Andreia Solomon Burke - Interview

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Who's your biggest fan?

My family and friends

What brings you inspiration the most?

My childhood experiences and hometown.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

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

I think books and movies are two different media, and they each have their own advantages. But movies as an audio-visual language can bring more information to the audience. So I prefer movies that can give audiences a more realistic experience, such as Jurassic Park and Mysterious Island.

What's the movie that taught you the most?

“Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania”

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

Of course, from time to time, I doubt my work and creative ability. I am also confused about the future. I question why I started to embark on the path of art and fantasize about my ideals. But if I hadn't been exposed to art and hadn't had these experiences, I wouldn't be who I am now.

On set what excites you the most?

For my documentary, you never know what will happen in the next second on the scene. Maybe the "event" you are shooting will suddenly become exciting in the next second, or other places that you haven't shot will suddenly become exciting.

And what scares you the most ?

The shooting equipment is damaged, and I didn't shoot the scene I like.

What's your next project?

Shoot an experimental semi-documentary work based on my childhood experience.

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

When Yoshitomo Nara came to our school to give a lecture, he talked about his life experience. I wanted to say that I envied his attitude and energy towards life freedom, but I think it is better to experience it yourself than to spy on other people's life experiences. The experience and feelings you get will be completely different. So I want to try to develop my own artistic path and try to go on.

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

Self, self-experience and desire to express

For you Cinema is....

One of the many media to express yourself

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

Of course, I think that no matter what era, the black and white expression will not be replaced, just like the discussion and debate between black and white and color in photography. Although color can have richer information and expression, black and white simplifies everything to a simple contrast of light, shadow, black and white and gray. It allows people to feel his picture and strong contrast more intuitively.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

To be honest, no. Because compared to becoming a filmmaker, I am more like using the medium of image/film to create my art. During my college years, I practiced various arts, such as ceramics, lacquerware, and painting. Since 2024, I have started a creation around my hometown. In order to record my hometown, I began to use media such as photography and video. During this period, I made this documentary about my hometown. Movies are just one of my many practices of self-expression.

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Of course, I love my own things. If I don't have confidence in my own work, others will not like it. So I believe I will win an award one day.

Who's your biggest fan? 

My kids and my cast members love me

What brings you inspiration the most?

Making people laugh and it's fun when you get noticed from different places

Which actor or director would you like to work with? 

Steven Spielberg

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

I'm not a reader of books. But my wife has, she states that the book is more detailed then the film and also says that sometimes in the movies they add some things that are not in the book to make it a cooler feeling. Like Harry Potter as an example.

What's the movie that taught you the most? 

Love Actually. This movie has heart and technique on how a scene should be shot. I make all my movies like Spielberg. I didn't realize that I was doing the same thing as Steven until I looked up his style and saw I was doing the same thing.

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

I love to direct movies, My character Sheldon Mashugana and my new character The Macher are really fun to do.  I'm good at it. I also am an entrepreneur I own an Insurance agency called America's commercial Agency, a Healthcare company called Standard Medical Co-Op or Healthcaresmc.com , Baby Boomer buddies transport service and Mashugana Productions. I am a Rabbi and actually did a show on Love is Blind season 3 Ep 11. So it would be hard for me to quit what I'm doing to just do film.

On set what excites yuo the most? 

When I say action!

And what scares you the most ? 

When people don't watch my shows.

What's your next project? 

Sheldon Mashugana returns to the future. I'm looking for funding. The screenplay has already won 4 awards and my Sheldon films has won over 450 awards and climbing as of today.

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

Steven Spielberg would be it.on directing, Jerry Lewis on acting.

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

People working together and co-operating a project that makes entertainment and laughter to all.

For you Cinema is.... 

A way to open your mind to things you normally never would do in real life

Doyou think Black and white movies have a powerful impact? 

I made Picture me This, a silent film, and when you watch it, you can only laugh. The images and expressions come out better then in color.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar? 

We were talking about that this last week, there's actually an Oscar buzz on Sheldon, or my directing not sure. It would be amazing to have a comic get an Oscar, since most of the time they don't.

Do you think you're gonna win it? 

I would think yes I would win it. I recently put more of my movies out there for people to see and I only get film awards from filmfreeway from every single film I have done. I'm putting all my films on Amazon Prime so people can enjoy them. Occasionally I put them on YouTube to watch.

