the material that surrounds us so often yet remains invisible.
He realized that concrete is everywhere: from the sidewalks he walks on to the buildings that house our lives. “It’s embarrassing to know so little about something that occupies so much of your visual environment,” he says, as the camera pans over a freshly paved street. This curiosity turned into a mission to create a feature-length documentary that would explore concrete’s history, uses, and cultural significance.
From Class to Film: A Low‑Budget Adventure
Wilson’s journey to a feature film was anything but conventional. He traveled to Rome, Astoria, and even a 3,100‑mile race in Queens, all in pursuit of funding and footage. He attended a Las Vegas concrete convention, a rock concert, and countless other events, all while keeping the production budget minimal. The film is an extension of his earlier HBO docuseries, How To With John Wilson, where he examined everyday topics such as scaffolding and spontaneity.
What ties these disparate adventures together is Wilson’s signature style: placing himself in unusual situations with a rotating cast of characters. He treats each scene like a piece of a collage, playing mental mini‑games to keep the narrative engaging. “I always have these mini games that I’m playing in my head,” he explains, noting that he replaces passive phone consumption with active creative choices.
Marketing, Funding, and the Final Release
Wilson is notoriously shy about press, preferring to focus on the craft. However, he recognizes the necessity of marketing. Early in the film’s development, he sought advice from actor Michael Imperioli on securing financing. Imperioli’s counsel was simple: keep the project inexpensive. Wilson later reflected that “when someone doesn’t want something that I’m making, that is the hottest fire that I can put under myself.”
After completing the film, Wilson partnered with Magnolia Pictures for distribution. The movie premiered at Low Cinema, where he half‑joked that he had built the theater just in case the film never found a distributor. Now, The History of Concrete is playing in theaters nationwide, offering audiences a fresh look at a material that underpins modern life.
Wilson’s intimate, homegrown approach has resonated with viewers who crave authenticity in a media landscape that often feels over‑produced. By turning a simple gift of sidewalk tiles into a feature film, he has highlighted the everyday significance of concrete while showcasing his unique storytelling voice.
What’s Next for Wilson?
While the film is now in theaters, Wilson remains open to future projects that explore the mundane with a fresh perspective. He continues to collect concrete slabs, perhaps for a future installation or a new documentary. His journey reminds us that even the most ordinary materials can inspire extraordinary stories.
Key facts
- Wilson’s first feature began with a gift of sidewalk concrete from Barcelona
- The film explores concrete’s history and everyday presence
- Production was low‑budget, with Wilson traveling to diverse locations
- He used Hallmark class principles to shape the narrative
- Michael Imperioli advised keeping the project inexpensive
- The film is now distributed by Magnolia Pictures and playing in theaters
Why it matters
John Wilson’s film turns an overlooked building material into a cultural exploration, demonstrating how everyday objects can reveal deeper stories about our built environment.
Frequently asked questions
What inspired John Wilson to make a film about concrete?
A personal experience with a cracked house foundation and a gift of sidewalk tiles sparked his curiosity about the material’s ubiquity.
How did Wilson fund the film?
He kept production costs low, followed advice to stay inexpensive, and secured distribution through Magnolia Pictures.
Where can I watch the film?
The History of Concrete is currently playing in theaters nationwide and will be available on streaming platforms later this year.
Sources
- [1] vogue.com — originally reported as “John Wilson Is Still Shocked That ‘The History of Concrete’ Got Made”
