Marta Torres - Interview
Marta Torres is an actress, producer, director, photographer, writer and also a law teacher, with masters in bioethics. She studied acting in Bahia and film making in the Darcy Ribeiro Cinema School, and worked in some short films and theatre plays in Brazil and Germany. Her first independent short film has received some awards in Los Angeles, Paris, New York, Dubai and some other festivals all over the world.
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/ screenplayer?
After a therapy ten years ago, when I was asked to rescue my dreams when I was a child.
How did your family react?
My mom and dad at least went to watch me on some theatre plays, it’s still challenging for them to accept it
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
Bette Davis, Giulietta Masina, Charles Chaplin. In Brazil I could say many, specially in Bahia, where I used to go to theatre a lot in the past years and I have many real inspirations.
Who's your biggest fan?
I feel my teachers and directors, because they somehow trusted me more than I did.
What brings you inspiration the most?
When something intrigues me a lot, then a story comes to my mind so I can deal with this feeling. It’s when I creat the process. As an actress, all characters I played were an invitation to find that feelings inside myself. I am lucky to find great characters to learn with.
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
I would love to be in an Almodóvar’s and Tarantino’s movie. I want to act (in nice plays of course) and direct as much as I can in this lifetime. When I find the producer, also I want to keep directing my own films, and I promise to show the world great actors I know.
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
The Hobbit, for example, I loved the book and the movie was also a great adventure, two different amazing ways of telling a good story. “Better” it’s hard to find, “different” I would say.
What's the movie that taught you the most?
“Rashomon” by Kurosawa is a metaphysical movie, a class of how the same history can be told in different ways and be considered true by using images in movement and audio combined. I also like to mention “Acossado”, by Rui Guerra, a great movie made by a great teacher and director..
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
And how would I live after? And what to do with the ideas that knocks my head telling me “give me life”?
On set what excites you the most?
The opportunity of hanging around amazing people who bets some time of their life’s to create a piece of art that we are all there doing it but having no clue how it will be in the end.
And what scares you the most ?
Showing myself. I’m an artist to face this fear and to overcome it.
What's your next project?
Keeping the path: I prefer talking about the past. The future is: invite me and then we see how it goes. Im opened to the unpredictable. I’m now working on my theatre monologue and taking some master acting class with Ivana Chubbuck in Los Angeles, let’s see what’s next.
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?
Just the scene of Elizabeth Taylor receiving a massage in “Cleopatra”. I’m fine with my way, I’m doing my best and I avoid comparing myself to someone else.
An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....
Dreams. That’s a Shakespeare’s quote: “we are made of such stuff dreams are made on”.
For you Cinema is....
Love. And love is a craziness.
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
Yes! My second shortfilm I brought this concept, mixing with some natural degrees of brown-yellow. I love old movies so I see clearly we still can do black and white movies and impact as much as a colored story..
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
It’s like asking runners if they want to win the marathon: they will say yes I want to win, although they run for the pleasure of running and challenging themselves. The goal is making or acting in movies that touches people’s heart. I focus more in the path and every festival I get a recognition, it makes me happy, comforts me by knowing people got the message.
Do you think you're gonna win it?
Im sure Brazil deserves an Oscar. We are a mix of so many different cultures, the world deserves to know us more. Future is unpredictable, I’m concentrated in the magnificent and whatever comes, I’ll be grateful.
Raey Ang - Interview
Raey is an award winning Toronto-based writer, director and producer. She understands the need to have one foot in the "show" and the other in the "business". Her best known work to date are AXIS and Reprise, both award-winning films in international festivals, winning her accolades for both the films as well as her directing. Her background in production design and screenwriting are just some of the strengths in her directing arsenal. She seeks to tell universal truths in her distinct visual style and inimitable artistic voice
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night and Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut/Clockwork Orange
Who is your biggest influence?
Ingmar Bergman for cinematic influences but I like being inspired from different people and different art forms. My films often integrated elements of other arts form e.g. theatre, painting, for this reason.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
Financial concerns are the biggest for any indie filmmaker I feel. While I have made very low budget shorts before and told a story I want to tell that way, it is hard to not feel limited by your lack of budget in this economy...
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
Not really but there is a common element of absurdism in my work that I have noticed, and I think it's just a result of how I find humour in dark places.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
Skeleton Twins by Craig Johnson is a well-told story between two siblings told in such a well way. Overall as a movie there is no one aspect I can nitpick and has been a strong guiding map in terms of "how to tell a story properly" to me.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
In terms of actors I would love to work with Olivia Colman and Michelle Yeoh. In terms of crew, I would like to work with the Production Designer for Shang-Chi and The Favourite, as well as several other notable cinematographers and technicians from the films I love.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
Sebastian Vettel is my all-time favourite Formula 1 driver.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
My sibling, Lyndon.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker?
That my films are not perfect because I will never be, but that is okay. They may not be perfect, but they are mine. And that’s what matters.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
As difficult as the first step always is, I think sustainability is much harder.
What keeps you motivated?
Making films is my everything. It is less of a motivation and more of a need. I don’t need to be motivated to make films. I need to be motivated to stay in my life so that I can continue to be alive to make films, ya know?
How has your style evolved?
I like to think my style has gotten more sophisticated, albeit still as colourful and experimental.
On set, the most important thing is:
Your team. I am nothing without my team. Having a team that believes in your project along with supporting you as the director.... It is pure magic.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
Hopefully, the next one.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
I am currently working on my first narrative short film and the challenges it pose are new, hence the most challenging.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
Long term, I want to make my own version of Wild Tales - a feature length film that is seven short films stitched into one. Short term, I am starting by making my first narrative short film, Clouded.
It is about a man who goes about making some very overdue apologies, spurred on by his childhood best friend, Puffers the cloud.
How can we find you on Socials?
Instagram: @thatfighterjet
Instagram for my film Clouded: @afilmcalledclouded
Veronika Esslinger - Interview
Veronika Esslinger is an actress, director, and author with a sensitive instrument. She has the ability to embody complex characters learned from Lee Strasberg; Method acting technique. In Berlin, she took part in several film projects, television series, and short films, in which she was awarded Best Actress (The Shangri-La) Best Thriller (The Other Side), Best Horror, and Best Screenplay (Nameless).
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?
From a young age, I wanted to be an actress and I loved writing, but of course, I didn't take it seriously at the time and didn't pursue it further. It was the first time that I was in Los Angeles, I met interesting people from the entertainment industry who really inspired and motivated me to go my own way as an actress. It was always my dream, so to speak. So, I started writing my first book with someone. Call it fate, I don't believe in coincidences.
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?
Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet were definitely big influences. I was mesmerized by the modern interpretation of the piece and the artist's portrayal on the canvas. I've always had a great imagination and been a visionary, with the idea of one day creating something big and artistic that inspires people and is remembered. Furthermore, I also noticed Wes Craven's Scream, and I think it stands out from all the films in the genre with its clever plot.
Who is your biggest influence?
I get inspiration from different genres and films, but Baz Luhrmann's style has influenced me the most artistically.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
The first challenge was of course the location and making the decision in advance which project I would like to shoot. When I made the intuitive decision and the location was there, I also had in mind the right actress who would be a perfect fit for this script.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
I prefer thrillers/crime/drama and even horror if the story has a psychological basis. I've always found it interesting to impersonate roles and make films that have a wide range and variety and have a psychological background.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
There are quite a few, but I would say “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, by David Fincher. I find the film and the book by Stieg Larsson brilliantly written and exciting to the end.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
Baz Luhrmann, David Fincher.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
I once wanted to be an interior designer.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
My coach, actress, and author from Berlin. When I first met her in Berlin, she encouraged and motivated me to pursue my acting career. She believed in my talent and still does now, I'm truly grateful to her for that. That gave me the strength and the will to continue on this path and to believe in my potential as an actress.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?
It is an individual path that you follow as an artist, and you know that it is not an easy path. Of course, you have to establish yourself as a filmmaker/actor/screenwriter and make a name for yourself and never give up, no matter how difficult the path will be. You also have to take criticism and be able to use it positively in your development as a filmmaker/actor/screenwriter, and always keep going and working hard on your career and believing in yourself and your abilities.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to compete to
do either?
It's hard to start, but I think even harder to keep up over time and maintain or surpass the success. When you start, it's very difficult, but you're still full of energy and motivation. You have a clear goal in front of your eyes, then you realize along the way that of course unpredictable things will come the way that you have to overcome, and you should still stay motivated to keep going.
What keeps you motivated?
It motivates me when I receive an award for a project and when I can face new challenges, whether it's challenging roles or new scripts I'm writing. When I'm on a great set with international actors and I feel the energy on set. This inspires and motivates me to keep going.
How has your style evolved?
I see myself as a visionary. My style covers a wide spectrum and consists of many directions. I also think my style is very versatile. Of course, I notice that I am developing increasingly with each additional project.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
I shot at night, seven days in a row. That required some adjustment. Another project that was very challenging was when I played a mentally ill woman who was manic depressive. It was challenging but at the same time interesting to play such a role.
On set, the most important thing is:
The chemistry and collaboration of the team, director, and actors with each other.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
A difficult question because I'm proud of every project and have developed artistically through every project. Everything has contributed to my development as an actress/filmmaker/screenwriter and allowed me to grow and expand my skills.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
I'm just starting to make a horror film. The long-term career goals are to continue to develop great films, to embody diverse characters and roles, to constantly develop as an artist and to show my potential through interesting characters.
Your next projects?
A TV series is in production. Another seven projects are in development. Three TV series and four films. I am happy and very excited.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our readers could keep track of
your career.
Instagram: veronika_esslinger
IMDB: imdb.me/VeronikaEsslinger
Zsolt Pozsgai - Interview
Zsolt began his career in the theatre and has written nearly a hundred dramas, most of them directed by himself. His works have been performed in theatres in Europe, Asia and America. He is the best-known Hungarian author in foreign theatres. In addition to his theatre activities, he has been writing screenplays and directing films for twenty years. His filmography includes scripts for TV series – meaning nearly two hundred completed scripts – as well as award-winning feature films. His feature film on Vilmos Zsolnay, THE LOVER OF THE SOIL debuted at the category “A” Goa International Film Festival /India/. After 14 films, for the last 147 awards.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a filmmaker/screenwriter?