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

One is Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. I go back to this film periodically. Recently, I’ve gone back to it because a part of my life feels like that film. Tim Burton’s Ed Wood is another one I like to re-watch when I’m feeling discouraged.


What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

I didn’t go to film school, but I did study creative writing. I think these schools or classes can be essential early on to help people understand that all of these creative endeavors are a craft that needs to be worked on constantly. They can also be great spaces for making contacts and forming relationships that will help you on your career path.  


Have you ever hated your ambition?



No. I honestly wish I was more ambitious. 


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

I get what he was saying about the obsessive quality of being a true cinephile, but in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think film lovers are sick people, maybe a little quirky. 




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



The Cinematheque Francaise in the 1950s. The light from the projected images bouncing off the screen, filtering through the blue-gray smoke rising up from the cigarettes of dedicated cinephiles.


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

The people whose work I look to for inspiration are Federico Fellini, Cate Blanchett, John Coltrane, and Bob Dylan.  




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



I don’t know what my biggest dream is, but my worst nightmare is to find myself either unable or disinterested in creating new works. 


How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?


I think it’s important to have a good storytelling culture in whatever form that happens to take. 



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



I want more emphasis on creating great films, books, paintings, etc, than on whether they are profitable.


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?

I’m not a fan of remakes.




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


I’m the person that keeps me motivated.

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 that the script is important, but I’m also a writer, so I’m required to feel this way. But I think the film industry is moving away from the idea of the script being crucial. Now it’s all about what intellectual property from the past you own the rights to and can exploit for a profit, whether the film is good or bad.  


What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

Making something new every day.


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


I don’t think that’s true.

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

All I wish for myself is that people enjoy the things I make and that I can keep doing it until I die. 

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

Yes and I ignored them and followed my gut instinct.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

By using visualisation. Visualizing your goals can help you stay focused and motivated.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your job?

Never as I look after my mental well being.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

It can be both. It is a  blessing having a talent in a specific area but it can also be a curse as the individual has to then constantly engage in activities that prove his/her talent.

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

As an actress I would like to improve more on how I communicate with the other actors when we have to perform in a certain scene. As a director I would like to improve more on how to guide the actors on perfroming a certain scene while also at the same time giving them freedom to express themsleves in their own creative way. As a screenwriter I would like to be able to finish a project after several edits but without feeling that the project has lost its authenticity.

What's the worst critic you have received?

So far I haven't received any negative critics .

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

I also work with young people in schools as a careers adviser. I love my job as it gives me great satisfaction to empower young people and help them achieve their goals and ambitions in life.

If Cinema was a color what would it be?

Red

A day without a movie is...

Sad.

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?

I would give it a go as sometimes we might be pre occupied with negative attitudes towards certain things in life.

What's your greatest ambition?

To make a movie that will be remembered for a long time.

What's your biggest fear?

That Artificial Intelligence could replace human creativity.

Does music helps you to play/direct, write?

Absolutely. Music can help set the tone and atmosphere in the film when I write, direct or act.

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

audience?

Global piece and unity, love.

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

I am so grateful and honoured. This a dream come true for me.I would like to thank cast and crew for their support and encourangement and staying focused on our goal. They were an incredible team and I am so proud of them. I would also like to thank my family and friends that believed in me and supported me all the way despite the difficulties I was faced with. It has been a long, challenging journey but I wouldn't change it for the world as it lead me to the accomplishement of my ultimate goal. I still can't believe that I won an Oscar but to me the journey that I followed in order to achieve this is very important as I learnt so much from all the challenges and difficulties I was faced with. Never give up and stay focused until you reach your goal.

For you a Film is...

If I had to pick one word to say what film means to me, that word would be: adventure. Many of us would love to go off and do something amazing, thrilling and dangerous, just like we’ve seen in a movie somewhere, but the truth is, a lot of us will never get the chance. Watching a good film, or reading a good book, is in a way allowing us to have that adventure for ourselves if only for a short time. Films offer an escape from the everyday, transporting us to distant lands, futuristic settings, alternate realities where we can be part of something exhilarating. Whether it's trekking through the dense jungles of an uncharted island or voyaging into the vast expanse of space, films allow us to experience the extraordinary, all from the comfort of our own homes.

For me, they capture the essence of what makes cinema such a powerful and transformative experience. Adventure in film goes beyond just the physical journeys that characters undertake; it embodies the exploration of new worlds, the thrill of the unknown, and as well as the dangers that come with it.

