Interviews & Reviews

William R.A. Rush is a New York native now residing in Philadelphia. An attorney for seventeen years, Rush began making films in 2022 with a licensed Stephen King adaptation of "One for the Road". He wrote and directed his first two feature films, "Group" and "Immersion", in 2023. He is scheduled to direct his third feature, "Fetish", which he also wrote, in September. His feature screenplay, "Sweetener" is currently making its way through the festival circuit, and he plans to film it in 2025. Rush has more than fifty individual awards for direction and writing for the film "Group", and the film itself has garnered over 200 awards in a variety of categories across multiple genres. His mission to make films that are inclusive in all facets, demanding LGBTQIA+ actors play LGBTQIA+ characters, that they feature prominent inclusion of people of color in the cast and crew, and that they all include strong female characters and filmmakers."

When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer?

I decided decades ago. But I did not vocalize until early 2022. I started writing, planning, and got to work. Filmmaking is all I want to aside from writing scripts. 

How did your family react?

My wife was completely supportive and encouraging without any apprehension or hesitation. My daughters showed semi-interest (which is high praise from them!) It was the exact reaction that I needed to make the leap.

Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?

My wife, Xxena is my inspiration. She’s the first person to read any script. My muse is one of the actors we work with, Tricia Buerke, who encapsulates perfectly the way I want to capture what I see in my wife on film. They’re two brilliant, strong, stunning and resilient women who constantly inspire me.

Who's your biggest fan?

My eight-year-old daughter, Mary, is far and away my biggest fan. She is passionate about my work. She wants to know every detail about the filmmaking process. She frequently speaks to the actors I have worked with. She loves it and is so intrigued by it all. My seven-year-old, Victoria, is probably a close second. One of her classmates (before the movie was released anywhere) said my movies were bad. I laughed so hard when she told me, but Victoria refuses to speak to that kid to this day. So, she may be my second biggest fan, but probably my biggest defender.

What brings you inspiration the most?

My wife and daughters, each and every day. I don’t know who I would be without them, but I wouldn’t like that person.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

This is an evasive answer, but a true one. I would want to work with the actors I have worked with. Not having the presence of a Tricia, Heaven Nikitenko, Chris Rivera, Nicolas Sullivan, Michael Lake, Susan Ly, Haulston Mann or Don Scribner would leave me empty. If, however, I could work with an actor along with my collaborators, then Isabelle Huppert, Toni Collette, Paul Giamatti and Michael Keaton. Those actors absolutely floor me again and again. 

For directors, watching Michael Haneke, Spielberg, David Lynch, Julia Decournau, Martin Scorsese, Tarantino, Jim Jarmusch, Gaspar Noe, Guillermo del Toro or Jane Campion work would be an absolute dream. They are masters of their craft who create indelible work. 

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

Absolutely. “Fight Club”, “American Psycho”, “Carrie”, “Gone With The Wind” and even “The Godfather” (parts 1 and 2, which cover the entire novel over the two films) are all better than the books upon which they were based. In the case of “Jaws”, the film and Carl Gottlieb’s screenplay combine to make a movie absolutely superior to its source material. I’m sure there are glaring omissions in my answer. But it has absolutely happened many times, and in many cases the novelists have said as much.

What's the movie that taught you the most?

E.T. unquestionably. It’s the first movie I saw in a theater, a second run. Or at least the first one I remember seeing in a theater, when I was around four years old. I was completely taken in by the magic of the world on screen. The film still holds that magic for me. As I grew, upon repeated viewings I found more and more in the film.  First, it’s shot entirely from Elliot’s (Henry Thomas’) perspective. This is such a perfect choice. It makes it resonate more for children, but it takes you back to childhood when you watch it as an adult. We are so easily drawn into Elliot’s experiences and life that it’s seamless. A profound use of cinematography, like an unforced forced perspective.

Second, the story…despite involving an alien and a family breaking down…is relatively simple. Like a Billy Joe Shaver song or a Hemingway novel. Profound storytelling is often simple, conveyed like conversation, which creates realism and resonance. Children can follow the overall story, while adults can relate to the incredible relationship and family dynamics, which are actually deep and often painful. The family dynamic almost hints at a Cassavetes-level of turmoil that occurred before we enter the story, and that most certainly occurs behind the scenes. Third, you see accessible symbolism throughout. E.T. fills the void of the father that abandoned the family. This family, coping with its potential destruction, is brought together by this new addition. 

The emotion, the magic, is all earned. None of it is manipulative. And the ending is not entirely happy. Hopeful, but not Hollywood-standard happy. Elliot, his father gone, makes the difficult decision to grow up quickly and realize he must let his friend go because it’s what’s best for everyone. 

There’s a moment at the end, amidst the tears of his family, amidst the absolutely astounding performances of Dee Wallace and Drew Barrymore, where the man (“Keys”) at the head of the government organization they’re fleeing from (played by Peter Coyote) makes the choice not to intervene. He told Elliot that he loved aliens and wanted them to be real. A childhood dream that somewhere became abandoned but, upon having that dream realized, he lets his childhood love and wonder overcome him and he simply basks in the awe of what’s before him. Keys embraces this vestige of his childhood, and draws on his heart, his gut and his feeling to ignore the trappings of adulthood to do what’s best. At the same time, Elliot draws on his hear, his gut and his feelings to embrace the trappings of adulthood by acting selflessly.

The film is perfect. Inspiration was impossible to avoid.

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

There were moments, but they passed quickly. I made mistakes, but I was determined to learn from and never repeat them. Professionally, I have thought about quitting everything that isn’t art.

On set what excites you the most?

The moment I call “action” is sublime. Few things compare. I have won trials, had many sporting accomplishments, won awards at major festivals, etc. There is nothing like the moments leading up to a take, knowing everything is ready to be captured, calling action, and waiting to see what happens. It’s everything.

And what scares you the most?

When we wrap. You are done and you wait months and months to truly see if what you’ve done amounts to a film. It’s such a relief and I am so happy to have completed the majority of such a monumental undertaking. But a day later, two at most, and I am dying to get back to set.

What's your next project?

“Immersion” is nearing the end of post-production and my next scheduled shoot is the feature film “Fetish”, which will be the third feature film I have written and directed.

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

That’s an incredible question. Lynch to me is so singular I cannot choose him. I would have to say Werner Herzog. I feel that he is so multifaceted and brilliant that there is no movie, no subject, that he could not master cinematically.

An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....

Clear vision and relentless determination.

For you Cinema is....

The perfect amalgam of numerous artistic crafts (acting, cinematography, storytelling, painting, design, fashion, makeup artistry, hairstyling, architecture, technology, music, and so forth) joining together to make a singular work of art.

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

Absolutely, especially when it’s an artistic choice by the filmmaker as opposed to necessity or age of the film. The profound impact the choice of using black and white has had on films such as “Schindler’s List”, Lynch’s “The Elephant Man”, the first act of “Poor Things”, “The White Ribbon” and even “Coffee and Cigarettes” all have very specific artistic resonance which is emotionally and purposefully impactful. It’s an absolutely beautiful choice when it fits the narrative and the filmmaker’s vision.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

Of course! If you love filmmaking, the thought has gone through your head.

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Absolutely not! Lynch, Hitchcock, Gaspar Noe, Chaplin, Glenn Close, and many, many more have never won this prestigious award. I certainly have no business, let alone any expectation, of receiving one. However, I could very well see it happening for the incredible actors and crews I have been privileged to work with. 

Katalin Weith is an award winner director, screenwriter and producer.

What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenplayer? 

I think it requires dedication, an inner driving force, the fact that one wants to have an impact on the viewer, to convey some important message, information, and all this in the language of film. Just yesterday I heard from Tarantino that you don't need any study, you just really want to make a movie. I don't completely agree with that. A director must understand everything that happens during the making of a film, since he manages the entire crew. If you don't know what kind of lighting conditions you want to see in the scene, what kind of camera position to have, how an actor can identify with the character, then you can't ask for them it.




How old you were when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer? 

At the age of 4, I already said in kindergarten that when I grow up, I will be an actress.:) I played my first role in a play at the age of 16, and then I didn't go to the Theater Arts, because then I already wanted to be a mathematician. But I've had a passion for movies since my grandfather took me to the cinema for the first time at the age of 7, and then we spent time together regularly there. Directing came much later, when I was over 40. It was exciting to switch to the other side of the camera.



For you a Film is... 

… another Universe where I can soar freely and creatively with disciplined creative work. We record a story, in a special artistic form, which we pass on to eternity as a work of art.



What do you feel when you're directing? 

It is an honor and a responsibility to make a film that affects so many people. Happiness, because I like to create something that didn't exist before.

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?

This is a difficult question, I am extreme on this. I would watch The Dune with Denis Villeneuve, I would walk on the bridge of the heart with Clint Eastwood and talk to him about how he can direct himself and I wouldn't miss Keanu Reeves from watching The Matrix together. There is no end to the line, of course.



Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it? 


Ohh, the wonderful Audrey Hepburn, with whom I would watch Roman Holiday... So she was very right about this, I think the same, nothing is impossible and it is never too late to start anything.


Can you live just of your passion? 

Yes, because everything I do, I do it with passion. If this is not the case, I will choose another job.



What's more important talent or luck? 

I'm a fatalist, I don't believe in chance, I believe that everything happens in our life for a reason. We often only understand in hindsight why it happened that way. Talent is a gift that is important, but I think determination, will and hard work are more important than that. Someone can be talented if they are lazy and do nothing with this opportunity. Practice works wonders.



You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie... 

I immediately thought of Cast Away.:) But of course this is a symbolic and difficult question. I would have a hard time choosing between Forrest Gump and The Matrix.


Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project? 

I've never worked like this before and I can't even imagine this situation. I used to be unable to put down a book without reading it all the way through, now I can't stop watching a movie until the end, because I always find something interesting in it that makes me think or what I can learn from it. I honor the creators by watching it.



What's the best compliment you have received about your Job? 

For me, it is a euphoric feeling that in the last 3 months we have won awards from 18 international short film festivals in different cities around the world. This is a fantastic confirmation for us that what we have created has had such an impact on film professionals. I am very proud of our film crew.

Are you satisfied about your career? 

I'm never satisfied, I'm behind, so I have to move faster than other people who started filming at 20 years old.

Do you have a good luck charm? 


I've written before about what I think about luck. I wasn't born into fluffy circumstances, I always had to work for the results, I learned a lot and struggled, so I'm not the "daughter of lucky", but I consider myself very lucky to have been able to do all this.


Which is the worst moment on set ? 

I can't say it. Perhaps the lighting technology, which I consider very masculine, which is why I entrust the carrying and setting of the lamps to appropriate professionals.