I went from writing poetry to film through theatre. And it's legitimate. After high school I consciously prepared myself for this career. I thought I needed to know real life up close. So I've worked in ambulances and hospitals, been a village teacher, a driver at the post office, sang in nightclubs, and much more. Like James Bond, I've learned about life 'in the field'. To get as much experience as possible. Antonioni, the brilliant film director, said that he would never let anyone direct a film under the age of fifty. He also thought first and foremost of gaining experience. I wrote poetry first, and when that wasn't enough, the theatre came along. In thirty years I wrote 134 plays, all but one of which were produced in theatres in Hungary or abroad. Some of my plays have been performed in 26 languages all over the world, and new ones are still being produced. And when theatre was no longer enough for self-expression, then came film. In 2006, I made my first feature film, a poetic film about a poet who was murdered at a young age. We were shooting a real film then, with a big crew. But it was not without precedent, because before that I had written scripts for film directors, for television series. I got to know the business very well. Since my first film, I have written and directed 15 films, including feature films, television films and documentaries. And I haven't forgotten the lessons of poetry or theatre while making films. I think a good film has the most to do with poetry, even if it is a comedy. And in the theatre I learnt how to lead actors, which is very important for film. And I've got to the point where my latest film has won 147 awards all over the world. I am a happy creative person. And with a happy family background, that's the most important thing.
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker/screenwriter?
When I was a child, we used to go to the cinema all the time. Many people in former communist countries think that only Russian films were shown in cinemas. This is not true, European and American cinema was present in our lives in Hungary. I was particularly influenced by Italian films. Especially the films of Dino Risi, "White Phones" is a basic film for me. But the whole Italian generation of the seventies and eighties amazed me. Yes, I learned most from the golden age of Italian cinema. But it was then that we were introduced to the wonderful work of Bunuel, and it was then that the Space Odyssey, a huge army of fantastic American actors, now old but then just starting out, appeared. In essence, the American film industry is still alive today because of them. But I was very influenced by Scandinavian cinema. And because film was so popular all over Europe, of course there were great Hungarian film directors, and Pál Sándor's films made the biggest impression on me. And modern music cinema also came out, ALL THAT JAZZ is also a basic film for me. But I love all films that are written and directed with talent and humanity.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
For me, filmmaking is not a challenge, it's a very serious game. A great actor once said to me while directing: you are like a child in a toy shop. The challenge is to make what I wrote in the script come true in the directing. That's why I direct the film from my scripts. To make what I dreamed while writing become reality. I am very happy to be able to do that. In this respect, I prefer independent film, because no financial interest, no greedy producer can interfere. And no one can tell me what cast to work with. And since the most important element of filmmaking is to choose the right actor, I tend to stick to that. So far I haven't gotten many millions of dollars for any of my films, because you have to make a lot of compromises. This is a seeming contradiction in terms. Big budget film - big compromises, small budget film - small compromises. It sounds strange, but it is true. For me, directing is not a challenge, but a free flight of imagination. It makes you feel like you can fly. Is there a more wonderful feeling?
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
Childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, adulthood - your favourite film is always different. As I mentioned earlier, my favourite films of my youth are linked to the work of Dino Risi. Later on, ALL THAT JAZZ was my favourite, because through music and dance it told us so much about the lives of artists, their tragedies, the contradictions of artistic existence itself. Besides art films, I have always loved James Bond films until the last one, which I think has been spoiled. My last great experience was the film ELVIS, amazing professionalism in direction, editing, acting. But there is one film that I do pick up from time to time and when I want to relax, I watch it again and again, maybe few people know it: BURN AFTER READING, the Coen brothers' film. This film is another wonderful mix of the absurd and comedy that always entertains.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
I would love to work with Monica Bellucci and Anthony Delon, separately or even together.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
Because I write so many dramas and screenplays, people think I write easily, that everything comes so easily. That's not true. I wrote and still write all my dramas and screenplays in a writers' workshop in Hungary, in a mixture of joy and pain, almost in the midst of childbirth agony. No one can be there with me, no one can see me.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
Those who believed in me were my masters in Hungary. In literature, theatre and film. I believe that without masters there is no artistic career. If you have no masters, you are nothing. There is no one person, there have been several very important masters in my life, they have actually put me together. Now I am not looking for masters, now I teach what I have learned. And if someone considers me a master, I thank them
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker/screenwriter?
The fact that each area of filmmaking is a separate art to be considered when making a film. The director is only the one who moulds the different artistic disciplines that appear in the making of a film - into a unity. The actor is a separate artist, the cinematographer is a separate artist, the editor is a separate artist, the lighting designer is a separate artist, the visual designer is a separate artist. I have to gather around me people who shape the film with their art. My job is to synthesise this.
What keeps you motivated?
I'm motivated to showcase the talents of the people I believe in. My own individual success is not important to me, but the artistic fulfilment of those I work with.
On set, the most important thing is:
The actor.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
Always the last film. DARKING WAY has been a hit in many countries around the world, even in countries where the culture, the religion, the everyday life is completely different from ours. I'm very happy when that happens.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
One of my most recent theatre projects is a play featuring the current Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, at the age of twenty-five. He is a living man seeing his own youthful self on a stage. It is a challenge for a writer and director.
Your next projects?
I'm currently working on a historical film and a feature film for television, and will start shooting soon. And I think I've managed to write a very topical script that I'm planning to take international, it's already won several festivals, and I hope that one day a producer will take a serious interest in it. And I would like to make a dance film about the birth and development of eroticism in prehistoric society. This could be a big challenge. I imagine it as an international dance film. If any of the readers of this interview know a producer who might be interested, I would be grateful. And besides filmmaking, I continue to direct in theatres. Here, too, the newest work is always the most important.
Joseph Stephen Meadows - Interview
Cinematographer, Performer, Writer, Architect, Patented Inventor, College Professor, US Marine. Over 50 Screenwriting Awards/Selections in 2021. Hundreds of Television Shows and Films as a Performer. Certifications and Licenses in Multiple Disciplines. Worldwide Disaster Relief and Emergency Medical Volunteer. Selected to ‘Who’s Who’.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a screenwriter?
I began screenwriting in the 90’s after working on many projects as an actor. I guess you could say I earned the reputation of being ‘difficult’, as I kept rewriting my dialogue and running to producers/directors to get the changes approved. The many poorly-written projects that make it to the screen amazed me then and now. Unfortunately, Hollywood is in the business of making ‘hits’, and not necessarily great films.
My first screenplay was green-lit, cast, bonded, storyboarded and ready to go. We had four A-list actors and one of the Beach Boys was writing the music. Then the production company suddenly folded. I had spent two years on the project and now had three young children to raise, so I shelved it. When the pandemic hit, I resurrected my screenplays, rewrote them and entered screenwriting competitions.
Films that inspired you to become a screenwriter?
A Clockwork Orange, City Lights, Casablanca, Full Metal Jacket, Born on the 4th of July .
Who is your biggest influence?
Stanley Kubrick
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
Obtaining development money and qualified people to actually read the work. It’s easy to pay ‘readers’ and get basic feedback, most of which I have found to be inadequate, but receiving notes from A-list producers and directors is all but impossible.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
Drama is my favorite, as it is the most challenging genre to write, especially stories dealing with internal conflict. Maintaining the interest of the audience requires visual creativity beyond depicting explosions, car chases or drooling monsters.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
City Lights, by Charlie Chaplin. He was both artist and genius and stopped production on this film for a year until he was able to resolve the question of how a blind girl would think his character was wealthy.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
Eric Roth, writer/producer, Oscar-winner for Forrest Gump. I am quite fortunate to be producing one of my screenplays with this amazing man at present.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
I invented and patented the Parabounce, a human-powered flying dirigible that was flown on the ‘Today’ show, the White House lawn for Bill Clinton in 2000, and closed the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
As I mentor a few young writers, one of them, A. Caldwell, convinced me to begin entering competitions with my work. Had this writer not done so, my screenplays might still be sitting in a drawer.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as actor/ screenwriter?
As an actor: Until your name is above the title, just follow Spencer Tracy’s advice: “Know your lines, hit your marks and don’t bump into the furniture”.
As a writer/producer: A good script is not enough. It takes trusted relationships with talented people to get great projects made.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going?
To keep going. Imagination will get you started. Then rejection must run off your back like water off a duck.
What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
Believing that my work was respected, and winning competitions provided that confidence.
What keeps you motivated?
Imagination and great feedback on my work.
How has your style evolved?
As an actor in the 80’s and 90’s, I read thousands of scripts. The style Hollywood wants today has changed significantly. Now, a writer is discouraged from calling out a shot, (ECU, Pan, etc.), so as not to offend a director or someone interested in buying the script. My opinion is this is nonsense. The work is from the writer’s mind that envisions exactly what’s on the screen. Any writer only wishing to ‘sell’ their work and not stay on for the rewrites will be kicking themselves when they see the final product that others screwed up. “When a committee designs a horse, the result is a camel”. On set, the most important thing is:
As an actor, understand that you are paid to wait and work for fun. I have been on sets for over twenty hours before being called to work.
As a writer/producer, have a fantastic relationship and mutual respect with your director and DP.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
As an actor: “The Young Riders”, director: James Keach (Walk the Line)
As a writer/producer: Cross-Cultural Solutions Documentary, Lima, Peru. Shot, edited and produced.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
Santa Barbara. This was my first acting gig and I was 34, having come from teaching and practicing architecture in San Francisco for the previous ten years. Daytime soaps in the 80’s shot 80 pages a day, so for a fledgling actor, I was in very stressful territory. One day my character had 52 pages I had to commit to memory the night before. Films shoot 2-5 pages a day, and therefore time is available to develop the quality and performances.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
There are no long-term goals at this late stage of my life. I just want to get my current screenplays produced and well-received.
Your next projects?
“It’s Only Life”, “Dreamgift” and “Rumblers”.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our readers could keep track of your career.
Personal Website: Stephen Meadows Website
Instagram: Stephen Meadows Instagram
IMDB: Stephen Meadows on IMDB
Film Freeway: Stephen Meadows on Film Freeway
Prabounce: Parabounce Website
YouTube: Parabounce on YouTube
Richard Grahn - Interview
I am a simple man with grandiose dreams. I am this way because I serve a great big God that shines a light that overcomes the shadows of my trials and circumstances. I have over 22 years clean from methamphetamines and I rose from the dead with Jesus Christ. I am a new creation. I make mistakes like everyone else but I'm not defined by them. I move on toward a purpose. My purpose is to share the gospel of Jesus strategically in my filmmaking without appearing overtly preachy. I want my films to tell visual stories that are entertaining and thought provoking that we forget they are a "Christian film" but rather a good film that happens to have a Christian message that even the most devout Atheists' will say " I like what I see and I get the message." That's film evangelism to me.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a filmmaker?