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

For someone like me, who loves writing and directing, the process involves lots of hard work, but it's an exhilarating one and completely immersive. Writing feels like weaving worlds from imagination, where each word breathes life into ideas and characters and scenes. And directing those scenes brings those words to life, turning vision into reality. There's a thrill to it all, in guiding actors, crafting visuals, and shaping the story's flow. It’s a mix of creativity, control, and collaboration. The passion lies in seeing ideas materialise and creating something meaningful at the end of it.

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who?

Again there are so many to choose from that saying just one name from the world of film is going to be difficult. But if I had to, I would choose Orson Wells. Not only was the man witty, funny and articulate, but he was extremely clever. And was someone that stuck to his own vision consistently. Plus he also knew where his faults lied as well, allowing the other professionals on his set (such as cameraman for example) to get on with the job and trust to their proficiency. I think there would be so much I could learn from spending a little time with him. As for which movie we’d watch - I’d let him choose.

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

I think she was right. Especially when it comes to writing and film. Audrey Hepburn's quote, "Nothing is impossible," reminds us that with determination, resilience, and creativity, we can overcome challenges that seem insurmountable. The quote inspires hope and a positive mindset, encouraging us to believe in our potential and push beyond our limits. Which reminds me of another great quote: “Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” In a similar vein to Audrey’s, this means: while some obstacles may be difficult, the process of understanding our faults and learning from them, and the mindset of believing in ourselves can lead to unexpected solutions and achievements. Ultimately, it's about not giving up and staying open to the idea that what seems impossible today might just be possible tomorrow.

Can you live just off your passion?

Eventually if one strives for it and works hard enough, and has a little luck, then yes. But you have to be smart about it. You certainly can’t live off your passion alone from the very start (unless you’re incredibly lucky). So you have to get yourself a 9-5 and work on your self and your passion in what spare time you have. And keep working on it until that spare time becomes the full time.

What's more important: talent or luck?

Both in my opinion. You can be the world’s very best talent at something, but if you don’t get noticed by the right people at the right time, that talent may be forever missed. Each can play crucial roles in success, but that importance varies by context. So for example, talent in a sense is the foundation, it provides the skills and abilities necessary to excel. Whereas, luck can be the catalyst that creates opportunities or allows inspiration to set in and shine on its own, where talent can't. Without talent, luck may lead to fleeting success; without luck, talent might go unrecognised.

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

Off the top of my head I’d say the Lord of the Rings box set, with the first 3 films, extended edition - Big Tolkien fan.

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

In an odd sense my first film SAD LITTLE BOY comes to mind when thinking about this question. I’m deeply proud of that film and the work I did, but essentially it's a genre I never planned on starting from. The project itself came about when an actor (who was set to be in the film originally) came to me and asked if we could work on a drama together. That’s all they said - a drama. So it wasn’t that I didn’t want to do it at all, far from it. It was just that a drama wasn’t where I thought I’d begin my filmmaking career. Nevertheless, I jumped into the project and a month later I’d written the script. From there the ball was rolling and afterwards I never looked back.

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

There’s been a few really lovely things people have said about me and my work; all of which I’m very honoured by and at the same time very proud of. But one of the first (and one that I’ll always remember for the way it was delivered) came from a grumpy DOP, a man of little words but good at his craft, I’d been working with. At the end of a very long day of shooting he came to me and said: “Antony, you’re a pain in the arse - but you’ve got very good ideas!” And from him that was praise indeed.

Are you satisfied about your career?

No, and I don’t think I ever will be. There’s more to learn, and much more still to do.

Do you have a good luck charm?

No, I’m afraid I don’t.

Which is the worst moment on set?

Before I get there. Once I’m there on set I just slide right into what I need to be doing and get straight into it. Even when things go wrong (and believe me they have) I work through those moments pragmatically wherever I can. Thinking on my feet and taking a second to decide on the new best course of action. All of which I enjoy in some strange and stressful way. But before I get there on the day, I’m just thinking and thinking and thinking about issues that don’t even exist at that point, lying in bed waiting for the day to begin and worrying. Those are the worst moments for me.

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

That’s always gonna be a bit of a mixed bag of emotions to be honest. But mainly I’d say relief and pride are the two main ones. Relief that I got through it in the first place and pride for all the work I’d done on it. But it would most certainly be a bitter-sweet one I’d imagine.

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

No.

If you should win an Oscar your first thought would go to...