How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending? 

I like to bask in the feeling of satisfaction that I managed to make the film. Then a little absence if there is no next project. Then I start to miss the members of the crew, with whom we created a little family while we worked together.



Have you ever lied to get a part/job? 

Sorry, I don't understand this question.


If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to… 

Believe in yourself, nothing is impossible!

Having completed the earning of a University of California-Davis Master of Fine Arts terminal acting degree during a Tony Award winning San Francisco Mime Troupe formal educational residency, http://PhillipEWalker.com subsequently performed internationally plus at least twice in every United State through his 46 year old http://AfricanAmericanDramaCompany.com traveling Black history theatre. Phillip’s shooting of 144 different productions during his first Southern California year inspired the writing of his Entry Level Acting in LA https://walkerentertainera.wixsite.com/entry full-time talent employment workbook. More recently, PhilE (stage name) has played as a Principal with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Steph Curry, Kendrick Lamar, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Hart, plus the late director John Singleton.

Which is the best moment on set?

Among more than 2000 different sets on which I have worked since moving to Rancho Cucamonga, Southern California USA in 2014, the moments that are best for me are the Martini shots, because that means that we have accomplished something!

How does the saying about “life imitating art or art imitating life” relate to the fact that “Sweetest Vacation” screenings are now delivered in Memorial to its fallen Producer - John Michael Elfers?

It is very simple - they are one in the same. Just like life and death together make a whole existence.

Has anyone ever told you that you were not good enough?

Way too often! It is the foundation on which, at least American artists are trained and the circumstances under which we are employed. I feel that the entertainment industry encourages this belief because this belief in us allows the bosses to take advantage of its worker’s worth. But, I’m one of those kind of revolutionary artists that rejects self-doubt. In fact, I am surprised that I even answered this question.

New York Movie Awards understands that you just signed on to be represented by a new Commercial Talent Agent. How is that relationship going?

Like any other brand new relationship, Wild Models Talent Agency and I are still finding our way with each other. However, partly because of their all-virtual, non-exclusive approach to talent representation, I am expecting that, in time, we will be making beautiful music together!

What was the worst criticism that you have received?

Here is another question that is akin to the self-doubt world. It is how we artists think. For example, I remember reacting to what I called “Sweetest Vacation’s” first bad review. Only to have several people point out that it was not a bad review - just not a enthusiastically glowing review, like I was used to reading. The point being that “worst criticism” is relative.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

As an independent artist that always has to keep too many balls in the air just to survive in this industry, staying focused on the immediate task at hand is a challenge. That’s why I now create from beginning to end, my short films during a single weekend, in a NBA-styled 2020 COVID- 19 bubble. This approach keeps all involved extremely focused upon the production at hand. In that small amount of time, most of the artists with whom I am working, deliver our best labor and, within 48 hours, can move onto focusing upon something else. 

My favorite thing about this approach to focusing, is that within a very short amount of time, I have a finished product that I can right away begin to fully focus upon how to market that production. Marketing the short film product, of course, is the hard part of independent filmmaking.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

Talent is a blessing if one hones it, and is torturous if one does not know what to do with it.

Does music help you to play/direct/write?

Well, my favorite art form is the music video. That’s because these type of short films blend music and theatrics into a single art. By the way, I just shot as a Principal player, my 100th Official Music Video. That Production re-imagines the late Tina Turner’s rendition of The Who’s “Tommy” rock-opera “Acid Queen” song.

You have the chance to make a silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

Silent short movies are the best because their elimination of language barriers makes them so accessible that one can message anything to one’s audience. That’s why Vahan Bedelian’s one- man-silent-movie http://WineGameMovie.com was the best of my 70 shorts until “Sweetest Vacation” at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21979222/ was completed October 2, 2022.

Sweetest Vacation will premiere during the  New York Movie Award's Movie Night, right?

Yes, on 3/24/24 at 10:00pm EST, this more than 1000 time awarded, multi talented artist/activist, will be formally presented with New York Movie Award’s January 2024 BEST ACTOR Trophy, as one of the 195+ wins bestowed upon his short film’s https://SweetestVacation.com New York Premiere.

With https://IMDb.me/PhillipEWalker offering a very limited number of 10% discounted New York Movie Awards 10:00pm EST March 24, 2024 Under Saint Marks Theatre, 94 Saint Marks Place, NY, NY 10009 Movie Night tickets at https://AllEvents.by/PhilE, Walker currently awaits space approval to also offer on that Palm Sunday https://FilmSubmitSuccess.com and http://HollywoodActorJobs.com workshops.

If you weren't an actor/director/writer what would you like to be?

A successful businessman. In fact, I think we should call our profession “business show”!

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

Heck Yes! It’s a business. Sometime, I may not like the business, but if it makes money, then it’s the American way. Generally, I don’t really care for most of the art in which I am employed. That’s why I use the money that I earn therein to finance the making of the art that I do care about. For me, this is a much better approach than having to independently raise funds in order to make my short films.

What's your greatest ambition?

I work for free maybe 15 hours every day to help establish in the World’s consciousness that short films come from Rancho Cucamonga, California. That All-American City is the future home of our two continent’s first ever truly high-speed railroad hub, Inland Empire regional bus terminal and Los Angeles/Ontario International Airport (ONT) underground transportation tunnel, detailed at https://www.cityofrc.us/cucamonga-station At this point in my major goal accomplishment process, I am still working on showing our Planet that short films even exist. So, although my greatest ambition is very large, I’m working on it.

What's your biggest fear?

That I do not live long enough to see the short film become the most popular of all kinds of movies. More popular than Hollywood blockbusters. More successful than porn. Etc. If for no other reason than because of the length of short films. I could talk about this forever, but given the length of this Interview, how about I don’t?

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenwriter/etc.?

That’s easy - Learn how to secure more work that supplies higher pay rates!

Share your speech if you should win an OSCAR.....

Just last month, while saying hi to my own District’s Rancho Cucamonga City Councilwoman, Kristine Scott said to me, “I’m still waiting for you to win that OSCAR”. At the moment I was surprised by her comment, because I know how far away I am from winning an Academy Award®. Later, when I thought about it, I realized how much closer to winning an OSCAR I am than most people because of things like: performing in a countless number of Academy Award® nominated and winning productions, all be it most often in very small roles that The Academy would never consider; or like my currently airing, Courteney Cox directorial debut, EJ Gallo Wines Clos Du Bois “Long Live” Screen Actors Guild National Commercial launching its campaign during last year’s 95th Academy Award® televised ceremony; or, perhaps most importantly, my offering Academy Award® Nomination Qualifying Standard Theatrical Runs to independent productions (including my own) through   https://100FilmsRetreat.com So, I guess my short time on stage accepting an OSCAR would be spent thanking folk.

I started working as a photographer in1979 - initially industrial photography, publicity, and music sectors, leading to rich experience in the cinedocumentary field. I am autodidactic and have got where I am today through working in the field and thanks to my passion for music - I also play the bass guitar. I have had the good fortune to meet and work with people who have stimulated my creativity with an interesting exchange of ideas. I I started my exprience as a director in my own reality project - a popular web series called “Fette di Salame” (meaning “blinked eyes”). It gave me the opportunity to grow and develop. Today, 12 years on and with over 50 films behind me, I am convinced that I took the right road.

When did you realise you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?

In 2012, as director of my people’s web fiction production “Fette di Salame”

Do you remember your first time at the Movies?



Ben Hur, directed by William Wyler. I was around 10 years old

If you should change country where would you like to work?



I worked as photographer in Ecuador 1994 – 1995, where the mentality was very different to Europe. If I should change country, it would definately be in a country where there is less corruption and more freedom to work on your merit.

 Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…

“One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Milos Forman and 2001: Space Odssey by Stanley Kubrick (for the better!)

What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

I believe that any culture that provides ways to listen, learn, grow and develop are of value

Have you ever hated your ambition?



No, I haven’t

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was

he right?



Some people are sick, independantly of being film lovers.

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?



A perfect opportunity to make a completely fictional story that opens your mind 360 degrees towards other people. I see comunication, music, photography , poetry, writing and the arts …... together…. like a cocktail

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?



Alfred Hitchcook, Martin Scorzese, Federico Fellini, Mario Monicelli

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…



I would like to continue to gain more experience in cinema, working with actors, casting and developing fantasy - I love creating. I enjoy creating and running cinema workshops for young people (primary and teenagers) to show them how to observe and listen, which is very important for their future.

I hate mafia like corruption. I hate not being taken into consideration and not being able to do my work with everyday common people.

How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?



Fundamental! To be cultured, not only in cinema, but in general .A good director has to be as cultured as possible.

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?



Full immersion with the actors and people. I would like to meet as many people as possible and as many different people as possible in order to understand more about humanity.

A big producer gives you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white Movies (if you have one)… what film do you choose?



“Quarto potere”, O. Welles (1941)

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes it is normal to feel lost

and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you motivated?

Not a person really … it is my credo – target, I don’t want win, I want to make films for the reasons I answered before. For me it is vital to be among other people , working together to realise my dreams.

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him?

Yes.

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

Continue with cinema workshops for kids and everyday common people, and filming my scripts in a project.

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?

Absolutely yes, but not only.

What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

Stay in good physical shape to be able to work and film in the best way.

I'm Willem, 45 years of age, residing in Hilversum, the Netherlands, with my wife and two children. I'm a project lead in software development, holding a master's degree in applied physics, who started a professional training in scenario writing some 10 years ago. My thesis project culminated in an award-winning film. But that was already 7 years ago. Life took its course since then, but now that things have settled, I've resumed my writing endeavors, with "Ready Set No!" as the first new result. I have a passion for music, both listening and creating, enjoy tennis and skiing, love reading, and, naturally, have a penchant for writing. Among my preferred television series are "The Americans," "The Bear," "The End of the Fucking World," "Sex Education," "Peaky Blinders," "Normal People," and "Better Things." Some of my favorite films are "La Méglio Gioventú", "Ciudad de Deus", "Y tu Mama Tambien", "Sideways", "Un Prophète," and "American Beauty"

Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?

That depends on my mood. I love a good drama, but sometimes you just want something lighter. Having said that: I won’t be the one proposing we watch “Naked Gun” or something like that - even the comedy’s I like still have enough drama. Like Sideways - I love that movie.  

Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?

Art takes something from life and really puts a spotlight on it. As an art consumer it can feel like life imitates art, in the same way that once you’re expecting your first child you suddenly see all these pregnant ladies and people with baby’s everywhere. It’s the film maker that made you see it.

Which is the best Moment on set?