When I became a Christian in 2000, I was praying to God for what my purpose was and he told me evangelism. So I started telling people about my testimony and how Jesus rose from the grave then one day I saw an independent film made by my friend. God highlighted the film. The film was not exceptional in any way, it was just a fun film made by two guys who videotaped a funny idea. It hit me, that’s how I will reach the world. People will be entertained as they receive a message of hope. From that day forward, I started learning how to make films. My first few were bombs and flops but I knew my calling so I wouldn’t give up.
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Well, besides my friend's indie short film, I believe I was influenced by Flywheel directed by Alex Kendrick. It wasn’t for the camera work, nor the acting or even the script but the fact that FIVE unknown men from a nowhere town made this feature. Five guys with no major film making experience got together and by the miracle of God, received a donation of $20,000 and made a film that played in theaters which reached many hearts with their message. That inspired me and still does.
Who is your biggest influence?
Besides Jesus Christ? I’m guessing that’s what you meant, right? Since this interview is about films and film making, you want to know who my biggest film making influence. That’s a hard one. I like Alex Kendrick because he made a handful of exceptional films but he’s not my biggest influence. You may not believe this because as a Christian you would figure, I would only watch Christian films and for the most part, I do. As I learned how to make a film and failed many times. I heard God say, “Study Tarantino” . I was like “noway, that guy is triple R rated” and I truly felt God say,”I didn’t ask you to be him, but study him.” So I studied Quentin Tarantino and yes his films were too much for my faith and many times I turned the sound off for the language but the guy can tell a visual story and its where I got the motivation to write Escape To Normal. I started studying Coppola, Ford, Lucas and Spielberg, But Tarantino is my biggest influence. If I can make an edgy, real life film that would attract the masses, then that would be true evangelism. Make a film the world will watch and receive the message.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
Support from my Christian peers and the church as a whole. I tried to form a team and what they saw was a "nobody" who had dreams bigger than himself, They were right. My dreams are bigger than myself but not bigger than God. Many Christians fail to see that. They read stories about faith. They preach faith. They also tell great stories about the nobody’s God used in the bible to do great things. They couldn’t or wouldn’t see that in me. They loved the success stories of Alex Kendrick and the many films of Pure Flix but according to my peers, that dream was way too big for God to manifest for Richard Grahn. I had to believe in myself, more importantly I had to believe in God in me and what HE called me to do.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
I love drama and action. I take from my life experiences and create from there.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
Flywheel, made by five nobodies who believed in a God who will do great things through them.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
I couldn’t pick one. So many different styles. I guess if God would bring back John Ford, I always wanted to learn how to make a western like he does, that’s who I would choose.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
When I write, I get into character and act out what they may do or say as I write my story on the screenplay.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
My sister Kris. She doesn’t like my Christian faith but she loves me and she's the most verbally supportive toward my creativity and dreams.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker?
I don’t have just one. Sorry. I made a bunch of mistakes. Take my time. Think out my shots. Be able to explain why I chose the shot I want, even if it's just me who has to hear it. The reason: IF it’s bad, people will see it and you will lose them and since I am a Christian, losing an audience takes away from the mission of why God called me to make films. The Most important lesson is: Have a reason for everything you do and do it to the best it can be done. SAY NO TO: “WE’LL FIX IT IN POST”, do it right the first time
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
Both. Getting started because of procrastination and keep going is hard because of frustration because of my rule of not wanting to fix it in post. You keep going, you get up, grab your coffee and do what you gotta do. You have a purpose to change the world your in for the better and your call is film, so do it.
What keeps you motivated?
Jesus Christ is the reason for life to me. Everyday, I pray that God will show me how to share him and his kingdom whether I'm at the grocery store, the bank or on a film set. Its mostly my actions and attitude that shines brighter than my words and I fail everyday. Christ keeps me going
How has your style evolved?
I evolve from mistakes and watching bad movies. I learn what not to do.
On set, the most important thing is:
Prayer first. I make sure everyone and everything is covered and to remain thankful and faithful through all circumstances. Then check in with everyone to make sure how they are feeling, how their health and emotional being is great, not good but in it to win it.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
my current one. How can I do it better
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
Let’s move on…
What are your short term and long term career goals?
Short term: to get Escape To Normal financed and made and my long term goal is to make at least five features and build a studio lot that other filmmakers could use.
Your next projects?
Escape To Normal. The screenplay is finished and were waiting on financing. The story is about a young couple who desire to have a normal life together but to achieve it they have to escape the dark and dangerous world of methamphetamine and sex trafficking which may cause them to risk everything even their life.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our readers could keep track of your career:
Colin Denhart - Interview
Colin Robert Denhart is an independent filmmaker and TV producer based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. His debut feature Sister, which is a spiritual horror film about a nun haunted by evil spirits, recently has been featured at several film festivals around the world, winning awards for best film and best actress (Vasudha Krishnamoorthy) at many of them...
When did you decide you wanted to be a Filmmaker?
I wanted to be a filmmaker first at a very early age. I used to watch lots of movies with my family growing up, and when I would play with my toys, I would pretend like I was the director and the action figures were my actors and we were making movies. When I got into high school, I took photography and radio/TV classes that taught me the foundational skills of filmmaking and where I made my earliest film projects.
How did your family react?
My family has always been very supportive of my film career. They have been actively excited to hear about my film projects over the years and are happy to see me succeed in my career.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
I have had several role models in my life, especially my Freemasons Lodge brothers in recent years who have given me support and suggestions on film work and taught me how to be an overall better person in society. I also have learned personally about filmmaking from many great educators over the years, especially my high school radio/ TV teacher Randy Brist, who inspired a love for classic films and taught me the basics of film/video production that have carried over into my current career. In terms of a muse (if I understand the question correctly), I have some creative female friends, especially pop star Anza, whom I collaborate with on films and who inspire my work and provide support and guidance in developing my projects.
Who's your biggest fan?
My biggest fans are my close friends, many of whom have followed my film career since high school and college. They are the few who get my in-jokes and recurring references I make in my films. They also get really excited when we get together at parties or concerts and I have a new project to show them or tell them about. Some have even helped out behind the scenes.
What brings you inspiration the most?
What brings me the most inspiration are the music I listen to and the movies I have watched over the years. Some of the music artists who have inspired me the most include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys, The Monkees, and David Bowie. There are times when I will have deeply creative brainstorming sessions wherein I wear a sleep mask as a form of sensory deprivation and listen to inspirational music to come up with ideas for my films. I also am inspired by the thoughts that come about while on walks and after meditating (I practice Transcendental Meditation). Sister was actually inspired by some of the creative ideas I had while on the Transcendental Meditation Sidhi program in the summer of 2019.
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
I would love to work with Tom Cruise on films in the future since he is probably the greatest movie star currently active in Hollywood. The actress I would love to work with most is Uma Thurman since she is one of the best actresses in Hollywood and one who I often envision when writing female characters. I also would be happy to work with filmmakers I have really liked over the years including David Lynch, George Lucas, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Ron Howard.
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
The Shining movie by Stanley Kubrick seems to be better than the book by Stephen King. It is a great example of where the filmmaker took someone else’s work and made it their own to the point where more people associate the film with the work and not the book it was based on.
What's the movie that taught you the most?
The movie that has taught me the most throughout my life has been The Wizard of Oz. It was one of the first movies I ever saw and the first I had learned extensively about its making, through the documentary that was included on the 1990s VHS tape release of the film I used to watch at my grandparents’ house as a kid. I always have something new to learn from the film. The more I watch the movie, even after seeing it a million times, there is always something new I notice with each viewing or an interpretation I realize that I had not thought of before.
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
I never have had the idea to stop making artistic works. A creative artist is what I am and creation is in my nature, so I would no longer exist if I just stopped creating new films or works in other mediums. At this point in my career, quitting is not an option.
On set what excites you the most?
What excites me the most on the set is getting to work with such incredible and kind talent. It also is such a pleasure to see the images in my head finally come to reality through filming.
And what scares you the most?
What scares me the most on set is someone will get injured or something will happen that prevents us from being able to complete the scene we have to get filmed or the entire film itself. There were some projects I had made in the past that had to be canceled in the middle of production, which was devastating as a creative artist, but I learned from our missteps and made sure mistakes would not be repeated on future projects.
What's your next project?
A concert film I made for the rock band Ross Hollow recently has been on the film festival circuit. I am currently in post-production on the sequel to Sister called Sister II, which continues the story while introducing new characters. I am even more excited about that film than the first, so I look forward to sharing it with the world. We also plan to film Sister III later this year to complete the trilogy and possibly make other spin-off films within the Sister universe. I also have plans for a comedy movie called Frieda from Attica, which is about a quirky small-town girl who dreams of being a big star. I am actively involved creatively with Vasudha Krishnamoorthy (star of Sister) on other short film projects as well, so lots of creative things in the near future to look forward to!
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?
I would steal the career of Stanley Kubrick since he is possibly the greatest filmmaker of all time. He only made a handful of films in his lifetime, but each film was a masterpiece and a big step forward for cinema and influenced so many other filmmakers.
A Filmmaker is made of...
A high level of creativity, a willingness to evolve, and the ability to be resilient in the face of adversity.
For you Cinema is...
Cinema is the ultimate art form. It’s a medium that combines the elements of other sensory mediums in an easily-digestible format.
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
Black-and-white films definitely have a powerful impact. Shooting in black-and-white elevates the visuals of a film since it provides an opportunity for audiences to see the world from a different perspective from the color of real life.
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
I have dreamed of winning an Oscar in the past, but being an Academy Award winner is not necessary to achieving success in the film industry and is not as important as having contributed to the history of cinema through producing great cinematic works. However, I would be happy to see my films be recognized and my collaborators win awards to help advance our careers and prominence in the film industry.
Do you think you're gonna win it?
I can’t say whether or not I will win an Academy Award or other major awards someday, but it would be a fantastic achievement. God only knows!
Stanislav Shelestov - Interview
Stanislav Shelestov is a multiple award winning filmmaker, born in 1984 in Khabarovsk city, Far East, Russia. In 2004 he started working as a director and motion designer for a local TV channel where he filmed his first TV commercials. Later he founded an independent production studio where he took a position of a creative director. In 2010-2015 he was filming and doing motion design projects and web TV series in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. His previous films include “Other People’s Trouble” VR film (2018) , “Like.Share.Repost.” dark comedy (2019) and "Yes, Darling!" thriller (2021).
What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good director?
Do your best and hope for luck.
First and last cinematographic crush?