I’m not entirely sure, but I suppose some of my thinking would go to whoever helped me get through it all the most. So with my book I’ve just finished: ‘CHARLIE’S WAY’, my biggest thanks would have to go to my wife, who had to suffer with more than just a few read throughs to help me get it right. As well as being oh-so patient with me over the years, so I could go off and hide myself away and just work, work, work on it. So in that instance, I couldn't have done it without her. Although saying that, it was her who (after reading a script for it many years ago, back when I was planning for it to be a film) suggested I turn it into a novel in the first place.

Who's your biggest fan?

I am pretty sure my mom is my biggest fan.



What brings you inspiration the most?

Film music and calmness at night, is all the inspiration I need to create.



Which actor or director would you like to work with?

There are a lot of outstanding actors I would like to make a movie with, but if I had to choose one it would be Tom Cruise.



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

Yes. Fight Club. And also there are many great movies that are as good as the books. A few that come to mind: Blade Runner, Shawshank Redemption, Lord of the Rings.



What's the movie that taught you the most?

The Matrix. I Was 16 when Matrix came out, so I was quite young. At the time, I didn't think much about the reality around me, and I certainly didn't question that reality. I was already winning national video game tournaments and was an editor at a national video games magazine. I was confident and convinced that I was always right. The Matrix changed my attitude toward “real things” and very effectively showed me that no matter how convinced we are about something one must always keep an open mind. There is no spoon :)



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

Creating is everything for me, so the answer is hard no. 



On set what excites you the most?

When we work on a scene that I have already watched a thousand times in my head and it becomes different, but much better. It feels amazing.



And what scares you the most? 



Sometimes I'm worried that we won't be able to complete all the scenes in time and sometimes I fear that what I have written will not be so good in the picture.



What's your next project?

I am directing my first feature film based on my screenplay. I can't reveal the title yet. The film will be released in theaters and on streaming platforms next year. All I can say is that the two main themes of this film represent two huge global problems. The first is cybercrime, and the second is incredibly expensive medicine. I want to thank my Producer Przemek Waszczuk who believed in me from the start and decided very fast to make it happen.    


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

Alfred Hitchcock.



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

I have no idea. Everyone is made of...

Something different.


For you Cinema is...

Biggest passion.



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



If they are good, then yes :)


Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?



This is a question along the lines of, have you ever fantasized about robbing a bank? Of course I have.



Do you think you're gonna win it?

Oscar competition is not like a video game tournament or Olympics where you compete with other challengers and the last one standing is a winner. I don't know if I will win an Oscar or not. But I am sure that I will make at least one international film that the whole world will hear about. I already have two drafty scripts that I will finish by the end of the year, and I hope to find a producer next year and start pre-production.

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

Star Wars and Casablanca.  The power of visual images to bring to life other worlds (what I'm trying to do with Michelangelo and Me and its follow up stories) and how the choices we make can influence the world at large, even if the right choice hurts us terribly.  ie "We'll always have Paris."  Michelangelo and Me and its sequels, I believe, accomplish both aspirations.

What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

Very beneficial depending upon the individual.  The one course I took at UCLA helped me greatly.  However, I'm a bit different as I paid my dues as a screenwriter when I was in my forties and fifties, both as an intern at Debra Hill Productions and collaborating with a professional screenwriter for a year.  But I was blessed with natural story instincts, both novels and scripts, and they've seldom led me astray.

Have you ever hated your ambition?



Hated is too strong of a word.  Worried I wasn't as talented as I thought, or it was time to give up because I had no illusions about how hard it is to get produced.  The film industry has always been reliant on contacts, which is fine, and true of most lucrative disciplines, but it has its limitations.   Many great scripts get overlooked because they're not promoted by insiders, The Imitation Game and Forrest Gump being two, or so I've heard, that circulated a long time before anyone took a chance on them.   The Shawshank Redemption was not successful, or so initial numbers indicate, at theatrical release, and now it's one of the most beloved films ever. 

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



Depends on semantics.  Sick = genius and daring to think outside the box, then yes, I agree.  History is littered with people who were brilliant but never appreciated until long after they died.  I hope many 'sick' film lovers live into the next millennium. Our differences make us human, not our similarities. 

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



A world as limitless as my imagination that I want to enter and revel in.

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



Too many to list though as far as screenwriters, the two I admire and study most are William Goldman and Aaron Sorkin.  

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



Since my secondary job after screenwriting is novels, it would be failing at both.

How important is it to have a good Cinematographic Culture?