The first read through by the cast can be the worst, if it doesn’t work as well as you thought, or the best, when it is even better than you hoped. 

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

Well, sure! And I told myself as well. And many times they and I were right too. But you can only find out if you’re good at something by trying it out. So I guess that’s what I’m doing -without it being a premeditated plan - I’m trying things to find that one thing that I am really good at.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

That I don’t find that hard. I’m good with deadlines and also keeping track of where the story should go. To me it’s harder to get clarity on the goal itself. What message do I want to get across? How to do that? That’s why I also like to brainstorm on someone else’s ideas - I’m way less critical and therefor way more explorative and creative.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

Not that I really had to call in sick, but I did come close enough. Luckily my boss at the time offered to move me in another position straight away. He did want to know why I hadn’t told him in our mid-year review two weeks before my near-breakdown…

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

It is a blessing of course. Talent gives potential, the possibility to reach new heights. It does come with a responsibility I think: you should work hard to make the most of it.

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenplayer?

Everything! I can improve on all terrains.

What's the worst critic you have received?

 “Why is this funny?”

If you weren't an actor/director/screenplayer what would you like to be?

I would like to make a (small) difference in the area of sustainability or energy transition or circular economy.

If Cinema was a color what would it be?

Really? Ok, purple.

A day without a movie is...

Not a problem. There is so much to do.

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

Erm, yes. If it would just make me rich (so without the fame) even more so.

What's your greatest ambition?

To make something real.

What's your biggest fear?

That something would happen to one of my kids.

Does music help you to play/direct, write?

Yes, I have some music that gets me in the right mood, like Agnes Obel’s Philharmonics for instance. However when I still need to crack the code of the plot I find myself turning it off too.

You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

Slow down! Listen! What do you hear when all the noise is gone? Don’t be afraid - it’s ok.

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar.....

An interviewer from some festival once asked me to share my speech should I win an Oscar and I told him to get lost because there would be NO CHANCE IN HELL that I would ever win an Oscar. And here we are…. (If I’m giggling right now, please forgive me. Yes I prepared this sentence, because I expected that I would be so nervous if I had to actually be up here, that I would not know what I’m doing anymore. Wow, that is a long sentence, which is not smart when you’re nervous. Nervous? Who’s nervous? Me? No! No no no no) Ok, let’s just say that this is reality and not some sort of simulation or “The Matrix” (air quotes, yes sir!) - then I guess I should thank you. It’s nice to get recognition. So thanks! Let’s have a beer some time! Text me! My Phone Number is +31 for the Netherlands followed by 555-alrighty then! 

Irina Vodar is an award-winning filmmaker and graphic designer with over twenty years of experience in film and Broadcast Design with ABC News. As an Indie Filmmaker, Irina wrote, produced and directed two full-length documentary films. Her debut doc feature Miss Gulag, produced in association with Neihausen-Yatskova Films on a beauty pageant in a Russian prison for women, premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2007 (available on Amazon Prime). Her second documentary Anything You Lose, an insightful portrayal of infertility journey, won funding from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and went viral on the Indie Film Festival circuit with a 3X WIN at IndieFest Film Awards in 2023.

Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?

Comedy is sped up Drama, so I enjoy both, so long as they’re original and well-meaning. There’s nothing worse than a cliché surfacing to conceal a fear of an authentic emotional response.



Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?

It’s both. Life imitates Art when romantic comedies become the beacon of what to expect from life, and artists draw inspiration from real life stories. 


Which is the best Moment on set?

In documentaries the best moment on set is hard to define. Probably, it is when the camera is present at a pivotal moment of the story but is not drawing attention to itself. I found that documentary footage has to be set aside for a while to get distilled and settle. What may have seemed like a stroke of luck may lose its luster outside of the immediate context, and vice versa, a moment that took place in passing may turn out to be a crowning jewel of the scene. 

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

The making of Anything You Lose has been the epiphany of not being good enough. I filmed for 7 years and conducted post-production for another 7 years. I lived through so much rejection with this project, that I no longer crave the validation. The subject matter is a societal taboo, which made it that much more challenging to attain support and funding. I was told that I do not respect conventions of the documentary film genre, that I will never gain the objectivity necessary to complete this film. I was offered professional advice that later turned out to be detrimental, and only after ditching it I made some progress.  



How can you stay focused on your goal?

William Faulkner said, “If the story is in you, it has to come out.” Robert McKey said, “If you are able not to write, don’t.” In my case the story was the reality I was experiencing and living, and making sense of it meant getting out of the limbo where I found myself following the active section of the journey. I had to define the lessons and derive the benefits contained within to let go and move onto the next chapter in my life. Albert Einstein said that we cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. I kept repeating it to myself like a mantra, but I didn’t know what it really meant. I felt destroyed and my identity was shattered. I could not give up because I could not exist as a shadow of my former self. I had to figure out this riddle and pass on my experience to others so the struggles would not have been in vain.


Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?


I stopped mentioning that I am a filmmaker. I tried living quietly, day by day, going to work and coming home. I had a nagging feeling in my stomach, a cold fear of failure. I had this feeling every time I thought of taking action towards completion of the film. I was terrified of going public with my story, and at the same time I couldn’t fathom any other way.


Talent is a blessing or a curse?

Talent is a blessing that creates exquisite torture. Talent is a curse that makes you see what others don’t notice. When I was little, I thought that all people had the same abilities, and it was only the matter of making friends and establishing trust and communication. Now I know the world is made of different types of people. Not all of us are creative, but altogether we form the fabric of society in vivid varieties and color. 

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenwriter?

The difficulties I experienced during the making of Anything You Lose forged my creative spirit in battle. I am now able to trust my artistic instinct in a way that connects me directly to the source without a need for outside validation. I am eager to explore what this upgrade can deliver in terms of bold creative choices and new concepts. 



What's the worst criticism you have received?


The worst criticism I have received – that I will never be objective about my character in the story, and therefore will not be able to deliver a coherent content. This criticism turned out to have a silver lining, as I spent much time contemplating what it really meant and as a result, was able to convey the essence of my character in given circumstances.



If you weren't an actor/director/screenwriter, what would you like to be?

I had a list of possible occupations when I was a kid. At the age of 5, I wanted to become a fireman. Then I adjusted to the dream of being an astronaut. Later I wanted to become an army radar girl, like I saw in movies, and then an army nurse. I didn’t give myself permission to dream about making movies until much later in life, after graduating from VGIK (Russian National film School), because it felt like a forbidden pleasure. I waited till I had something to say, and thought I was only good enough to be in a supporting role, behind the scenes. But as life would have it, my greatest challenge became my biggest breakthrough. 

If Cinema was a color what would it be?

It would be a light blue, like the color of the sky. An endless flat blue color, like in a childhood dream I had. I was upset and didn’t understand why I had to suffer, and contemplated leaving this plane. So, I saw that endless flat blue color in a dream, it was a different dimension opening in front of me and calling forward. Out of it came Jesus Christ (take into consideration I was raised an atheist). He walked towards me, his white robe glowing, smiled, and offered me his hand to walk with him. I liked his face, he looked kind and trustworthy, and I really wanted to touch his hand, but I realized that if I am gone, I will upset my parents, so I stayed.



A day without a movie is...

Like a night without a dream. We need to connect with spirit and communicate the higher truths through myths and bedtime stories, songs, and poems. This is the best part of being human.



If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

I would love to say no, I would not take that job, but in reality, I would be tempted. Being rich and famous gives us leverage to be a spokesperson for important causes in the world and be heard. We are conditioned to express ourselves through attributes of wealth and are taken seriously based on this merit. I would hope that I can contain my negative emotions to persevere and rip the benefits. If I refuse a job like that, it’s because I need the authenticity of inspiration to point to the true north of creation. Without this connection I would be helpless and at a loss.  



What's your greatest ambition?

I want to be Dr. Ruth of infertility. Funny, poignant, helpful, healing. I want to connect with people authentically and use my experience and voice for upliftment and generativity.

 

What's your biggest fear?

I’ve lived through my biggest fear already and survived. At this point I am a part of theater of life, and I want to use the time remaining to be in action, joy and authentic communication with the world. I want to ease the pain and make people laugh. I want to love and fall in love and live my every day as if it was my last.



Does music helps you to play/direct, write?

Music is the drumbeat of life. The universe is made of sound vibrations. A lot of times an idea starts as a musical theme that has a certain rhythm, magnetism, and sweetness, that plays repeatedly and reminds me of some distant time, almost imperceptible, yet real to my senses.  



You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

The message is the same, it’s the Hero’s journey. Coming back from the unknown territory and honoring the struggle and the experience, regardless of the outcome. Life just goes on. It doesn’t have the ups and downs, the path is frequently chaotic and the meaning is revealed after the play is done.



Share your speech if you should win an Oscar...

Dear friends, believe and love, and life will surprise you. To love means to have no fear. Thank you.

George Zouvelos is a SAG-AFTRA / AEA actor that is originally from New York City and hales from deep Greek / Hellenic roots. George garnered multi-Indie awards for his acting, screenwriting and directing, including most notably the Cannes Shorts, and the Cannes World Film Festivals in France. His early acting studies included Classical Acting; and various acting techniques including Adler, Meisner, Hagan, and Chubbuck; and later concentrated his Stanislavsky Method studies at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. George is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at the New York City chapter. He's a member of NYWIFT New York Women in Film and Television, American Film Institute (AFI), American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), and Alpha Phi Delta, National Fraternity (APD).

Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?

I prefer DramCom’s.

Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?

Art imitates life, Life is Art, and Living life artfully is living a good life.

Which is the best Moment on set?

Wrap on my first feature film 'Once a Week for Life’.

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

I never listened to naysayers, as if I did 80% of the time I wouldn’t have even tried or have succeeded beyond my wildest imaginations.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

Staying focused on your goal requires concentration on the task at hand and

revitalizing you excitement and passions that ignited your goals in the first place.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

No. Move in any direction but always move forward.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

Talent(s) are as you are graced to recognize and also utilize. Using your

discretion is key to developing and also to utilizing, or not, all that you are

blessed with etc.

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenplay?

Hone in the craft of my acting and also my directing and filmmaking to provide a honest, ad real film characters and storylines.

What's the worst critic you have received?

I am my own worst critic.

If you weren't an actor/director/screenplay what would you like to be?

This is it! I already had careers as a Paramedic and in Law enforcement.

If Cinema was a color what would it be?

Cobalt blue.

A day without a movie is...

A time for self-reflection.

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

Art is art. Do what you do best, always give it your best, but never compromise

your principles and beliefs.

What's your greatest ambition?

Being the best I can be as a father, filmmaker and human-being.