I vividly remember the first one which simply blew me away when I was a kid. It was “Star Wars” (the original trilogy). Can’t say anything about the last one because there are so many good movies I’d like to rewatch.
How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a director?
It was a process and it took some time to cook. Since childhood I’ve always had this special feeling when a movie began and a title “Directed by” appeared.
For you a Film is…
… not only a way to express myself as a writer/director/filmmaker, but
mostly a way to explore things and places, and to tell a story.
What do you feel when you're directing?
Writing is the most peaceful and relaxing time for me, when you
are not in a rush and have time to think. Directing is completely opposite.
When you are on set it’s time to be as focused as possible and there is
no room to feel anything outside your current scene and your actors.
Both phases of filmmaking complement each other and make a perfect
balance. Enough to be inspired for the next project.
You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you
love. What kind of movie do you choose and with whom you're gonna
watch it?
It would probably be a “Terminator 2” movie and I’d like to watch it with
the terminator itself - Arnold Shwarzenegger.
Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you
think about it?
I know my limits in certain areas. I can’t be a ballet dancer or a
bodybuilder champion, but I am willing to push the limits of filmmaking.
If we are doing quotes here - Albert Einstein used to say: “Imagination is
more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination
encircles the world.”
Can you live just of your passion?
I think as a filmmaker you should be open to life. The more you know
about the world around you - the more truth and details you can put into
your films. Passion is fine, but don’t forget to live.
What's more important: talent or luck?
Talent and luck are two boots in a pair of shoes. What is the point in
being lucky to get a project you always wanted if you aren’t talented
enough to manage it.
You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one
movie…
If it’s just one, let it be “The God Father” trilogy. Still counts like one =)
Have you ever accepted a movie to direct even if you didn't like the project?
No, I loved all the projects I did.
What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?
“Your film was a beacon of beautiful, weird & wonderful hope in a sea of
digital darkness... Congrats for having made a resonant, unique and
astounding piece of art!” (Boston Underground Film Festival).
And one more:
“I had to pause the movie several times because I couldn’t stop
laughing.” (Moscow audience member).
Are you satisfied about your career?
I love all the movies I’ve made, but hope the best ones are still to come.
Do you have a good luck charm?
It might sound silly, but it’s my lucky baseball cap. I always wear it on
set.
Which is the worst moment on set ?
The moment you realize the scene isn’t shot right, and there is no time
to reshoot, so you have to leave it as it is.
How do you feel when a job you've been part of is ending?
It’s a whole bunch of different feelings, depending on the phase of a
production. Most of the time it’s happiness and worries of all sorts.
Have you ever lied to get a job?
No.
If you should win an Oscar your first thought would go to....
Wow, we did it!
Carla Seneca - Filmmaker
I am Carla Seneca, Screenwriter, producer and actress in the short film The Latency, Annual awards winner – Best short film. Our production company is called Overlook Entertainment and we have started to produce during the pandemic. We have already 2 features, one completed and the other action film called D.O.E. in production. We already have a distribution deal for D.O.E. because of the way we are doing action, any fight shows violence and realistic moves. We are very close to Jason Bourne style of film and we hope our hard work with have success. Huge thank you to the team for this awards. It gets to my heart! and worth the tears of the producing at small level when you do….EVERYTHING.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a filmmaker?
This was something I wanted to do at a very young age. I live in the US now but I was born in Europe and English was not my first language. But for a certain reason I was trying to speak at 2 years old repeating the lyrics of Barbara Streisand’s “woman in love”. My parent’s friends were quite impressed. I wanted to be different characters, including but not limited a Warrior, a soldier, a native American etc.… So acting was part of my daily games. I was making some of my friends suffer as they had to do the stunts when I had Wonder Woman powers, throwing them against the wall. I was taking each role seriously for a little girl. If I were Native I was eating and sleeping in my Teepee as uncomfortable as it was. That was the beginning of my method acting I guess. For screenwriting, I always had imagination and hundreds of ideas. I’ve always written stories. My dad was saying I was like Tolkien. They are more interesting now, as an adult, I became vicious (lol).
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Not sure, it was in my mind at a very young age. I cannot define that, it was a call even before really watching films. I am not an influenceable person, I have my own ideas and that is enough to inspire me. I just have so many of them in my mind and I already see all the images.
Who is your biggest influence?
The little fairy who whispers all these ideas in my hears.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
I think all films have challenges. But for sure, when you start your production company, finding funds can be challenging. There are some ways to work it. The other part is probably what I call “the box”. No one looks at you unless you prove you can deliver good content. Reason why we called our company Overlook Entertainment. We try to give a chance to some film industry talents and crew that are totally disregarded because they do not fit the box, the “politics”, or they have some disability and they can be “socially awkward” at a point they cannot pass an interview but they are genius in what they do… This is what represent some of our co-workers. And they are family to us.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
Mostly Action and Adventure.
My idea of films is to see something outside of the daily life.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
I do not have one specific movie. But I love movies from the 80s,90s and early 20s mostly where the story was making sense and making you dream . Those movies where you want to be the character like Back to the Future (I mean I wanted to drive that car), The last of the Mohicans, The big blue, Nikita, Gremlins, Goonies, the Mummy, ET. Later, Jason Bourne where action is more realistic and not acrobatic. All these films have a real story, no “lost dialogues” which mean just what is necessary to the story, great casting with actors who have a presence on screen, and great cinematic work.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
It doesn’t matter, I work with the person who has the same “vibration”: hard worker, transparency, ethics and straight to the point. No politics.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
I can’t, otherwise they will know then (lol). Let’s keep some secrets!
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
My husband Sam Medina. Not sure if I have a career yet but I am working on it. Stretch goal.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker?
1/Do not work with persons who do not the same vision and ethics. Make sure the word “work” has the same definition as yours. Again we need to have the same “culture and standards”.
2/ Film is a business mixed with creativity, not the contrary.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
Nothing is too hard. I have been working for big corporations and what I have learned along the way, as an executive, is that having ideas is nothing, everyone has. Now, putting them in action and finish, this is the most important. No matter what, finish. So, my answer is Finishing is the hardest, usually the last extra miles require the biggest effort, consistency and focus. This is where most people fail actually especially in management.
What keeps you motivated?
Nothing special I am always motivated when I do something. I am a finisher!
How has your style evolved?
Understanding how to deliver the expected and the unexpected. From an audience and camera point of view.
On set, the most important thing is:
The team.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
All of them but particularly the one we are filming now, an action feature film called D.O.E. And of course The Latency which just won the Annual Awards 2022 at the Florence Film Awards for Best Action. Thank you for that, we are very grateful for this recognition.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
The feature film we did during the quarantine called 22-The Unforgotten Soldier. We started with nothing really, a little crowdfunding campaign. An investor joined after 2 weeks of filming. We were a 5 persons crew, filming in our little house. All of us living there. One of them sleeping on the floor on a futon. We did a very nice film to support veterans, PTSD and raise awareness. Filming was very complicated and we didn’t take a break during a month. No off. Every day, after filming we had to cook, edit, do payroll and SAG paperwork, budget….. close to a burn out actually. That was our company first feature film. https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt12675808/?ref_=nm_filmo_pastfilmvid_1
What are your short term and long term career goals?
Full time working actress for sure.
Your next projects?
Our next project is called D.O.E. and we have started filming already. It is an action thriller directed by Sam Medina. The project is getting bigger now and we do have some named actors who are joining the film. We already have wonderful collaborators who came on board and bring superb added value to the movie: production, special effects, International sales & distribution. I have the lead role and this film will be very demanding physically. I already have bruises everywhere. Lots of action and some adrenaline. We do have some investors but we are still welcoming additional ones who want to be part of this project.
https://pro.imdb.com/title/tt18547778/?ref_=search_search_search_result_9
My Company website
https://www.overlook-entertainment.com/
Imdb Profile
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8106226/
Instragram
Christina Teenz Tan- Interview
Christina is an up-and-coming creative lyricist, storyteller and playwright. She is the lyricist for the pop and rock musical tracks for our creative project ALAN - a fantasy of companionship between human and inanimate. She is co-creator of the Lim Fantasy of Companionship for Piano and Orchestra. She draws lyrical inspiration from her worldly educational and life experiences having studied at UC Berkeley, California, and completing her MD at the University of Melbourne. Many of her lyrics are penned based on personal experiences and individuals encountered through life in Australia, San Francisco, Berkeley and Los Angeles. She is currently based in West Hollywood and will continue to draw her bold and flavorful creativeexpression from the art and music cultural scene in Los Angeles, whilst training as a Neurology resident at Cedars Sinai Hospital.
Which is your favorite director and why? Which movie was the most inspiring for you?
I recently visited the Academy Museum of Motion pictures in Los Angeles, which had a stunning exhibit dedicated to the Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. I most recently watched the movie Ponyo, which had the most beautiful hand-drawn illustrations of the ocean and its inhabitants; the story was inspiring because of the profound themes of friendship and the balance of nature between land and sea.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in making your films?
We have a hugely talented team that has helped with our animated feature film. There was a lot of hard work that went into animating our characters, who are based on real individuals. So as you can imagine trying to replicate specific details was a challenge! Thankfully our animator Samudra has been nothing short of incredible in helping with this feat.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
Sci-fi. In film today there has been an explosion of integrating novel concepts such as AI, teleportation, themes of life and non-life and space exploration into movies. I feel this is an exciting and important time to be in film, especially as a medical doctor and scientist, as there needs to be novel ways of communicating these particularly challenging scientific concepts to a broader audience through film and music.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
I really love all the James Bond movies; I could watch them over and over again! The original soundtrack and score for the Bond movies are universal classics.
To me, original film soundtracks and scores are equally as important as the acting and storyline in movies.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
Director Hayao Miyazaki
Tell us a secret that nobody knows about you.
Funny enough, I wrote the lyrics of one of our songs "Evil Professor" based on a professor that my partner, Dr Ron Danziger, and I had encountered in medical school.
The one person who has truly believed in you.
Dr Susan Lim, co-creator, director and producer of our animated film.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?
Working well with our dedicated ALAN team to make sure the integral parts of this project fell together seamlessly for our animated film.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going?
To me I really do love the entire creative process and once I do get into the creative spirit, its easy! Fortunately I live in the mecca of music and film in Los Angeles, where I’m surrounded by artists in music, film, theater and get to enjoy many genres of live music year-round. I’m also incredibly inspired by our talented and global musicians on the ALAN team, who come from many countries including India, Australia, Singapore, UK.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
Our upcoming project ALAN 2 is something that I cannot wait to share with the world. The music is just out of this world, for one of our songs, we even tapped into the realm of linguistics with the creation and use of a new language, Banganga-ese, the language of the alien species in the film.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
I am very grateful that our animated feature film has won many awards globally including at the Cannes World Film festival. Our Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra has also had wonderful success on many streaming music platforms. In the future I am looking forward to a career in medicine as a Neurologist; whilst also being an artist, creative storyteller and lyricist!