Vital.  Film is a visual art and the better the cinematography the more vivid the story.

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


Make my stories easier to tell.  I think in complex terms but I'm learning how to better convey them visually without the introspection available to a novelist.

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?



Probably North by Northwest, which I tried to modernize in my script Full Circle.  My homage to

Hitchcock.  I noted his greatest films are now on Amazon and all have four or more stars with thousands of reviews, so many years later.  That's what I aspire to:  writing and producing something so meaningful and masterful the story far outlives me.  

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 belief in myself.

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 I agree, though one of his other quotes is also pertinent:  "Film is life with all the dull bits cut out."  It's a tightrope to do well.  

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

Depends on the individual and the source of inspiration.  I'm a sunny optimist at heart, hence the romance novels, and even after a divorce and mixed dating success I still believe in the redeeming power or love. 

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

To see Michelangelo and Me made into film or a series.  It fits as a stand alone or the first of a series, either way.   Of all the stories I've dreamed up, and I've published 18 novels so far, it's my favorite concept and the most humane and meaningful.  What film should be all about....

What really excites you artistically or emotionally?

Whenever I encounter a masterfully crafted story that celebrates virtues such as goodness, unity, and righteousness, I always have a profound, almost transcendent experience within me. I am always deeply moved by the power of storytelling to illuminate the best aspects of humanity and inspire positive action.

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

I agree with Marlon Brando's sentiment. A paycheck may reflect various external aspects including market demand, negotiation skills, and industry trends, but it doesn't necessarily correlate with the depth or breadth of one's talent. True talent transcends monetary compensation and encompasses a multitude of factors such as creativity, skill, passion, and impact.

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


When it comes my life and purpose, I have a lot of faith, and I firmly believe in and dedicate myself to the path I am destined to pursue. I do welcome constructive criticism from people I trust, as they have often provided valuable insights to develop my screenplay into its current form. However, I remain steadfast in my convictions and am resilient against any negative criticism or harmful analysis from others who seek to discourage or tear me down.

Do you think it's harder for a woman being a Filmmaker?


As an African American, I empathize deeply with the struggles of women in the film industry. Both black filmmakers and female filmmakers encounter similar (though different) challenges due to systemic biases and inequalities. Historically, both groups have been underrepresented and marginalized in mainstream cinema, facing barriers to entry, limited opportunities for advancement, and often being pigeonholed into specific genres or narratives. With time, we both have forged paths and broken barriers, but there's still more work to do, and I hope that we can continue to make the film industry a more diverse and inclusive place for all.

Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own screenwriter?

I am a humble, simple Sam of a man, born and raised in a small East Texas town. Even though we were a poor family of 7, my parents were hardworking and always kept a roof over our heads, food on the table, and love in our hearts. Therefore, I never had thoughts or entertained grandiose fantasies. And even in the advanced years of my life, my spirit remains humble and my living simple.

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


My first and lingering movie crush was for Pam Grier. When I first saw this beautiful, courageous and devout African Queen on the big screen, WOW!! She evoked in me feelings of deep admiration and respect. 

Make a wish about your career...

My hope and prayer is to have my faith-base screenplay "At The Mercy Of Faith" produced into a compelling and spiritually uplifting film. I envision it as a powerful and anointed movie that will ignite inspiration, foster unity, and uplift audiences worldwide. I hope to bring people together in harmony, honoring God, and promoting peaceful coexistence.

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

It has been both difficult and easy at the same time, actually. Upholding the integrity of my screenplay and remaining true to my values has often led to difficult decisions, resulting in missed opportunities and potential financial loss. But, my understanding of myself as a writer and the profound purpose of my work guides every decision I make. I refuse to compromise the essence of my screenplay despite the allure of a big payday. So, the decisions to turn down opportunities and money, while painful, were surprisingly easy. I have faith that, when the timing is right, a dedicated team will assemble to realize the vision I've painstakingly crafted, ensuring that my story is brought to life authentically and with the impact I intended.

The Film you have loved the most?


I have been a devoted fan of both "It's A Wonderful Life" and "The 10 Commandments" ever since I first watched them at age 15. Every year since, I always eagerly look forward to Christmas and  Easter, when they are usually rebroadcasted. "It's a Wonderful Life" reminds me of the importance of community, sacrifice, and family connection. "The Ten Commandments" offers a spiritual and moral reflection and marks a deeper significance for the holiday season. 