What's your biggest fear?

Giving up.

Does music helps you to play/direct, write?

Yes.

You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

Life is beautiful even without sound.

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar...

I thank my Maker who gifted me life, and my Hellenic / Greek culture, parents, and forefathers for it is they who instilled in me the genetics and upbringing to always have the audacity and tenacity to always move in any direction but to always move forward. Move forward, and even in the face of tremendous amounts of  diversities.

Cornell Hubert Calhoun III is the former Arts & Culture Coordinator for the City of Cleveland, Ohio. Cornell is currently the host of TV 20 We Are Cleveland’s Talk Shows Creative Focus, Spotlight and Hollywood Kids. He is an accomplished and widely applauded actor, producer, director, playwright and award-winning filmmaker. Cornell classifies himself as ‘ole school’ because of his love for classic movies like Odds Against Tomorrow with Harry Bellefonte and Black Board Jungle with Sydney Poitier. He started making films almost ten years ago because it was hard to find theaters that would produce his plays. His films and screenplays have been selected at over 150 film festivals in the US and abroad.

When did you realised you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?

I thrived in theater Arts for over 30 years. I turned to film because it was hard to get theaters to produce my work. 



Do you remember your first time at the Movies?



My 1st time at the movies I went to see the 1960 film, Village of the Dammed. 

If you should change country where would you like to work?



If I could change countries I would love to go to Paris, France for the elegance, romance and the Eiffel Tower.

Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…

Two films that marked my life for the better and worst are Devil in a Blue Dress with Denzel Washington and 1971 film The Red Sky at Morning with Richard Thomas.  



What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

Acting and film schools are wonderful to learn the craft of film but I believe one’s creative spirit more.  

Have you ever hated your ambition?



I thrive on ambition. 

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was

he right?



Film lovers are not necessarily sick people as Francois Truffaut says, but we do need help!

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?



When I close my eyes and hear Cinema, I in vison the greatest film ever created – one of mine!

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?



I learned the most from my mentors, my college professor, Mr. Shedrick Lyons of Talladega College. In my later years Cleveland Theater Legends, Dr. Rueben and Dorothy Silver.

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…



My biggest dream would be to interview Denzel Washington on my weekly TV SHOW Creative Focus. My worst nightmare is not having my award winning script Longwood produced before I die.

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?



I would like to improve the process of getting award winning scripts/films produced.

A big producer give you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of

one of your favorite black and white Movie (if you have one)… what film

do you choose?



If a producer gave me an opportunity to produce the remake of a favorite black and white film it would be the 1949 film Holiday Affair Robert Mitchum & Janet Leigh.  I would use an all-black cast.

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost

and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you motivated?

My faith and God keeps me motivated during tough times. 

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The

script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him?



I agree with Hitchcock: To make a Good Film you need 3 things, the script, the script, the script – If it’s not on the page no matter how good the actors are – the film won’t fly!

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

Most my ambitious project in the future is to get my award-winning script, Longwood produced.



Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?

 I do not fear Sadness or Melancholy – I create my best work in the midst of both.



What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

I wish to myself ------ great success and my Longwood script produced by Netflix, Starz, Amazon Prime Video, Max. Showtime, Hulu or Paramount Plus.

Emily Kathleen is a disabled filmmaker, singer-songwriter, theatre artist, playwright, and performing artist. She is the CEO and business owner of Creative Collaborations, who uses her work as an artist to bring about awareness of child and domestic abuse and the issues of disabled community by illustrating her own personal experiences as a survivor of many years of abuse. Her work is in collaboration with Safe Austin which Emily is also a client of. She uses her work as an artist to bring about awareness of child and domestic abuse and the issues of the disabled community by illustrating her own personal experiences as a survivor of many years of abuse. Emily’s new single she wrote and sang: “Love it’s a funny word” is set to premiere on Koop radio in Austin TX in January 2024 and the single is now released on streaming station world view to Audience.

The biggest challenge of being an actor\director\ screenplayer is…


 I would say the most challenging thing about directing, acting and doing the screenplay of The Stalker all at once was the fact that if I mess up, I don't have anyone to lean on. I was 100 percent alone and had to be strong all the time. I had to be 100% perfect all the time or no one would respect me. It is exhausting having to be perfect all the time. 

Choose an Actor, Choose an Actress...and now choose a story you would like to direct or play with both of them.

 I can't really answer this question. There are so many actors and actresses of course I would love to work with as an actress or director. But is always been a passion of mine to tell true life survivors stories. I want to tell stories of voices that would normally not be heard.  One thing I would love to write and direct is a  documentary interviewing survivors of domestic violence and then acting and directing the reenactments of how they got away from their abuser. Then put it up on Netflix 

Who’s the first Aritst that let you understand you wanted to be an Actor\ director\screenplayer?

There wasn't a specific artist that told me that I wanted to be an actor, director and screenwriter all at once. Though I am inspired by Tyler Perry's movies. However I was in producing school at LA City college and part of graduation there was we had to constantly produce our own film projects and things would just keep falling through for me.  Actors and directors and screenwriters would quit on me for no reason.  I got so tired of depending on other people for my success in school that I decided I was going to do it all.. I became very successful at acting, directing and being screenwriter all at once. I shorta just ran with it.


What really excites you artistically or emotionally?

 I'm really passionate about my performing I absolutely love singing jazz.  I grew up singing jazz. My grandma and I would bake cookies in the kitchen every Sunday and listen to jazz music all day and I would constantly train myself to be the perfect singer.  I grew up looking to Macy Gray for all the answers and saying one day I'm going to be a jazz singer like her. So something that really excites me artistically is writing music as a singer-songwriter, performing jazz and it just makes me feel emotionally for filled. I feel empty inside when I don't get to perform. 

Marlon Brando said “Never confuse the size of your Paycheck with the size of your talent”. Do you agree?

Okay so here is the thing, I've been a broke artist smoking weed sleeping on friends couches in Los Angeles doing the party life and being broke for the arts. However people don't want to give money to someone who needs it. As harsh and cold as it is. People don't give a fuck. It's just a fucking fact. If you look broke and desperate no matter how talented you are, no one is going to give you a job. I'm speaking from experience. I work three jobs 90 hours a week so I can look like someone who matters and people just give me money to make films. It's easy. Since I put money over the arts I've made more money and done way more art than I did that broke kid in LA smoking weed all the time. Now I have three designer bags from the Coach store, a designer car, designer clothes , designer shoes and a very expensive apartment near The domain in Austin Texas. I go to the salon every week for a massage and hair blowout and styled.  I pride myself on looking like I don't need money or anyone's help. Since I show off the fact that I have my own money, people just give me money without me asking them. They just give me acting jobs, singing jobs, directing jobs, filmmaking jobs and you name it art jobs. It just sort of comes to me without me trying or begging for money. So I don't really agree with Marlon Brando size of the paycheck thing. Yes you want to put the art first but you gotta take care of you or no one else will in this world. We live in a cold and cruel world and people generally don't give a fuck. People like working with people who love themselves and who take pride in their appearance. It's also the law of attraction if you look like you don't need money,  money just comes to you easy. Why would a producer want to put there hard working money into an artist who hasn't showered for weeks and looks homeless or smells like weed all the time? They wouldn't, no matter how talented you are. They won't give a fuck. Business people don't care about art. They care about who can handle there money? So present yourself with class or your not gonna get the job. I'm speaking from experience!

Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life\career  choices?


YES (but I prove them wrong because I make more money then them both as an artist ) My domestic abuser and stalker for 10 years would DAILY email me, text me , tell me to my face that I was fat, ugly, Stupid and so incredibly untalented that I should just kill myself. My mother and father were both extremely abusive and they would tell me daily that I was stupid and ugly and that there is no way that I would ever make it as an artist. They said I was better off on my back and would beat me daily for being an artist. I think I've proved the trailer trash that raised me wrong. 

Do you think is harder for a woman being a Filmmaker?


 Yes, and no. Depends on your morals. Being a filmmaker is hard whether you're a man or woman. Doing the job correctly is extremely hard and takes dedication and 18-hour days for weeks on end with no breaks. However there are some in the film industry that don't want to do the work and they would rather sleep their way to the top. Those people everything comes easy to them because they have no morals and just spread there legs to get their films done and hand off the work to everyone else. But as for the rest of us doing filmmaking correctly, man or woman this job is extremely challenging and takes a lot of dedication and time. Doesn't matter if your a man or woman it's hard all around. 

Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own Vision as a Filmmaker\actor\screenplayer?

See I've been getting famous from my film The Stalker. It was never planned. I've been getting famous for my activism work and having people see in public the domestic violence that I was forced to go through. I wrote the script for The Stalker in my car while being homeless at the hands of my abuser. I wasn't planning on getting famous with it or even making it into a film or a play. My plan was to get the script to my friend Mike because I really thought that my abuser would have killed me by now. Then years later like a fucking miracle I was alive and I did the play as a fundraiser for Safe Austin. But the camera guy was paid off my my abuser to mute the camera sound so my stage manager Kaycee jumped in filmed on her camera and save the play. So turning it into a virtual film was completely by mistake but it turned out to be fantastic and better than planned. I also never plans on getting famous from this film or for my Survivor story of domestic violence. I submitted the film to festivals as a way to get back at my abuser because at the time he had paid his lawyer to harass me and every single time he would harass me I would submit the film to a film festival and then the stalker film and my survival Story sort of spread like wildfire and made me famous. Being famous hasn't changed my vision it's only made me want to work harder to help my trauma survivors and tell their story. 


Who’s the Movie star that made you dream for the first time?


Macy Gray

Make a wish about your career...

My wish is for a record deal and to have my film the stalker in a Oscar winning film festival and win a Oscar for my film The Stalker. 


Talking about cinema\Showbusiness, how hard is to remain completly honest to yourself as an artist?

it's easy I already told you money just comes to me. So as long as I stay who I am nothing will change. 

The Film you have loved the most?


Elizabeth Smart Story the documentary they did about her on Netflix. She went through the worst of the worst hell and she won in the end. She is my hero!

And now, don’t be shy….the one that annoyed you the most?


I honestly get annoyed at all of the American pie movies primarily because I'm asexual and the plot line is just really stupid.  I love the actors in them but the scripts suck! 

 Your biggest artistic goal is…


 Winning a Tony award, Grammy award and Oscar for my work. 

 What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I always wanted to get into real estate and be a real estate agent and one day I hope that I'll be able to learn how to do that. 

How important is to be rewarded as an Artist?

I think that the only reward as an artist that we need is being able to do our art if we come to set or rehearsal with the idea that we deserve a reward like who are we? we're already lucky enough to be there. There's so many other people around the world who aren't lucky to do their art let's be thankful that we get to. 