Your next projects?
I’m most proud of our exciting upcoming project ALAN 2 which will be a feature film. The music is just out of this world. For example, for one of our songs, we even tapped into the realm of linguistics with the creation and use of a new language, Baganga-ese. This language was created for an alien species, the ancient Suri alpaca tribe in the film.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media.
Website https://alanthemusical.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ALANinanimate
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fantasyofcompanionship/
Srikanth "Sri" Appalaraju - Interview
A filmmaker with passion, confidence and experience of just one film with 15 awards so far. Internationally acclaimed and recognized. Ready and willing to work in English, Hindi and Telugu languages. Open to travel anywhere!
When did you decide you wanted to be a Director?
I’m creative. I’m passionate about filmmaking. I wish to make some memorable films! I decided to jump into the field a little over 10 years ago.
How did your family react?
Mostly neutral! You know, it’s always middle class financial insecurity that stops many from going forward.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
Many within the filmmaking world. But, ultimately, I wish to become a philanthropist like Warren Buffet !
Who's your biggest fan?
Do you really want to know? Who else, myself!
What brings you inspiration the most?
The passion towards filmmaking and the confidence that I sure can do!
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
Leonardo DiCaprio, Deepika Padukone, AAmeer Khan, Ranveer Singh, Mahesh Babu, Vijaya Deverakonda, Nani, Suriya and Dulqur Salman
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
Hardly any!
What's the movie that taught you the most?
My debut film : “The Ant - The Love - and The Girl in between!”. In Telugu, it is “Cheema - Prema - madhyalo Bhaama!”
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
Yes, I really wanted to quit EVERYTHING else in favor of the artistic / creative career!
On set what excites you the most?
The progress that we make every day, as we go! Apart from that a good performance; a decent quality output; the struggle and the dedication and of the people around in addition to their creativity!
And what scares you the most ?
Gross negligence, Insensitivity to time lines and cost factors.
What's your next project?
More than likely a romantic drama. Hoping to start in the second half of this year.
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?
Leonardo DiCaprio!
An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....
Their will and the power to follow through their dreams
For you Cinema is....
An endless passion and the best that can happen!
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
Sure they did! But it’s the concept not the color that brings the real impact!
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
Why dream when something is a remote possibility? Awards are boosters but not essential to move forward!
Do you think you're gonna win it?
I know what I’m doing. I always try to do my best! I never think of any awards!
Share with us your contacts:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/srikanth-sri-appalaraju-44974645
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sriappalaraju
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/srikanth.sri.appalaraju
Instagram: https://instagram.com/srikanth.sri.appalaraju
Website: www.filmdirectorsri.com
Email: sriappalaraju@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +91.988.521.7997
Ekaterina Behor - Interview
In 2018 Ekaterina moved to Los Angeles. In 2020 she received a masters degree. The first spec commercial that she produced in Los Angeles was entered into 12 film festivals. The experimental music video (music by Mike Hall) got into 20 festivals. Then Ekaterina worked at a YouTube Show as a producer. The first season got 3,5 million views and positive reviews among critics. They are expecting 4-5 million views (within a year) and the show will be presented in March 2022 on Youtube channel of the executive producer, Ruslana Gee. The most recent project she worked on as a line producer is Margaret, a short for Larnell Stovall, famous stuntman (Captain America: Civil War)who started directing. He is an executive producer in pair with Ellen Hollman, an actress from Matrix Resurrections.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a Producer?
When I was younger, my father took me to the theater quite often and I always wanted to see what the backstage was like. One time, he got me a pass backstage and I saw how the actors got ready for their show. I also saw the producer and the director of the show and finally understood who it was that created all the magic. That was my biggest inspiration.
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?
I like movies where the audience has the opportunity to witness the unseen backstage of art and the difficulties people have to go through to become successful: Birdman, Water for Elephants, LaLaLand, Moulin Rouge, Greatest Showman, Raging Bull.
Who is your biggest influence?
I like Martin Scorsese because most of his projects are based on real life. When I write scripts I usually get inspired by real stories. And when I choose what script to produce I prefer the ones based on real stories.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
To raise money for the project is the biggest challenge for any project - the creative side is fun.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
I like all genres. I prefer inspirational dramas and aesthetically beautiful movies. In my opinion, above all, a movie is an attraction for the eyes. I would love to produce a comedy, though. When I make a movie I enjoy the process but I also think about the final result. To make people laugh is an art.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
I would say Great Gatsby. Great casting, interesting story, and stunning visuals.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
I would produce any movie by Martin Scorsese or Buz Lurman because they are my favorite directors and I love their creative vision.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
I would like to start producing animation movies next year. I have one project going now. But it takes a lot of time to make it happen.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
My friend Elena who is an actress. We shot our first movie together in 2015 and have seen each other grow so much since then. She always supports me and helps me.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as a PRODUCER?
When you produce a movie it is important for you and the director to have a similar vision for the story.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
I believe it is more difficult to start. Then you just keep going and improving your skills.
What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by the idea that people would watch the movie I worked on and get inspired to make some brave decisions to make their life better.
How has your style evolved?
As a creative producer, I started to be more honest and share my life experience relevant to the script and I usually make a rewrite with a director. I spend more time on script changes now, because if the material is not strong enough, it will look even worse on the screen.
Onset, the most important thing is?
Safety! And a friendly atmosphere on set.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
1) The dance video Invincible because it got into 30 festivals.
2) Project Margaret because I met a lot of professionals in this business.
3) Youtube Series Teens (the longest project I worked on).
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
The biggest problem for me as a producer is a lack of budget. When the crew gets minimum rates they get tired and irritated pretty quickly. That’s why I stopped working on low-budget movies.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
My main short-term goal is to shoot a feature called Volatility. We raised 100,000 and need to raise 400 more, so we can start the shooting process. For the long term goal, I would like to produce animation and open my production company.
Your next projects?
Currently I am working on a short called “Psyche”.
I have 3 shorts that we would like to turn into features: Volatility, Subconscious Dreamer, Margaret. Right now I am focusing on "Volatility". The director and the writer just finished the draft of the feature. We are excited to work on it in 2022-2023. The short was successful at festivals; we got a lot of positive feedback. We have already raised some money and are going to raise the rest soon. The director and I are passionate about this project. It tells people about serious problems in our society that we don't notice sometimes... Such as domestic abuse and other family problems. And the pace of the movie is great - we would like to keep the same one in our feature. We are starting casting in May 2022 for all the roles.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our readers could keep track of your career
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinabehor/ https://www.instagram.com/ekaterina_behor/ https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm12248038?ref_=hm_prof_name
Jaik Andino - Interview
Jaik Andino is an alumni of the Second City Acting Conservatory in Chicago. Jaik began pursuing his dreams as an actor, writer, and producer after spending 18 years as a global consultant working with corporate executives. His personal mission is to communicate complex stories about the crossroads of identity through relatable drama and comedy. Jaik wants to tell stories that are equal parts educational and inspiring. 2nd Date is Jaik Andino’s writing debut and first feature film as an actor. Scheduled for 2023, the project focuses on Jaik and Wyatt, two lifelong friends searching for love in their thirties. Callie, the Matchmaker and Maeve, the assistant, organize dates for them but both fail spectacularly, earning poor reviews in the post-date survey.
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/screenplayer?
When I was a child! Specifically 9 years old we had to do a short presentation in front of our class. Somehow I convinced my mom to bring in many boxes and we created an elaborate stage. I performed like a wild child telling a crazy story and had the whole class laughing (minus the teacher who was not amused haha) I was named class clown in highschool and the greatest joy I have in life is to make you laugh. I can't explain it exactly but when I make someone laugh, my whole spirit is energized. It feels like the sun is beaming a ray of light directly into my soul. So its still unclear what that means as it relates to working in media but I do know that every fiber of me needs to finish this film. I started writing this film 7 years ago after 3 nightmares. The 3rd one I found myself in my bathroom on the floor and didn't know how I got there. Dazed and confused, I said, ok god, it's time to go do this. I'm taking a leap of faith in 2022 to go live my dream :)
How did your family react?
My parents have always worried. They are very conservative. They really just want me to get married :)
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
Good Will Hunting. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck grew up together and wrote this beautiful script and they acted in the movie. Given I’m attempting to do the same thing with 2nd Date, they are my biggest idols.
Who's your biggest fan?
My good friend Karen.
What brings you inspiration the most?
Growing up as a minority, I had a unique vantage point in being an American and an Indian. My parents migrated to the US in the late 70's. My dad is a walking comedy machine to say the least. He doesn't even realize it but his unique perspective coupled with how I was viewed with having dark skin and watching Star Trek growing up shaped a unique view on us all. I never truly saw color but then was forced too growing up in the US which has a long heritage of viewing differences in people. My inspiration was to create a story to have this discussion on race, friendship, love through comedy. I'm hoping viewers will laugh, cry and be forced to go get pancakes after the movie and have a discussion about life :)
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
Olivia Wilde! Did you know she lived on a bus! If she directed my movie 2nd Date, I actually might need to be convinced that I’m not dead and this isn’t heaven!
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
Only one time. The Time Traveler’s Wife. There were two scene in the book that I did not like and ironically, those exact scenes were not in the movie. But in most cases, I always like the book better.
What's the movie that taught you the most?
Contact with Jodie Foster. There is a line in that movie, “They should have sent a poet” - still remember crying in the theatre.
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
Not yet! And hopefully not soon!
On set what excites you the most?
Being skited (scared and excited)
And what scares you the most?
Not being able to pursue my passion and dream of writing, producing and acting in my film 2nd Date.
What's your next project?
I have started working on a character study story on Alexander the Great. I've also been continuing to focus on acting and pursuing a career in the field.
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?
I really could never do that. (I know, I know. I’m no fun)
An actor/a screenplayer is made of....
Vision. Passion. Empathy. Perseverance. Luck. A Smile.
For you Cinema is....
Cinema has the power to connect us through emotions. To take us away from our daily lives and into an imaginary world where we can learn and grow together. This story says that two people, from different cultures, different skin colors can be the best of friends. We (humans) tend to view each other's differences rather than our similarities and it typically leads to conflict. As Wyatt says in the story, you can choose hate as racism will exist or you can choose love, my friendship. The choice is always ours to make and that simple dialogue, even if it can touch one person, can spread like wildfire across the world!