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


I would like to plead the fifth on this one. I prefer not to speak negatively about any movie. Every film begins with a promising concept, yet due to various factors, they may not be realized as intended. As a writer, I can empathize with the challenges in bringing creative visions to fruition. No matter how bad a movie is, it still has valuable lessons to offer, even if those lessons are only "what not to do." 

Your biggest artistic goal is…


I want to tell captivating stories that explore the essence of the human condition, uplifting spirits and emphasizing our shared humanity. Through relatable characters and universal themes, my stories seek to bridge divides and inspire empathy and understanding. My ultimate goal is to unite audiences through the power of storytelling, fostering connection and positive change in our world.

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

I think I would like to try my hand at being a film-festival organizer. I've been considering the idea of organizing a faith-based film festival for some time. I would like to create a space for fellowship, dialogue, and exploration of spirituality through cinema. It would be an inspiring platform for both filmmakers and audiences.

How important is it to be rewarded as an Artist?

Recognition and rewards are important to artists, as they provide a sense of accomplishment, boost confidence, and encourage the artist to continue their work. Monetary rewards also allow the artist to support themselves financially and invest more in their craft.  While I believe that external validation is very important to an artist, I also believe that the art itself (in my case, writing) can provide a lot of satisfaction to the artist, through personal growth, self-expression, and impact on others. 

 Do you have regrets?


This screenplay is loosely based on my own life story. I went through similar struggles as the main character Marvin Tailor. I made a lot of mistakes in my life. I hurt a lot of people. Those are my deepest regrets. 30 years ago, amidst the depths of my despair, the seed of this screenplay germinated within my consciousness, offering a glimmer of hope in my darkest hour. It became a lifeline, a source of redemption and solace amidst the wreckage of my past. While I cannot undo the wrongs of yesterday, I draw upon the lessons learned from my pains and regrets to breathe life into this narrative. The screenplay served as a cathartic outlet, allowing me to confront the complexities of my own journey and weave them into the fabric of Marvin's story. Through the lens of fiction, I explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of second chances. 

What’s the message you want to express through your art?       

The core message I endeavor to convey through my storytelling is an exploration of themes such as faith, forgiveness, redemption, and humanity. 

At the heart of my narratives lies a reverence for the transformative power of faith and a belief in the divine presence guiding our lives. Through the journeys of my characters, I seek to illustrate the enduring strength found in faith, even in the face of adversity. Forgiveness is another central theme of my stories. I aim to highlight the healing potential of forgiveness, both in granting it to others and in seeking it for oneself.  Redemption serves as a beacon of hope in my narratives. I aim to convey the universal truth that no one is beyond redemption, and that growth and change are always possible, regardless of past mistakes.

Finally, my storytelling is a celebration of humanity in all its complexity and beauty. I seek to portray characters in their raw authenticity, navigating the intricacies of human relationships, emotions, and experiences. By shining a light on our shared humanity, I endeavor to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding among audiences, ultimately inspiring them to reflect on their own lives and strive for greater connection and empathy in the world around them.

What is a film for you? 

For me, film is an opportunity to share critical narratives to entertain and strive towards making a difference. Film can help increase understanding and awareness of important issues. 

What do you feel when you're directing and working as a DP? 

I feel a sense of freedom when I am in a creative workspace. It is when I allow my obsessive tendency to go into overdrive. 

Audrey Hepburn used to say, "Nothing is Impossible." What do you think about that?

With the combination of time, patience, and hard work, a lot can be achieved. 

Can you live solely on your passion? 

I strive for some level of balance in my life. I try not to allow my creative passions to overtake my other priorities, but it can be challenging to balance these two. 

What's more important, talent or luck? 

The most important factor between talent and luck is that you create your luck when you work hard to develop your skills and work humbly to continue down the road of refinement. 

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

On occasions, I have received a random phone call about my work and how it has impacted someone, possibly challenging them to think outside of their traditional mindset. 

Are you satisfied with your career? 

I have had a very satisfying career in the visual arts. Only in the last dozen years have I allowed myself to focus primarily on long-term projects. 

What is the worst moment on set? 

As a specialist in documentary and cinema vérité, I am always concerned about missing the critical moments in story structure. There is no going back if you miss important aspects of the story. In my line of storytelling, I need to plan to be a witness to the highlights of the story. 

How do you feel when a job you've been part of ends? 

On my personal films, it has always been difficult for me to end a project. It always seems that it could be a bit better.