Do you have regrets?


I regret the moments that I wasn't 100% perfect. I have to be perfect all the time or I am not a for filled person. 

 What’s the message you wanna express through your art?
  

The main message that I want to express through my art is that no matter what tragedy has happened to you no matter what abuse has happened to you that you two can have a good life. That outsiders looking in seeing someone being abused is to fucking say something if you see something say something if it doesn't feel right to you say something and do something to help that victim of abuse. So many people just watch people be abused and they don't do anything and that's the message of my art is help those who are being abused and that if someone is abused they still can have love and they can still be success that you are not your abuse or your trauma you were still a person who is capable of success. 

NYMA: You use women to make your point about the perils of autocracy in Proud Girls?

Leslie: It’s shocking because women aren’t like men. 

NYMA: Are women better than men?

Leslie: Different. Proud Girls is after the Proud Boys successfully slaughtered congress… in a future where dictatorship flourished and women have become like men. 

NYMA: Is this feminism?

Leslie: No. I write about humanism but I’ll concede my script is sexist. 

NYMA: Against men?

Leslie: And boys. Proud Girls imagines the vaginally challenged as the housewives, the babysitters, the powerless -   

NYMA: - And the women are the ruthless self-promoting takers who protect their peccadillos rather than advocate for the people?

Leslie: Exactly! You forgot fetishes and crimes.  

NYMA: I see, the women are the religious leaders, the senators, the industry captains?

Leslie: Yes! We grab the balls! And just because men want to rub themselves all the time doesn’t mean we should allow God’s children to be treated like trash. Would you give a scratching dog a flea dip?

NYMA: I would. 

Leslie: Hallelujah. Shall we pray? Dear Lord and Mother, we pray for these sinners -

NYMA: What happens if the men still scratch the fleas?

Leslie: For the mass murdering whores? Prison or court ordered penis clamp.

NYMA: Is this why the F.B.I. is monitoring you?

Leslie: Yes, they’re probably afraid women are going to overthrow the world and that I’m their leader.

NYMA: Are you their leader?

Leslie: Vagina’s unite! I mean no comment. 

Starting her career as an assistant director, Valerie was immersed in the world of movies and developed a deep love for the arts. During her studies, she discovered her innate talent for photography and decided to pursue it professionally, working in Paris for over a decade at the renowned press agency Sygma– Corbis Sygma. Her exceptional eye for capturing moments led her to work with numerous motion picture stars across Europe and the United States. Valérie's passion for music and her desire to create a platform for artists to shine culminated in the birth of The Eye Voice. This innovative concept allows for a collaborative approach, where different artists can be featured in each song and music video produced by Planet Faith Entertainment. Valérie Verseau's journey in the entertainment industry is one filled with passion, creativity, and a relentless purs uit of artistic excellence.

When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/ screenplayer?

When I realized that my career as a photographer was not fulfilling my purpose anymore.  

How did your family react?

My parents were already in the Movie Business so they were very enthusiastic about it.  It was a natural thing to them! I started working on films at the age of 18, as an assistant director, on one of my stepdad’s films. 

Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?

I don’t have one in particular right now.  I have always learned from the great filmmakers and actors of all time, and been inspired by them!   

Who's your biggest fan?

My Mom!

What brings you inspiration the most?

Fulfilling my purpose, including a sense of urgency to express and share with others my inner feelings and reflexions regarding humanity. 

So I can, in turn, inspire people!

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

Margot Robbie

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

GONE WITH THE WIND  -  I read the book when I was a teen, and saw the film right after finishing the third volume of the book. 

What's the movie that taught you the most?

There is not just one movie who taught me the most.  There are so many!   The sum of them all! 

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

Yes, I had, several time!  Especially when things didn’t go the way I thought and expected they would.  But passion always took over.  

On set what excites you the most?   

To see all the Talents and Crew members gathered to make magic creating a film, make a vision manifest, and a dream come true!

And what scares you the most ?

Maybe not to have enough time to do all the shots I want.   

What's your next project?

I am working now with my team on the "RAP PREMIX" version of “LOVE IS MY GUN”.   A tribute to all the innocent people who are killed during mass shootings an/or other criminal acts. 

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

A mixture of Steven Spielberg and Nancy Meyers. 

An actor/director/screenplayer is made of….  

Passion, persistence, focus, determination, talent, imagination, will power, patience, unconventionality, faith...

For you Cinema is…. 

The best way to tell stories about humanity and to sublimate reality.  

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?  

They have, as long as they are good!!

 Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

Of course!  I would love to win an Oscar!

Do you think you're gonna win it?

I didn’t write my thankful speech yet, but my arms are wide open to receive it! 

Njedeh Anthony is the Producer, Director and Writer of the movies “Creatures of Necessity” and “Exceptional Beings” and the author of 13 fictional novels. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria and is based in California. He is a father and the youngest of 9 brothers and sisters.

What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenplay?

I believe you have to care about what you are creating. Whether it is a character, a story or scene, the more of you, you pour into the work of art, the more real it becomes.


First and last cinematographic crush?

My first is The Sound of Music and my last was Tar



How old you were when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer?

I was about 40, more than halfway through my life.

For you a Film is...

An escape.


What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?

Alive and in control of the world around me.


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 watch it?

I would love to watch Sound of Music with Jordan Peele.


Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?

That is so true. Before Galileo, it was impossible for the world not to be flat and now it is not. 75 years ago, it would have been impossible for cars driving themselves and people walking around talking to each other with these little devices called air pods. Even more recently, we had a new pandemic and created a new vaccine for the disease within 2 years. Yes, I believe nothing is impossible.


Can you live just of your passion?

Nah.


What's more important talent or luck?

Talent


You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...

Grease. However, if it was a TV show, The Wire.

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?

No. I have been spoilt, blessed or directionally insane; I have always produced every movie I have worked on. The biggest blasphemy for a producer, is to make a movie you don’t love, because even after the release of that feature, when everyone has moved on, the producer is still responsible for the movie to continuously have life.


What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

Thank you.


Are you satisfied about your career?

In the spectrum of a filmmaker, I am blessed and satisfied with the infinite possibilities of that title. The endless possibilities of fulfilling my creativity, is such a healthy addiction. 


Do you have a good luck charm?

I want to say no. If I do, then I do not know it.

Which is the worst moment on set?

I believe it would have to be the moments that have nothing whatsoever to do with film making.


How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?

Sad. There is this feeling on set that I haven’t yet figured out, as producer, writer and director. When you are in it, you become a family, the set is your address. Justin Morgan, my producing partner and I, always emphasize we want only positive energy on the set. We understand everyone has their real life back home and their struggles but we tried to make the set an escape for everyone, in which we come in happy to do what we love to do. So when the movie is over and it ends, the walls of escape break down and I feel sad.


Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

In the movie industry, never, outside the industry, absolutely.


If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…

My children.

Dianna Anastasia Diverno has a typical genetic heritage in the family and expresses herself through art. She wrote many number of novels, a number that exceeds hundreds, which tell you enough about her dedication to the work she does. She is a member of two German associations and the American Corner. Dianna is a very stubborn, confident and ambitious person that know has no limits and barriers and sets for herself high goals. What is always entwined, apart from affinity for mafia and often politics, is love and passion. She is always trying to create a difference between sex and love because as she says “there is whole world between sex and love and it is sad that people equalize those two things”. She often looks for inspiration through music, any music, classic, jazz, pop or rock.

When did you realize you wanted to be a film director\actor\writer?

Since I have a genetic predisposition to creative and artistic work in my family as a hereditary trait, it was only a matter of my personal decision what kind of art I would like to adhere to – painting, singing or writing. It outweighed the work of literature. I wrote my first poem in elementary school and it was called Yellow Roses. After a car accident, I started writing more professionally.


Do you remember your first visit to the cinema?

Yes, I was a child, and I went with my dad to see the movie ''Wonderful Forest''.


If you needed to change the country where would you like to work?

I think I'm attracted to the idea of making a concrete step forward and temporarily coming and living and working in the United States of America. First of all, I have a lot of scripts based on my novels, and I think I should take advantage of the opportunity that has been offered to me for some time. From countries in Europe – I am unspeakably attracted to Norway.

Two films that marked your life for better or for worse...

I liked the movie ''Gift'' starring Cate Blanchett, because I myself occasionally experienced similar things. And as a second film I could do say "Basic Instict" the first part starring Sharon Stone.


What do you think of acting/film schools?

I think that if I had the opportunity to stay in America and deal more professionally with the job of screenwriter, and even writer, in that case it would be desirable to devote myself to some private school that deals with this industry.


Have you ever hated your ambition?

I've always loved writing because that's how I can express myself. There was a kind of stagnation in writing when I used to think – it would be better to do painting or too bad I didn't listen to my grandmother who made me go to opera singers... But mostly, I don't think there's any point in hating something that, through a web of psychic motivations imposed by life itself, creates a kind of reflection of our own personalities – like writing. 


Francois Truffaut thought "Movie Lovers are Sick People"... Was he right?

It all depends on what kind of cinematography you're talking about. There are films that are really sick and a reflection of the extreme darkness, so I could say that it is very important and important to know what is being pursued in this area.


Close your eyes... if I say "cinema" what do you see?

I'd like to close my eyes now and see a big screen and a movie on the screen that was made based on my script. 


Who is the director/actor/writer who taught you the most?

In the field of literature, I have read many books and novels by various writers.  I could recruit Alexander Dima Jr., Cindy Sheldon, Emil Zola... And of the actors very inspiring to me seems actor Rob Lowe.


About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare...

I think my biggest dream would be to be able to do everything I set out to do through my oath as a child – to write 300 literary works that would be divided into three stages – world literature, literature focused only on one state and spiritual literature. And my worst nightmare would be that if I could do it, then I wouldn't have the will and desire to survive in life. It's like when a man runs a marathon, wins that race, and then there's a huge, inexhaustible void. When you get to the end, you find nothing...


How important is it to have a good cinematic culture?

I think it is important to know first of all which films one wants to adhere to, but I think it is important to learn and grow through work in a world where cinema itself is improving and developing year after year. The difference between cinema now or fifty or a hundred years ago is very large and immeasurable.

What would you like to improve as a director/actor\writer?

If your question relates to what you like to improve them in your work, I think it's precisely about improving my work and my functioning as a screenwriter to some level that would be characterized as a professional. When I told myself that I wanted to improve my work in February 2022 – I gave myself a time frame and a deadline for it to be in the level of something that would be acceptable to me in two years. Since then, I have published about 60 literary works and presented with ecstasy 28 scenes for films. So I'm talking about a very short period of time where I could, here I could give myself the right to say that in a period of about a year and a half, from one of my current life patterns and life circumstances in which I was in Palics, I came to this possibility to continue with my job in New York and to cooperate with Hollywood. In a short time, life has turned upside down.