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
Yes! If you haven’t seen Rita Moreno - you are really missing out on life!
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
Yes!
Do you think you're gonna win it?
No! lol
Nikita Hattangady - Interview
Nikita Hattangady is a filmmaker and writer in Dallas, Texas, USA. Her film Falafel, an internationally award-winning Romantic Comedy set in London, has travelled to over 50 festivals across the globe. She is in pre-production of her next film, an inspirational drama set in Mumbai, India. She is Head of Programming at Indica Pictures, a platform for independent filmmakers who showcase India’s heritage and advance pluralism through their craft. Her publication, “We Are American” is a children’s book on diversity and is used in school districts as a teaching tool. Nikita’s greatest passions are storytelling, spending time with her family and learning new cultures and languages. Nikita has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Management and Engineering.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a filmmaker/screenwriter?
My background is vastly different than a typical filmmaker. I have degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Management. I loved doing creative work and always dreamed of making films. I stayed home with my children for many years and when they became more independent I decided to take the plunge to fulfill my dream of being a writer and director.
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker/screenwriter?
I loved Sound of Music and many films from India especially a family drama called Bawarchi or Cook.
Who is your biggest influence? My mother.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
Budget is an issue for most Independent filmmakers. Another challenge was post-production which took much longer than I expected. Covid has also unfortunately been a great source of trouble because production plans are on hold.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
I like Romantic Comedies and family dramas because they are closest to real life. Family is the most important aspect of peoples lives and family dramas are very interesting. Romantic -Comedies make me happy.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
Sound of Music is one of my favorites because it has every element of cinematic appeal: music, a love story, children, gorgeous cinematography, ethics, history, culture, self-discovery. It is a perfect film.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be? Amitabh Bachhan. I have never seen a greater actor.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
When I was little I wanted to be a doctor.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career. My family and my Mentor.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker/screenwriter?
Things rarely go as planned.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to
do either? It was difficult getting started because I doubted my ability to make a film that others would like. Once you successfully complete a film, you worry whether you will be able to sustain that success. The key to being a good filmmaker is to make the best film you can with the resources you have and not worry about whether or not others will like it or not. Someone definitely will.
What keeps you motivated?
I love storytelling and creating stories with interesting characters is very exciting.
How has your style evolved?
I have written several scripts and my storytelling is becoming more concise.
On set, the most important thing is:
For the production team to be enjoying themselves.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
Whatever project I am working on at the time is my favorite.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
My first one. I did not know if I could do it. My fear was my biggest obstacle.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
My only goal is to keep making films as long as I can.
Your next projects?
I have a short ready for production in Mumbai. I then have several features that I have written and am excited to embark upon.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our readers could keep track of your career.
Marcellus Cox - Interview
Marcellus Cox is an Award Winning Writer/Director hailing from Los Angeles, California. Marcellus Cox has always had a passion for movies and filmmaking. As a True Auteur His style of cinematic storytelling embossed with dark and edgy themes that is engaging and enlightening, delivering his audience to a place of understanding and compassion for social issues and objectivity, as he Pushes the boundaries of controversial storytelling, touching on subjects such as Race, Religion, Social & Political issues.
What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good director/screenplayer?
Well I can’t speak for A Actor because I’m not one lol but as a Director & Screenwriter I honestly believe the most important ingredient is simply put, COMMITMENT....
It’s a well known fact Talent is important lol but even the most talented aren’t fully committed to developing their craft consistently. The Commitment to study Cinema and Storytelling, learn every single aspect of the craft from lighting to sound to editing, the commitment to learning how to work well not only with your talent but your crew who you trust to bring your vision to life. If your truly Committed to this Art Forum it’ll reward you in so many ways....
First and last cinematographic crush?
Oh Wow lol. It’s so crazy because a lot of my cinematic crushes are animated lol my first was between Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. My Last hasn’t happened yet so hopefully going forward in life there will be a great female character that will knock me off my feet.
How old you were when you decided you wanted to be a director/screenplayer?
I was about 10-11 when I really realized that I wanted to become a Film Director or have some sort of part in Filmmaking. It just felt like a profession that was so different from anything I had ever seen and being able to bring a story to life from beginning to end just left a massive impact on me and even at 34 on the verge of making my 1st Feature it still has that giant impact on me.
For you a Film is...
Everything..... No matter the Genre, the Subject, the People behind it, the Country it’s from. I love and adore Cinema. To visually showcase all sorts of feelings and emotions on screen that if done with love and affection and honesty view points can have the most inspirational affection on people. This is the only profession that allows that component to be presented. It’s nothing like it. Film is the ultimate teaching tool into the human psyche and time capsule into the past that doesn’t exist but can still be seen. It’s everything that you want wrapped in one. For me it’s Life.
What do you feel when you're directing/writing?
It’s a few different emotions when it comes to Writing/Directing but there one and the same. I feel Alive.... The ability to hold the story in the palm of your hands and give life to a experience that you want to showcase and discuss is a rare opportunity. But a opportunity I welcome and will do the absolute most that I can to bring to life truthfully, honestly, with emotional depth and details no matter the subject I’ll give my all to the story Writing those characters and bringing a heartbeat to them on the screen that won’t ever come off as phony weather anybody wants it to or not.
You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna whatch it?
Well a lot of the Filmmakers I would to watch Movies with are long gone lol hopefully when that day comes and I hopefully make it through those Purely Gates I’ll be able to arrange a few Movie Nights with the greats lol that’s something I’ll be looking forward too.
But while I’m alive lol if I were to watch Movies in a Theater(which I highly prefer) I would ask them beforehand what there favorite type of Genre’s are and start making a list of films to see around what I know about them. Especially Younger Filmmakers who I know haven’t seen a lot of Movies and pick stories I know would hold their attention but most importantly motivate them to further their careers and develop there storytelling perspective.
Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?
When someone walks on the Sun and Survive I’ll believe that lol. There are a lot of things that are impossible to accomplish. But in terms of making a dream come true especially in Filmmaking anything truly is possible and can be accomplished. But it’s like I said earlier it’s about your commitment. Because like anything worth having in life it’s gonna take hard work and dedication and your gonna have a lot of disappointments along the way and unfortunately some folks can’t weather that storm. But if you can, Nothing is impossible in the Film Business.
Can you live just of your passion?
If I didn’t have to pay bills Hell Yeah I could lmfao that would be greatly appreciated. But realistically no you can’t. We live in Reality for a reason. Now that shouldn’t kill your Passion, you should always be passionate no matter what level or stage your at in this business. But for someone who has tried to do it lol and still trying to it’s not capable. But always remain passionate, sometimes it’s the only thing you have to rely on especially when things get ruff.
What's more important talent or luck?
Luck without question important and is very much needed but even someone who’s not the best at bringing a story to life can get lucky and get exposed for there lack of preparation. Talent will always be at least in my eyes the most important skill in this profession. It’s what truly separates the Great from the Good, the Good from the Bad etc. Especially as a Film Director who oversees all aspects of the project they have to be talented.
You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...
It would be either Chinatown or The Hustler or Yojimbo. I can watch those on repeat all day long and never get bored lol.
Have you ever accepted a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?
I have not and never will. I don’t care how much money would be involved. If my heart isn’t in it it’s a absolute waste to me as a Artist. I’m someone who needs to make something from the heart & soul not for the sake of the Popcorn Eaters. No disrespect but if you know who you are and what you want to present to the world there’s nothing wrong with staying in your lane, just don’t crash and burn lol.
What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?
I got one compliment that will stick with me till my dying day and it came this year from Charles Burnett who saw my Concept Short Mickey Hardaway. He thought it was phenomenal and that I have a extremely bright future as a Filmmaker. That was the greatest feeling in the world and it let me know that I belong. I really was meant to be a Writer/Director and I’ll never get it.
Are you satisfied about your career?
Around 2019 I would have told you Hell Naw lol but I’m at great place because I felt I’ve found myself and my voice as a Artist. And now that I’m gearing up to shoot my first Feature Mickey Hardaway I know I’m at a point in life where I’m psychically and mentally more prepared to not only make a great piece of Art and tell a important story but I know I’m gonna have a career as a Writer/Director.
Do you have a good luck charm?
I believe my Good Luck Charm before I do anything let alone Movie related and watching a Movie. I watch at least 1 Movie per day and I’m always looking for something that I’ve either never seen before or something to catch up on. Watching Movies is a good luck charm for me because it just puts me In a confident place and space and when that occurs every good happens to me.
Which is the worst moment on set ?
So far for me it’s when someone quits a job when we’re about to begin shooting and then you have to work around that while trying to focus on the vision of the story. The worst for me was in 2017 shooting my short Rolling In The Deep. Even with the issues the film did alright, screening in over 130 Festivals, winning 25 International Awards and lots of television airings lol. But that by far was the worst moments on set.
That’s something that just makes me sick to my stomach, especially because I go out of my way to never have a toxic film set at all. And I’ve seen some toxic film sets especially this year along.
How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?
I can feel sad especially if it’s a great cast & crew that I’m working with, those moments are ending and you’ll probably never get to relive those moments again. But I also get excited as well because I get to focus on my favorite aspect of filmmaking, Post Production. I love cutting the film and bringing the vision to life. There’s no feeling like it. Especially if you’ve got the shots you need lol.
Have you ever lied to get a part/job?
No, and I’m not about to start lol. One of the reasons why I don’t get offered jobs because I’m to honest to a producer. Especially if there script isn’t any good.
If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to....
Going back to the set the next day working on the current film or back to the laptop to finish up the current script. I would be grateful to win like anyone but my focus will always be on the next film lol
Hermann Kayode - Interview
Hermann is a 2d Artist, Illustrator and 2d Award-Winning Animator born back in 1984 in Ivory Coast, West Africa. During childhood he discovered big animes movies that changed his mind and later his life Big animes movies like Akira, Porco Rosso, Mononoke Hime, Spirited away, Ninja scroll or End of Evangelion He decided to travel in France in order to study animation and the art in general to improve his skills After that created several animated indies movies like Malaika princess : the champions or the Red like Hell animation His latest works include the indie short film Love and Core (2012 ), Lightfall short animation and Bloons TD6 the animation released online in 2020.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become an animator/filmmaker?
Hello !I am Hermann Kayode, a 2d artist from Africa (Benin) currently living in Senegal (West Africa )
I started drawing earlier thanks to the comics, mangas and similar products and wanted quick to do the same when i would be an adult.