A great producer gives you the opportunity to direct/play (in) a remake of one of your favorite black and white films (if you have one)... Which film do you choose?

I think it would be nice if I could appear in black and white in the very successful film "Jungle on the Asphalt", where Marilyn Monroe also starred.


The film industry is a tough place and sometimes it's normal to feel lost and discouraged... Who is the person who keeps you motivated?

First of all, I will return to one of the previous answers I gave you, concerning the fact that in a short period of a year and a half there have been many changes in my life, so I think it is quite normal that I find myself at once completely taken aback with the realization of all this. Sometimes I stop and try in a day or two or three days to figure out which strategy would be best for me. First of all, I don't have a team of people behind me, but I do have a family – children and some close friends who give me the wind at my back. Although I think the main characteristic of what drives me to succeed and go further is the desire to divorce through life and continue to learn. I am also very supportive of my children son Jessie and daughter Dita.


Alfred Hitchcock once said, "To make a good movie, you need three things: a script, a script, and a script." Do you agree with him?

Yes, a good script for the realization of a good film is important, although other circumstances play an important role – such as the quality selection of the acting team, the chemistry of the actors on the screen, the work of the director, the editor .... Then a significant role in everything is played by the weather circumstances when the film is first shown and presented to the audience and viewers. They are all like small tiles in a single mosaic or in a puzzle that must really be put together properly in order to get a successful film.

 What is your most ambitious project for the future?

My most ambitious projects are probably cartoons or sci-fi films for teenagers and young people based on those scripts. As there are 12 of them, I think that in addition to other scenarios related to the soil of America (and there are 16 of them), I have a lot to offer the film world in the United States.  Among the projects, I would like to single out the sci-fi film "White Fox", the cartoon "Dragon Legionnaire and the Queen of Flowers" as well as the sci-fi film "Kingdom of the Four Winds"...


Do you think sadness or at least melancholy can sometimes be more creative?

I have often been driven by pain or some life circumstances that influence me to devote myself to artistic creation. For a long time, through literary works, i.e. novels, I expressed a kind of pain at the loss of a friend. And the last thing that created a big eruption of work inside me was the death of my mom that happened in June 2021. That's what got me moving. And now I am, here I am.


What do you want for yourself as a filmmaker?

I want to fulfill my oath to God as a child, which I just mentioned to you, and I also think it is important to preserve humanity and dignity within myself through all that new and inevitable life circumstances bring. I want to be able to do what I set out to do and I believe that it would be a kind of reward for all that I went through with my work, faith and hopes since Ferbuar in 2022. 

Nathan Taupez Scinto, Founder of Think Global Media (dba Global Filmz), started his journey as a Producer in 2001, producing 16-episode TV series on a Fox affiliate. Nathan established his production team of creatives In 2015 – only a year later, Think Global Media (dba Global Filmz) was officially founded. By 2016, Nathan Scinto was able to open a Global Filmz office in Global Filmz Miami Branch. By 2021, he founded Global Filmz Studios and opened his first video production studio in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. During this time, Nathan launched a Global Filmz NYC Division opening an office in Manhattan, NY in the World Trade Center with plans to open a second creative space/production studio in Brooklyn, New York.

When did you realised you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?

I realized I wanted to be a filmmaker when I was in my late twenties. I had always been captivated by storytelling and the power of visual media, but it was after watching Tarantino's films that I felt a deep desire to explore the art of filmmaking myself.

Do you remember your first time at the Movies?



Yes, I remember my first time at the movies. It was a transformative experience for me. The big screen, the immersive sound and it was then that I realized the impact that cinema could have on people's emotions and perspectives.

If you should change country where would you like to work?


If I had to change countries to work, I would choose Japan. The visually stunning aesthetics of Japanese cinema I have always appreciated. I believe it would be cool to immerse my

Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…

Two films that have marked my life, for better or worse, are "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs," both directed by Quentin Tarantino. These films not only solidified my admiration for Tarantino's unique style but also inspired me to push the boundaries of storytelling and explore unconventional narratives in my own work.



What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

I believe filmmaking schools can provide valuable knowledge and training for aspiring artists. They offer a structured learning environment, opportunities for collaboration, and a chance to develop technical skills. However, I also believe that true creativity and talent cannot be taught in a classroom. It ultimately comes from within, and one's ambition and passion are what drive

them to excel in this industry as well as hands on experience, trial/error and as we call it in our inner film family circle “being fed to the wolves.

Have you ever hated your ambition?



Personally, I have never hated my ambition. Although there have been moments of doubt and frustration, my passion for filmmaking has always prevailed. It keeps me going, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?

 While I respect Francois Truffaut's perspective, I don't agree that film lovers are sick people. In my opinion, film lovers are individuals who appreciate the power of storytelling and the artistry behind filmmaking. They are passionate about exploring different perspectives and emotions through the medium of cinema.

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?



When I close my eyes and think of cinema, I see a montage of vibrant visuals, diverse characters, and powerful storytelling.

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?



Quentin Tarantino has been the director who has taught me the most. His bold storytelling techniques, unconventional narrative structures, and meticulous attention to detail have been a constant source of inspiration for me. I have learned from him, (as well as my peers) that taking risks and staying true to your creative vision can lead to remarkable cinematic achievements.

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…

My biggest dream as a filmmaker is to create a film that resonates with audiences on a profound level. I want to tell stories that provoke thought, challenge societal norms, and evoke powerful emotions. My worst nightmare would be to compromise my artistic integrity or lose my passion for storytelling.

How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?



Having a good cinematographic culture is essential for filmmakers. It helps us appreciate the rich history and diverse techniques used in cinema. It allows us to draw inspiration from the masters of the craft and understand the evolution of visual storytelling.

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?



 As a filmmaker, I constantly strive to improve my skills in all aspects of the craft. I want to enhance my storytelling abilities, develop a deeper understanding of character development, and refine my visual style.

A big producer give you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white Movie (if you have one)… what film do you choose?



If given the chance, I would love to direct the remake of "Pulp Fiction." This has had a profound impact on me, and I would relish the opportunity to put my own creative spin on it while paying homage to the original masterpiece.

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you motivated?

In the film industry, it is indeed normal to feel lost and discouraged at times. However, the people that keep me motivated is my film peers who have been through the highs and lows of the industry. Their guidance, support, and belief help me stay focused and inspired, even during challenging times.

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him?

I whole heartedly agree with Alfred Hitchcock's statement that "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script, and the script." The foundation of any great film lies in a compelling and well-crafted script. It serves as the blueprint for the entire production and is crucial in conveying the story effectively to the audience.



What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

My most ambitious project for the future is to create a documentary that sheds light on a pressing social issue and sparks meaningful conversations. I want to use the power of storytelling to bring about positive change and inspire audiences to take action.



Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?

Sadness or melancholy can indeed fuel creativity. These emotions can inspire introspection and deep reflection, leading to unique and emotionally rich storytelling. They can serve as catalysts for exploring complex themes and delving into the depths of human experiences. However, it is important to strike a balance and not let these emotions consume us.



What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

 As a filmmaker, I wish to continue growing and evolving in my craft. I hope to create films that resonate with audiences, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact. I aspire to collaborate with talented artists, push the boundaries of storytelling, and contribute to therich tapestry of cinema. Remember, the key to success in the film industry is passion, perseverance, and a dedication to honing your skills

Joe Griffith is a young filmmaker from Wheat Ridge, CO. He first fell in love with filmmaking his junior year of high school, which quickly translated to film school. At 18 years old, he moved to St. George, UT to attend film school where he fell into a small community of student filmmakers. 3 and half years later he had his bachelors and a role in a community of amazingly talented filmmakers.

When did you decide you wanted to be a director/screenwriter?

I took a film class my junior year of high school and everything that was being taught just kinda clicked for me. From then on the next goal was film school, which I just completed.

How did your family react?

They were very supportive. My parents highlighted that the skill set I would acquire in school could lead to many opportunities for employment, plus they support me being creative and this is a way for me to express that.

Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?

Definitely Martin Scorsese. His movies are always excellent, and first and foremost story driven. I try to carry that whenever I'm working on a project in any position.

Who's your biggest fan?

My sister. She recently found out that I had an IMDb page and made a post on instagram about it. It made me laugh, it's nice to have support like that.

What brings you inspiration the most?

Music. I usually have headphones in 24/7 listening to a wide variety of music and it can really help generate ideas.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

Either Jake Gyllenhaal or John David Washington. Not every movie of theirs has been hugely commercially successful, but both of them are always the highlight of whatever movie they are in; and when they work with amazingly talented creators they produce some of the most beautiful movies to exist.

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

The Green Mile. The movie is a pretty faithful adaptation to the book, I just think there are certain things in the story that are just meant to be displayed visually and that's the advantage that the cinematic medium has. So the movie just has a slight edge for me.

What's the movie that taught you the most?

Interestingly enough Sam Mendes' Skyfall. The amount that I learned about all of the technical aspects of filmmaking from just watching and studying what was done on this film was boundless. I've had way too many conversations with my favorite DP to work with, Jordan Price Palmer, about this movie. It has a permanent spot in our continue watching queue because that's always the movie we put on when we just put something on.

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

Not really. For me, creativity is an outlet. It helps me to express and sort out complex emotions and in many ways has helped me to mature as a person. Plus whenever I'm making movies, I'm surrounded by friends. Who would wanna quit that?

On set what excites you the most?

Setting the tone. As a director you have to let everyone know the expectation of how things are going to go, while also making sure that you create an environment that fosters creativity. It's a tough line to walk but if you can find the balance, that's where the magic starts getting made.

And what scares you the most ?

Getting enough coverage. I'm always terrified to leave a scene because I want to make sure that there's enough coverage to make it work in the edit. But if you have a terrific DP, AD, and Scripty it's pretty easy to overcome that fear.

What's your next project?

I'm currently working as a co Editor on a feature film directed by the talented Tanner McCowan called First Haunt. I'm working alongside amazingly talented editors Hannah Kenrick and Henryk Conley. We all helped with shooting and are really excited to be working through the edit. I'm also planning to shoot another short film that I wrote, in December. I'm making it with the same people who I worked on First Haunt as well.

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

This is a really interesting one, lead lyricist from The Roots, Black Thought. He came into the game young within a creative community that propelled him to the main stage. From there he's had a career of consistency and longevity spanning almost 40 years now. And everything he's releasing now is still innovative and mainstream.