Now its done and i do art as a freelancer specialized in animation, 2d art right now.
Films that inspired you to become an animator/filmmaker?
For animations it would be End of Evangelion, Evangelion tv show as well, Miyazaki movies, Ninja scroll, Macross etc.
I loved films like Superman, Top Gun when i was a kid, Gladiator and aliens films as well 2001 space odyssee is also a big mark in my mind when it comes to cult movies.
Who is your biggest influence?
Probably Hideaki Anno, I really love his style in direction and all of the rest.
I also love the cinema of George Miller and Stanley Kubrick
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
Getting money for making movie would be the major problem, discrimination at employment and everything around it. I started working and making my movies for almost 20 years and despite that getting money for my work is near impossible. So most of the time you work for free or close to it.
Mentally, it can kill you.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
I dont know, i love sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy, also thrillers; If i have to choose i would say Heroic fantasy cause its really easy for me to work with this type of universe.
Why? because probably since i'm kid i read comics and love this genre, i was ready some books of asimov or K dick as a kid but for some heroic fantasy stucks with me.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
Tough question, i would say, Blade runner, Jurassic park, 2001, Memories of Murder, Old boy, Aliens, Eyes wide shut etc.
I would go for now with 2001 but its because i have to choose one, why ? Because of the ending, also the space journey to get there, this movie is everything !
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
Hideaki Anno, I want to learn a ton from someone like him, I wold have loved Kubrick too but he is gone.
George Lucas also would be awesome to work with, speilberg too of course.
Tell us something most people don't know about you.
I want to do more than just drawing and creating universes but i cant tell you more about that now (laugh )
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
I cant tell a person unfortunetly, but FILMFREEWAY helped me a lot with my Cinema Career, also in a way its thanks to them i'm interviewed there ! So a shoutout to the Creators of this Website !
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker/ animator?
Trust no one or Only Trust those who ACTUALLY makes true moves for you, its very rare but i think there is still some people like that.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer todo either?
I would say for me get started, like i said i do animated stuff since early 2000's, its only now thanks to filmfreeway that i am able to be viewed by some other audience through the worldSo keep going is not a problem for me i think (for now ).
What keeps you motivated?
I want to surprise people and make them happy about my work !I love (laugh ) when people remind me stuff i've done and even me i cant remember for sure about it.
How has your style evolved?
With more details in the animation, i thnk thats why it took more time and energy that before, art also evolves, better understanding of the art and human figures, its great to be able to do that.
On set, the most important thing is:
Details, attention to details, trying to fix all the small hiccups and even plant some cool hidden stuff for the hardcore fans !
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
I love all of them but i like a lot Malaika Princess : the Champions, an adventure of 30/40 minutes animated entirely by me with a rich universe,
very hard to come with when done alone.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
There is a secret project wich will be an animated movie when completed, i'm on it since 2009 and still cant finish it (also i have to work on other projects too )
What are your short term and long term career goals?
Short term i cant tell, maybe find more people to work with
long term is to sell some of my animations to some publishers out there. (already done some but i want to sell more )
Your next projects?
---A clip for a female singer, animated clip, actually both female singers wich you can find them here :
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXG7FB0Fn9X/
https://www.instagram.com/iam.ily/
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our readers could keep track of your career.
Here we go!
https://www.instagram.com/hermannpskayode/
https://www.artstation.com/airman4
https://web.facebook.com/hermann.P.S.kayode
if not you can get an overall link here :
Thanks very much !
Sage Morei - Interview
Sage Morei is a multi-disciplinary artist. Founder of cutting-edge production house Horizon Lab, he is equipped with a skillset bridging the realms of visuals, audio, and the virtual. Whether as a director, 3D artist, musician or curator, Sage utilizes his experience in advertising to craft concise visions that work across a multitude of channels and platforms.
Tell us about your background and when did you decide to become a filmmaker?
Originally, I started out ‘only’ a musician. Then, to cut costs and really just sustain myself, I ended up self-directing a lot of my content and took on the odd editing job by the side. I didn’t know I had such a passion for films back then; I was just a kid that was good with computers.
But as more of my friends asked me to direct their films as well and clients started knocking on the door, I realized just how big my curiosity about all aspects of filmmaking really were. Today, I don’t really spend a day not learning something new about directing, 3D or XR, all while still keeping the music close to heart.
Films that inspired you to become a filmmaker?
For me, the first big cinema experience must have been the 3D premiere of Cameron’s ‘Avatar’. I was in London at the time and it was being screened in this crazy cinema hall: It had the seats located on top of a little tower structure as to put the audience right into the center of the humongous screen to optimize the viewing angle. Top that off with the first-time use of 3D viewing glasses and you got yourself an exceedingly astonished 16 year old realizing just how many boundaries can be pushed in the realm of cinema.
Who is your biggest influence?
I try to be equally influenced by as many artists as possible from the worlds of cinema, music and fashion in order to form my very own vocabulary. If I’d have to pinpoint a few names from the world of film however, it would have to be Alejandro Jodorowsky for his otherworldly vision, Ridley Scott for his subtle sense of spacious cinematics and Ash Thorp for showing me that it’s possible to excel in various roles.
What were some of the challenges you had to face in making your films?
Surrendering control! I originally studied Art Direction for advertising and one of the things that’s special about that is that you get a crash course in everything: Concepting, graphic design, 3D art, photography - you name it. This multi-faceted skillset has served me really well as a one-man show freelancer. Now that I’m taking on increasingly bigger productions though, needing my fingerprint in every step of the process is something I’m learning to unlearn.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
I am just getting into it, but lately I am very excited about all things Virtual Production. I realize that’s more a technology than a genre, but it’s making a lot of new things possible in the world of cinema.
Personally, I am looking to create vast sci-fi fantasy scenes as well as hyper-stylized arthouse films with it. I just love it when you can stop a film at any given frame and there’s enough thought there to dissect it for the rest of the night.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
If you had asked me last week, I would have said The Holy Mountain, Kooyanisqatsi or the original Bladerunner. Gregory Colbert’s ‘Ashes and Snow’ is pretty high up on the list too.
Since watching it over the weekend however, I am more than infatuated with the masterful craftsmanship behind the show ‘Arcane’ brought to life by French production house Fortiche. The hand-painted textures and brilliant composition work had me binge it twice in a row.
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
As a director, I would love to work with Japanese musician Miyavi. I admire his courage to push the boundaries of what is futuristic in his music&videos, always utilizing the cutting-edge technology to make it happen. No stranger to volumetric capture in game engines or 360 degrees live streams, he’d sure be open for whatever shenanigans I could think of.
As a musician being directed, I’d love to work with Andrew Thomas Huang.
The subtle poetry and powerful energy in every single one of his works is something I’d love to learn to embody.
The one person who has truly believed in you throughout your career.
Who really helped me snap out of it was my partner actually. I was definitely experiencing the filmmaker’s equivalent of social media induced body dysmorphia for the longest time - I always felt I didn’t have the skills necessary to make it yet and that I was overall not doing well because the online fame wasn’t coming along as I had envisioned.
As my partner was close to me and saw how tirelessly I work across all the disciplines of film and music, she made me realize that I had become the artist I’ve been wanting to be long ago.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as filmmaker?
That it’s vital to not only learn about one craft, but about many. Especially when you’re feeling stuck.
The nature of this fractal universe is laid out in a way that patterns repeat themselves in every discipline: Composition, rhythm, medium, the active and the passive, style and flavor; these are only some of the concepts that can be applied across the board. I think that you can learn almost as much about making films by learning about music as you can by actually making films. Hell, I believe you can even learn about filmmaking through cooking.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular
thing that you had to conquer to do either?
To me personally, it was the hardest thing to commit to this path in the first place. I wasn’t born into it so it took a great deal of reflection and determination to go ‘this is me’. There is so much stigma and existential fear around more alternative paths of life when really it’s like jumping into a pool: You feel it with your finger and shudder from the cold. But once you jump in, it gets warm pretty quick. And god is life more fun inside the pool.
What keeps you motivated?
There’s a interview of Japanese American artist Shing02 that I hold dear to my heart and that I can only echo here. I can’t find it anymore but when asked what keeps him going after all these years, he said something along the lines of ‘it’s the idea of turning an idea into reality that still excites me’. Raw creation. To make something from nothing. I think that idea will always have me fascinated.
How has your style evolved?
I am still early in my career but I’d like to already think of my style as ever-evolving, piece by piece. Maybe it’s an advertising thing but I believe the vision and concept have number one priority while the style should follow. I don’t believe on imprinting a signature technique on a piece if it doesn’t serve to make it stronger - on the contrary, we can gain so much by letting the piece imprint itself on us.
In my current collection of works, I’m learning to be comfortable with the darkness. To be more subtle. And to be less ominous and instead more relatable.
On set, the most important thing is:
Vision.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
That’s like asking which one is your favorite child while they’re all listening! I love them all equally;) Really, I think of projects similarly to tattoos - while we might grow out of some of them a few years down the line, they are a an important testament of who we were at the time. And if you’ve always been giving them your all, that alone is enough for them to be cherished.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
Probably last year’s project for ‘Say Say - Stories’ which happened during the height of the pandemic across the globe. I was creative directing the piece from Berlin with the video being shot in Tokyo and some of the VFX done in the US. That alone would have been enough for trouble, but of course we needed to make a concept that required the video to be shot from the point of view of a hovering evil spirit that has its own emotions and ultimately takes over the protagonists body in order to protect them - try to explain that when you’re not in the room! So I ended up drawing the storyboard with every spirit camera move built-in, directed wardrobe and makeup over Facetime and tried organizing last minute replacements after our original art directress caught COVID a few days before the shoot.
It was a blast.
What are your short term and long term career goals?
The other day I scored a documentary piece and had a concepting session for a narrative, all while my computer was rendering my own music video in the background. I finished that day with a jam session with good people and that night it struck me: I have already become the artist I have always wanted to be - multi-faceted and dancing between disciplines.
Long-term, I want the same. Just a whole lot bigger.
Your next projects?
This new year, I’m looking to release my own music album which is going to be accompanied by its own cinematic universe. Spaceships, distant alien planets and heaps of virtual production involved that will hopefully be mind-bending in its outcome.
Please share with us where people can find you on social media, so our
readers could keep track of your career
Thanks for the great interview!
You can find me at @sage_morei everywhere and my production company Horizon Lab as @horizonlab.vision on Instagram. I am also growing a Youtube as Sage Morei where I’ll be posting the album visuals mentioned above. Thanks for stopping by!