A director/screenwriter is made of....

Grit and discipline. Making movies is a fun process but it can also be stressful. At some point you're gonna feel sick and tired, and not want to just take a quick break in the throws of it. When you feel that you have to have the discipline to tell yourself to keep going and have the grit to do it well.

For you Cinema is....

A way to learn and grow. There is so much self discovery that can be found in any movie.

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

I enjoy the nostalgic feel of golden age hollywood movies and I think it is important to know the history of where film came from to be able to learn why they did things the way that they did. The impact can be felt in the knowledge they pass on.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

What college film kid hasn't? It is definitely a goal to aspire for, but the main focus is always just making something worthwhile. Being able to create is the best win you can get.

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Here's to hoping.

Kent Bernhard is a talented writer, director, and producer based in Kansas City. With experience dating back to 2016, he has successfully completed three projects in the area. Prior to that, Kent worked in Los Angeles for ten years and produced the feature film "Cornhole: The Movie" in 2010. In 2019, he was honored with the prestigious "Rick Cowan Award" at the Kansas City FilmFest International for his debut short film, "Street Runners." "Let's Start Over" is his latest directorial venture, has won 23 awards so far, and has played in festivals all over the world.

When did you realise you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?

I realized around high school that I wanted to be a filmmaker.  I was always telling stories in my mind, and entertaining myself with my own imagination.  When I was a Freshman in high school I realized I was a fairly good writer, poet and storyteller.  As the years progressed I focused more and more on storytelling, and the desire to direct was born from that process. 

Do you remember your first time at the Movies?



Vaguely; as a child, my first memory of being in a movie theater was watching "Empire Strikes Back".  I still recall the Hoth ice planet sequence and how amazing it all felt watching that battle unfold. 

What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

You don't need film school to become a filmmaker, but you need to become willing to be a student of film. I learned how to write a proper screenplay due to my time in film school.  I also learned to take chances, take on responsibility, work with a crew, navigate the needs of both cast and crew, and be bold by collaborating with others and sharing large visions from the work I did in film school. Do you need that?  You can go right to work in the film industry if you can get a friend to get you on a crew, most film schools won't give you that. I think working in the film industry can teach you a lot about how film crews work, especially working in production on set, and in production offices, but it doesn't teach you to create. 

Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…

"Pulp Fiction".  It took four years after the release of "Pulp Fiction" to STOP trying to write like Tarantino and Avery.  It was so transformative to me and probably my generation, that it influenced everything I did for a long period of time. The other film, and this proves the lasting and enduring effect of this movie, is "Back to the Future".  As a kid I loved the movie, and the love I had for that movie has endured to this day.  The whole film is lightning in a bottle. Bob Gale's script is almost flawless, everything that happens in act one pays off in the movie.  Robert Zemeckis' vision, pacing, timing, camera angles, and sheer creativity was very close to flawless, and Michael J. Fox's energy was infectious, you felt like you were in the movie with him the whole time.  It's a film that shouldn't work on paper, but it absolutely does.  

Have you ever hated your ambition?

I went broke twice trying to "make it" in the film business.  I work as a furniture salesman now to make money, and I make enough money doing it that I could just earn a living.  I am not a filmmaker because I want to be, I am a filmmaker because there is something in me that drives me to keep creating in this industry, however it looks, whatever it takes, because this is the thing that lights me up, and this is an artistic expression I feel called forward to share. I don't know that I hate my ambition, but life would be simpler without it. (laughing)  But, then again, it's better to be ambitious than to be bored. 

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?


Truffaut was visionary.  His work in the French New Wave to some extent influenced my short film "Let's Start Over", but I would argue most people are film lovers, not just sick people.  Not all people like the same kind of films, not all films are popular, but all people like stories, and filmmaking is an immersive storytelling experience.  People like watching things in movies they would never want to watch in real life, terror, heartbreak, isolation, world ending challenges.  We tell stories to reach out to each other, to share an emotional experience, to surprise one another, and hopefully to win over other people with the stories we tell.  If I can create a film that leaves the audience delighted and surprised then that's really all I'm trying to do.  Filmmakers are no different than sales people, or class clowns, we just want to influence you enough that you buy into our story, or laugh at our outburst.  It's high level communication, with base level relatability sprinkled throughout. 

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?


An illuminated marquee, with plastic letters placed over the light panel. But, I also think there is a pretension to the word, especially among cinefiles, so in hearing the word I can't help but imagine it's being spoken in an almost haughty manner and tone, somewhat reminiscent of the late James Lipton.  

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?

At this point I don't even know.  I grew up on Speilberg, I developed my voice under the influence of Tarantino and Kevin Smith (the latter being arguably the most relatable filmmaker I've ever admired).  I'm a child of the '80's and a teenager of the '90's.  I was amazed by the speciticle of big studio films, and inspired by the independent spirit of the filmmakers who made movies that didn't work with the studio system.  But, if I'm being honest, filmmakers aren't the biggest influence on me at this stage in my life.  I'm much more interested in life, history, time, and the lessons I've learned from my own mistakes.  Sometimes to grow the most, you need to live more, read more, and be inspired from the world around you, not just the people who make movies in your world. At least that's how it happened in my experience. 

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…

My biggest dream would be to do this full time, making money, creating and entertaining others, and having projects that are readily available for people who are inspired enough to see them.  My worst nightmare is to lose my anonymity, lose control of the narrative of my life, and watch as it falls to judgment of others.   That said, it's my life, the narrative of it really only exists in my mind, and I'm judged by others all the time anyway, so there's no sense worrying about it.  I just want people to like my work so that my work can find an audience. 

How important is it to have a good Cinematographic Culture?


I don't know.  We've only had a cinematographic culture for around 125 years.  We've only had a photographic culture for roughly 197 years, so in the whole of human history we found success without it.  Storytelling on the other hand, I think is critical to human culture.  I believe that storytelling has been what has allowed us to climb our way through evolution, and get to the point we are at today.  Cinema, to some form, will be a part of our culture for years to come, but it might not be movies as we know them today.  The world is getting more immersive, technology is changing rapidly, and what is being discovered in math, language, physics, and general intelligence is happening at a speed and depth right now that we can hardly comprehend.  So how that affects cinematographic culture moving forward, I can't say.  But, I can say this, we will, have, and will always learn from each other through stories, empathize with each other through stories, and relate to each other through stories.  Whatever cinematographic culture becomes, it's the ability that it gives us to tell and share stories that will sustain its growth going forward.  

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?


From a practical standpoint, I love the idea of being able to do more with less.  As an independent filmmaker who has financed most of my own projects I know that every dollar counts, and people want to watch a movie that looks and feels like a movie, not a movie that looks and feels like a budget.  So the ability to do more with less, and have a fully cinematic experience as a result is very appealing to me.  From a creative standpoint, I want to be able to be able to tell stories worth telling, and make movies worth watching.  It is cheaper to make movies these days, there's pros to that, more of us are able to create content and get it out, but there are cons too.  There's a lot of noise in this industry, so to be able to make films that cut through all that and find an audience is very important to me.  So before I go into any project, it's important to ask myself, is this project worth my time, and as I finish the edit, I must ask myself, is this project worth the time of my audience.  Movies can get cheaper, the ability to broadcast movies can get easier, but the time one takes to watch your movie is more valuable now than it has ever been.  So, if I can improve anything, I want to improve the impact my work has on its audience. 

A big producer gives you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white Movie (if you have one)… what film do you choose?


It's not an old movie, it's actually a television show from my childhood.  I had a really good idea for a film version of "Knight Rider".  With everything happening in AI, autonomous driving, technology in warfare, the idea feels like it's getting more and more timely as well.  So, I would make a current version of "Knight Rider" as a movie. 

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes it is normal to feel lost and discouraged… Who's the person that keeps you motivated?

The teenager inside of me who really had big dreams of being a movie director. Disappointing him is the hardest thing I keep facing. 

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him?

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

Yes...unless it's a documentary.  Then it's the story.  I'm currently eyeing a documentary (as a filmmaker, those scare the hell out of me).  Beyond that, who knows.  A story that keeps my interest, that's what always moves me. 

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy lets us be more creative?

I used to, in fact if you asked me this question just after I finished "Let's Start Over",  I would have said yes without question.  I was also dealing with depression and didn't have a good solution for the depression I was feeling.  I no longer believe that.  Life is a cornucopia of emotions, and if you open your heart and expectations to anything life offers, you'll feel all of it eventually. But melancholy doesn't need to feed your world view, nor does it need to be the source from which you create.  Empathy, above all else, is the special sauce for storytelling. You don't need to feel bad to write about it, but you need to relate to it, have compassion for it, and have an understanding for the emotion to write about it.     The more you can empathize the deeper you can write, that doesn't mean you need to live in melancholy or sadness. If anything, I find it more inspiring now to live in excitement and hope, and write from a place of compassion.  After all, excitement and hope fuel dreams, compassion fuels humanity.  Believe in your dream, relate to your characters, and enjoy the journey along the way, whether your making millions of dollars as a filmmaker, or selling furniture to make money to make your movies, this is your only life, enjoy it as it is, be hopeful for the future you are stepping into, and try not to worry about the rest of it. 

What do you wish for yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

First and foremost, I wish that my short film "Let's Start Over" gets picked up by a distributor or a streaming service so it can be enjoyed by a bigger audience.  Then I wish I can keep making movies, and enjoy the process, while prospering along the way.  Finally, I hope that my films have an impact on others and find their audience, so they can move, delight, excite, and endear those watching for many years to come.  

Mélanie Grancourt is a French screenwriter and director. She studied cinema in France and ECTQ in Québec and founded the association A Bouts De Films in 2011. Working for both cinema and live performances, she loves to transform reality, creating fantastic worlds to deal with social and societal issues.

When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/ screenplayer?

 It wasn’t really obvious for me that I would become a « director ». At the very beginning, the idea of being behind a camera or even approaching one frightened me. I had this image of a male-dominated, highly specialized field, and it was obvious to me that I’d never have what it takes to deal with that and an entire film crew . No, what I did want was to tell stories, to make the audience live amazing adventures throughout the movies. So, I thought I could at least try to become a screenwriter (let’s agree, on the paper it appeared to be simple. I still had the image of a writer, locked up in her office, sending the scripts to whomever would read it) and so, I wrote my first project. I had to face the reality of this world really quickly. I decided to go further with my project. Iwanted to create pictures, feelings. Step by step, I went outside of my  comfort zone, away from the shy woman I was(well it’s a work in progress) and I tried to improve, following this path. Now, I wouldn’t want to stop for anything in the world.

How did your family react?

" If you’re going to do it, you’re not doing this halfway. Go for it." That’s what my parents told me and I think that’s what everyone beginning such a life plan needs

to hear.

Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?

 I am deeply convinced of the values I hold. They make me feel ready to fight and they inspire me. Through my fantasy creatures, I just want to speak about humanity.

Who's your biggest fan?

Oh, I don’t know. Don’t you think that it could be a little bit presumptuous to answer this question?

What brings you inspiration the most?

I don’t necessarily have an answer to this question. What I do know is that there ’s never really a break in my thoughts and that everything can have an impact on my decisions and state of mind. I am a little bit like a sponge and, in the end, the film is a (selfish) way for me to free myself from it, to engage in a dialogue about injustices and the values shaping my daily life.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

 Oh that’s the tricky question! I have the hope that one day I’ll write and direct a movie that will catch the attention of Tom Hanks (why not dream big?) His acting makes the ordinary extraordinary. The roles he portrays are so deep…it’s simple, he weaves a soul into them. I am always shaken when I watch one of his movies. That would be, for sure, a wonderful adventure, a story such as the ones I love to tell. Do you think that he can read this interview?

Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

 I don’t really compare both arts. They are elevating each other, completing each other… It would be like comparing music and painting and vice versa. It doesn’t really make sense. I believe that there are good directors, good writers and, above all, good circumstances that lead to success and failures at one point or another.

What's the movie that taught you the most?

Pan’s Labyrinth is the one movie that changed the vision I had over my work, my artistic « when I grow up ». The poetry that glows from the movie and the way the story runs overwhelmed me. A world full of possibilities opened up to me

About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

It’s tough. I think that it’s terribly hard for everyone. There is, of course, a financial aspect but it’s not only about that. It’s a constant self-questioning, a permanent struggle to push yourself and keep moving forward despite the obstacles. So, yes, there are moments where you question a lot of things. You always need to convince, nothing can be taken for granted, never. Would I therefore want to stop ? I think that cinema is a path you can’t turn back from.

On set what excites yuo the most?

It’s a matter of timing. This one moment (brief, almost suspended) when with the whole crew we reach the exact place where I’ve been with my imagination. This instant when on screen, there are the lights, the captured emotions, when I see on pictures what I want people to feel in their heart.

And what scares you the most ?

Failure. This scene that doesn’t come to life no matter how hard everyone work. It’s awful, especially for the small productions who can’t afford to reshoot or to add a simple day of shooting.

What's your next project?

I am currently writing a fantasy feature film. I want to explore the theme about

intergenerational bonds between a grandfather and his grandson. I’m in the process of creating the world that will embody this character’s story where I’d like to blend magic and science.

You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

 Each and everyone person working with me could answer this question! I would love, so much, to know more about how Guillermo Del Toro makes his movies. That would be him, for sure. Well, I would really love to be myself with as much talent as this cinema master.

An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....

 Emotions. I think what drives a director is the ability to understand each of them and to successfully convey and work with them

For you Cinema is....

A  universal language that translates human emotions.

Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?

Personally, I love colors. To me it’s a whole writing in itself, an additional layer of reading. Color is so powerful… it’s a language! But there must be another language for black and white, and like every language, when you master its codes you can have a powerful impact.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

No. Obviously, it’s always pleasant and reassuring when your work is recognized. It’s even useful. I definitely have ambition and I hope that I will constantly progress in my career and create beautiful movies filled by the values that animate me. However I don’t want to dream about distant awards. I am focused on the present moment : on what I need to improve now, what I

need to learn. The future in the film industry can easily consume people from the inside.

Do you think you're gonna win it?

I don’t know. For now I just hope to win the audience’s affection, at the very least.

NYMA: Good Morning Leslie,  your screenplay Proud Girls is about American politics where men use the bible to justify their ungodly behaviour. 

Leslie: My script is a humanitarian parable.

NYMA: Where women of the future act like the men of today? 

Leslie: Women acting like small men turns out to be funny as hell. 

NYMA: What do you want your fellow Patriots to know about your movement?

Leslie: As of October the F.B.I. is monitoring my LinkedIn account. 

NYMA: How do you feel about that?

Leslie: Nailed it!

NYMA: Why do you think they’re monitoring you?

Leslie: Probably afraid women are going to overthrow the world and that I’m their leader.

NYMA: Are you their leader?

Leslie: Vagina’s unite!   I mean, “No comment.” 

Pierpaolo Poggi, professional television and theater author, director of national shows (for years present in the Versiliana Festival), has collaborated in over 20 video clips with leading Italian and foreign artists (e.g. Francesco Gabbani, Audio 2 etc.), author of films (latest to be released: Michelangelo, a genius in the Apuan land), web TV series, docufilms, TV commercials, etc.

What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenplayer?

I'm a screenwriter. I believe that a professional writer should confront every opportunity. In any case I prefer to work with the urgent issues of everyday life. 

The necessary ingredient is Curiosity.

First and last cinematographic crush?

First, "King Kong" by John Guillermin; last, " La La Land" by Darmien Chazelle.

How old you were when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer?

I started by chance when I was thirty.

For you a Film is...

The life. Life that speaks.

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?

Maybe you'll think I'm crazy. But when I write I feel like a little god, in the sense of "creator of reality". For this reason, even if it is fiction, great responsibility and good values are needed.

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?

My dream would be to watch the movie "La La Land" with the great Emma Stone.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think

about it?

I've been fighting for my passions and my sense of freedom all my life. I would say t

Can you live just of your passion?

Now that I have a family, two children, I would like them to have the best. For the moment I can't live off my passion alone, but I'll try!

What's more important talent or luck?

Fifty fifty.

You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...

Provocative answer: "Cast Away" by Robert Zemeckis, without a doubt.

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even

if you didn't like the project?

Yes. I'm a professional, if they pay me...

What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

Many tell me that working with me brings good luck.

Are you satisfied about your career?

Yes. In the future I hope to work on many other projects.

Do you have a good luck charm?

I often think of loved ones who are no longer here. They are my lucky charms.

Which is the worst moment on set ?

When you have to shoot a scene during the day and it's already night.

How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?

A long time ago I was in pain. Now I feel joy in the work already done.

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

Never.

If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…

I only have myself to thank; maybe even my body that has never abandoned me.

Jo Martin is a multi-talented creative powerhouse hailing from Colorado, USA. With an impressive skill set that encompasses managing traumas as a nurse in the ER, to writing, directing, composing music and more. Her artistic vision and attention to detail shine through in her work as a filmmaker, jewelry & graphic designer. Jo’s relentless passion and dedication continue to push boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on every project she undertakes.

Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?

I prefer dramadies. The best movies for me are thought provoking, but also don’t take themselves too seriously. 

Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?

There are definitely stories that you just can’t make up if you tried. Art imitates Life. 

Which is the best Moment on set?

When everything works as planned, or more often than not, your troubleshooting is done quickly and efficiently. I just finished my first documentary, so I didn’t have actors working through their process of acting per se, but I did have exceptional moments when my interviewee became comfortable and more relaxed to answer some tough questions. Those were great moments. I can’t wait to be a part of a project where I can support an actor through finding and moving through the brilliant portrayal of their character. 

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

Oh, for sure a few memorable moments throughout my life, and I do believe that is one of the reasons that I am so driven. However, the older I get, I certainly don’t put too much stock in it anymore, which is a good thing because there is rejection and obstacles around every corner. 

How can you stay focused on your goal?

For me, it is just having the flexibility to maintain a course and breaking the goal down into bite-size pieces if need be. It is really about learning new things and (trying) not to be so perfect all the time. That is definitely something I learned working as a nurse in the ER. No such thing as being perfect in every situation. 

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

I think I have felt stress of certain jobs before, but I have never had a breakdown. I have been close to burnout however. I think we all can get a little “crispy” if we don’t practice self-care and neglect ourselves or signs that we need a little stress-relief (in any situation) not just our jobs. 

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

No doubt my thought on this is a blessing. I feel so fortunate to be able to share my talents. 

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenplayer?

I would like to just keep practicing the entire process from screenplay to picture lock and everything in between. I need to just get some more work under my belt. 

What's the worst critic you have received? It was said by a doctor that I worked with in front of a patient. I moved on from that job shortly after that. 

If you weren't an actor/director/screenplayer what would you like to be?

Let’s see, (totally random) but I would love to work as a marine biologist and study the ocean and sea turtles specifically. I have been lucky to be able to work in my dream jobs, but that has been a dream since I was a child growing up in the land-locked high desert of NM. I suppose I just need to shoot a doc following them around the world!

If Cinema was a color what would it be? 

Gold

A day without a movie is...  

An opportunity to shoot one.

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despice but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

Why would I put myself through that? I would figure out a way to make a movie that might make me “comfortable and able to go to the grocery store without someone recognizing me”. But who am I kidding. If my wife reads this, she’s laughing because I never go to the grocery store anyway. LOL.

What's your greatest ambition?

To continue to find ways to entertain and enrich people’s lives with stories, whether by pieces of art, music, photography or cinematography. I think that should keep me pretty busy for a long time. 

What's your biggest fear?

Losing people I’m close to. 

Does music helps you to play/direct, write?

Oh yes, for sure. It always has been such an important part of my life. I have always lived my life’s moments almost like a movie with music being the catalyst of emotion. In fact, the first song I learned how to play by ear on the piano was the theme from the 1981 movie “Chariots of Fire”. I mean come-on, it was the eighties so big synth and piano and slow-mo running on a beach? So inspiring, even if it was so cheesy. But music can make or break a movie in my opinion. And it is super inspiring to take a Masterclass from someone like Hans Zimmer to see just how amazing professional composers are. 

You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

Interesting. I guess this would go along with the last question about music. It would be so important to have great cinematography and even better sound design. But if this was a truly silent film with no sound design, it would be so important to make a story full of intention. Intention in each and every scene. The message would be “beauty in movement and intention”. Almost like the experience of a Japanese tea ceremony where absolutely every movement during the ceremony has meaning. 

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar.....

 I wish I could say that this speech would be a breeze and go smoothly, but maybe my biggest fear is public speaking, so I see it going something like this:

I wrote a speech and wrote it out, but my hands are so sweaty, that I can’t read it. I’m so nervous right now, and don’t want to ramble on, but I know I want to thank all my friends and family who have been so supportive. I’d like to thank the Academy for such an honor. This is for my parents. To my Mom who always said that I can accomplish anything I set my mind on. To my Dad whose story was the motivation for my first documentary. Finally, to my beautiful wife, Peggy, who for 25 years has always been so fiercely supportive and still reminds me to this day, with love in her heart even if mildly annoyed, when I need to stop working and come to bed.