David Fleshman - Interview
On January 4, 2021, he was hired as a graphic design intern with “The 7th Magazine” located on the island of Ischia, Italy. David is currently an artist participant in the exhibition, “SIZABLE,” at the Clark County Government Center Rotunda, beginning on June 21 - July 29, 2021. He has his art in numerous magazines and journals if you are interested in what he is published in look on his website. David has won "The ATIM Collector’s Choice Award" from ARTTour International Magazine located in New York, NY. He is receiving film festival awards as well such as "New Creators Film Awards," "London Shorts Film Festival," "Emerging Artists Film Festival," and "Andromeda Film Festival." Currently, David just received "The ARTYA Emerald Award" from ArtTour International Magazine; it will be awarded to him in November. He will be at the upcoming Spectrum Miami Art Fair in December of 2021. The Art Fair will be hosted by ARTTour International Magazine booth #513 it will be a Live exhibit and Digi
Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?
I enjoy Drama.
Does life imitate Art or Art imitate Life?
I believe Art imitates Life.
Which is the best moment on set?
The best moment on the set is when the project is funny to the cast and crew, then it doesn't seem like work.
Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?
Yes, unfortunately, many people in my past.
How can you stay focused on your goal?
I stay focused by giving it my full attention doing the best job possible as I tackle each job as it comes and enjoys each project.
Have you ever had a breakdown because of your job?
No, I haven't had a breakdown but I have become stressed at times at my job especially when there are too many things going on at once.
Talent is a blessing or a curse?
I believe that talent is a blessing.
What would you like to improve about yourself as a Director?
I would like to improve my leadership skills as a Director.
What's the worst critic you have received?
Someone told me once that my project was "trash".
If you weren't a Direvtor what would you like to be?
I would like to be a designer or an artist.
If Cinema was a color what would it be?
I would consider Cinema to be the color of gold.
A day without a movie is....
Is like not being able to share your message with the world.
If someone offered you to direct a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous....would you accept the job?
No, I wouldn't accept the job because the jobs that I get involved in are things that I am passionate about. I wouldn't be able to put my heart and soul into this project even it would make me rich and famous.
What's your greatest ambition?
My greatest ambition and goal in life is for people to acknowledge and recognize my message in all the projects that I am involved in.
What's your biggest fear?
My biggest fear in life is that the audience will not understand or appreciate my project and the message it portrays to the world.
Does music help you to direct?
Music helps me in all aspects of the project. It helps me express my ideas making them come to life.
You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?
My message would be for the audience to watch my silent movie in living color paying close attention showing that words are not always necessary to be able to understand the plot and storyline of my movie.
Share your speech if you should win an Oscar....
Thank you for this award. I am so grateful and humbled by this honor. There are so many people I would like to thank especially all of my staff that helped make this movie possible. But I would especially like to thank my parents for all the love, encouragement, and support they have given me throughout my life. I am truly blessed with this award. Thank you again.
Grant Carsten - Interview
Grant Carsten is an Award-Winning Autistic Filmmaker who grew up in Park City, Utah. He has been with various leagues of Film-Making Projects in Multiple Positions and is known most for Sanctuary Dream, his Feature Film simulating 1/3 of Autistic Issues; and Grade Camp, his Short Film which won an Honorary Sundance Award during 2015.
When did you decide to become a filmmaker/actor/screenwriter and why?
I decided to become a Filmmaker/Actor/Screenwriter because movies saved my life by teaching me basic concepts that my upbringing would not. I am simply returning the favor through my Autism Simulation Trilogy.
Which is your favorite director and why?
My favorite director is James Cameron because he makes it certain that every scene is iconic in its own right; through the progression of character growth around a basic plot. Bonuses would be The Cinematography, Casting, Production Design, and Editing.
Which movie was the most inspiring for you?
I would say I don't truly know a single movie as my favorite. I've seen so many it's more like tiers at this point; however, Sanctuary Dream is basically a PG-13 1980s Don Bluth film that happens to simulate Autism. 'An American Tail' if Fievel wanted to escape his family, rather than find it, with the intensity of 'The Original Land Before Time."
What was the biggest challenge you faced in making your films?
Coordinating Actors/Actresses who may or may not understand the material, yet not be a horrible boss because you get what you paid for.
Do you have a favorite genre to work in? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite genre as an Audience Member would be Science Fiction(the history of the genre); for sociological and philosophical reasons.
What’s your all-time favorite movie and why?
Any film that has to do with characters fighting for the psychological freedom of themselves/their community and winning(The Rocky Franchise or Early Dreamworks Animation is a great example); though losing can be very interesting cautionary tales(Darren Aronofsky Anyone???).
If you could work with anyone in the world, who would that person be?
List in Order: Jim Cameron, James Horner, Ridley Scott, John Willams, Hans Zimmer, Edgar Wright, Basil Poledouris, Paul Verhoeven, Robert Rodriguez, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, Peter Jackson, Matt Reeves, Steven "Stan" Speilberg, Martin "Marty" Scorsese, David Lynch, Francis Ford Coppola, Spike Jonze, Tetsuya Nomura, Shigeru Miyamoto. Pick One (I wish Kubrick and Hitchcock weren't dead - own all 13 of Kubrick's Movies and have yet to start the Hitchcock Collection).
P.S. Traven Thomas, Faisal Ost's Actor, really wants to be in a Wes Anderson Movie.
Tell us a secret that nobody knows about you.
I like my buttered pasta microwaved.
The one person who has truly believed in you.
Through everything? No one but my true friends.
What was the most important lesson you had to learn as
filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?
Always plan what you are going to say when you lead a film set. That way, when threads of personalities go awry, you know where your footing should be.
Is it harder to get started or to keep going?
Keep going. When you start, you're grateful that the two mountains of Development and Prep have paid off. When you keep going; all you want to do is let the pain/suffering of the childhood self to end, and it does while you keep your efforts afloat; including when you have to debate with the actors on why multiple decisions are correct; balancing with what the actors believe is a better idea, only submitting to one or more, if the idea(s) is/are better and adds to the overall story. I end up enjoying Post-Production the most for concentrative, manipulative, and thematic strengthening reasons - in other words, making the movie 3x a stronger film than its script, its planning, and its filming. Selling/Distributing the picture needs work.
On set, the most important thing is:
Multiple Plans on how we're going to get the shots completed.
The project(s) you’re most proud of:
Sanctuary Dream, The Meritocratic Failure, Grade Camp, Emotion.
The most challenging project you worked on. And why?
Grade Camp - my short film which won an honorary Sundance Award in 2015. The Two Leads were the most difficult to work with at the time; less difficult and more mature(it was two years later) when they played supporting characters in Sanctuary Dream.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Short Term: Create Shorts that will help in fine-tuning the Sanctuary Sequels Necessary Special Effects + The Sanctuary Sequels (Plan to have this all done by 2025).
Long Term: after that, I have 5 Original Feature Ideas and 7 IPs I'd be willing to work for; one of which is a Sony Property that could potentially become a 5 Film + TV-Series-In-The-Middle Franchise.
Your next projects?
After The Sanctuary Sequels? I'm not saying a word,...
Please share with us where people can find you on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008294452777
Kalliope Barlis - Interview
Kalliope is an award winning writer, director and producer of Kalliope’s From Fear to Freedom and bestselling author of Phobia Relief: From Fear to Freedom. As a coach, she loves helping people get over their fears and bad memories through creative visualization in order for them to gain their freedom. She was born in and grew up in New York City and gives talks and NLP trainings, internationally.
What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenplayer?
Here’s the most absolute ingredient to be a good Actor - Express your unspoken thoughts through non verbal behavior. This means that before your say your lines, feel the mood, think what your character is thinking and let their thoughts speak through your eyes and body.
Here’s the most absolute ingredient to be a good Director - Have fun creating different shots from different angles and use more cameras for different angles than you think you need so that you get different perspectives in the end film. And of course, film the mistakes, where the actors or people documented in a documentary laugh about stuff. People look forward to these moments at the end of a film because it makes the entire film more relatable. Laughing at our own mistakes is as human as it gets.
First and last cinematographic crush?
The Godfather was my first cinematic crush.
My Octopus Teacher was the last most recent cinematic crush.
How old you were when you decided you wanted to be a director?
Too young to mention. Lol.
I was in a classroom and remover thinking I was going to be famous for doing something special.
For you a Film is...
A film is a sequence of events that teaches us something we didn’t know before or that brings insight into our own life to make us grow. Well done, it moves us in ways we are not used to, opening us up to new possibilities within our selves. And if it makes us laugh, that’s the best.
What do you feel when you're directing?
I feel very clear, centered and concise in everything I do. Every moment counts because as I guide someone to overcome their fear, there is only one take. So everyone on set has to be tuned in. Sound, film and especially me to the person I’m guiding have to be connected. As a whole process, the person being guided to overcome their fear has the safety to do so.
You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna whatch it?
I watch comedies and documentaries and I’d go with Meryl Streep.
Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?
She’s right but I believe the imposible is possible. That’s what keeps me doing what I do which is train people to get over what stops them from living the life they want.
Can you live just of your passion?
Not quite, you still need to eat and breathe. But, Passion is a motivator. It’s not the motor that gets things done. You can be passionate about what you do but you still need to do it. So passion alone does not provide the skill or the talent to complete a task. But, passion can propel a skill to complete a project with mastery.
What's more important talent or luck?
Both luck and talent are important only when combined with practicing/doing any skill. When you spend time doing something, it creates talent so that the luck will come. Luck is really being at the right place at the right time. And by practicing/doing what you love, someone will notice your talent or you’ll be in touch with an opportunity to rise you up to where you want to go.
You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie..
Best in Show. Just love the improv.
Have you ever accepted a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?
Nope.
What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?
The best compliment I received about my job is “You changed my life” and “Your film won Best Anthropological Drama because you truly care for people and it shows in your film.”
Are you satisfied about your career?
Yes, I’ve done what I love to do and I will continue doing what I love to do.
Do you have a good luck charm?
Yes, it’s a combination of a dragon bracelet and a photo of my family.
Which is the worst moment on set ?
It’s so “worst”, it shouldn’t be mentioned.
How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?
I always think what’s next! And I start working on it.
Have you ever lied to get a job?
While I was in college, I was hired by a doctor to take dance lessons from his ex-wife. I had to pretend I was marrying someone to learn the dance of their culture that she was teaching. But, I was really taking lessons from her to find out if her boyfriend was living with her so the doctor wouldn’t have to pay her alimony. I did it one time and couldn’t do it again.
If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to....
The Academy then God… I would thank God for giving me the brains to do what I did good enough to win an Oscar.