Zsolt Pozsgai - Interview
Since childhood he wanted to be a writer and director. To do this, he felt he had to know life up close, so he was an ambulance nurse, a car driver, a bar singer, a teacher, a postman and much more. His first theatre work was in 1988, when his first play was produced. From then until 2024, he wrote 114 plays, all of which were staged in Hungary and around the world. In 2006 he directed his first feature film, and since then he has written and directed 17 films in various genres. Since 2017 he has been sending his films to festivals, since then he has won hundreds of festival awards, and he received a lifetime achievement award in Las Vegas. In 2000, he founded the Papa International Historical Film Festival, which he has been the director of ever since /www.pihff.com/. He is a renowned and award-winning artist in his country. He considers himself an independent filmmaker because he believes that inner freedom is the most important thing in an artist's life.
Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?
We now live in a world where tragedy and comedy go hand in hand. It is not a question of what I like more, but of what the world around me is asking. These questions today are tragicomic. I want to experience a real tragedy that later turns out to have been a comedy. Or to experience something as a comedy that turns into a bloody tragedy. But in the ordinary sense of the word, I also like to put comedy and drama on film. Both are necessary if you want to achieve a real catharsis. Because it's not only drama that has catharsis, comedy has catharsis too. One is the catharsis of experience, the other the catharsis of joy.
Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?
According to ancient Greek scholars, culture is the history of the development of humanity. Art and religion are the product of the inability to exist. In this sense, art is an attempt to explain life. To help us endure the questions of existence.
Which is the best Moment on set?
The first and last day of shooting. The first when you dream of a film, the last when it turns out you've made it. Some filmmakers are dissatisfied at the end of shooting a film. I have never been dissatisfied.
Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?
I write and work instinctively. So I am driven to create by some unknown inner force. It doesn't matter whose opinion it is. How can you stay focused on your goal?
By planning at least two routes to the destination. I'm sure I'll get there on one of them. If not, I'll give it up. Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?
There was no, no reason. Maybe it's because my family comes first and foremost in life and work is a game to me. A very serious game, but still a game.
Talent is a blessing or a curse?
Talent is the discovery of new paths. You can find connections that no one else has. I think it's a blessing.
What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenplayer?
According to the great Italian director Antonioni, you can only be a film director after the age of 50. He uses the experience he has gathered up to that point. And then you start to develop until you die. And since technology, including film technology, is evolving rapidly, we must also evolve continuously.
What's the worst critic you have received?
If my wife doesn't like one of my jobs, I take it badly. I don't care about other critics.
If you weren't an actor/director/screenplayer what would you like to be?
I want to sing in a bar, at the piano.
If Cinema was a color what would it be?
Red and grey.
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 have had several such offers, but I did not accept. Precisely because the film will be preserved. Maybe even after my death. And then I can't explain to anyone what I did and why I did it. You risk a whole life's work to do something like that. You could destroy your entire artistic credibility.
What's your greatest ambition?
To realise as many of my dreams as possible on film. The ancient Chinese used to say that you live as long as you have dreams you want to realize. I'm very lucky to have several themes to live for. And to be able to show the talents of so many people, actors, cinematographers, technicians, to the audience through the film. A writing master of mine said, and for me it has been a lifelong guiding principle: "my happiness is happiness standing guard over the happiness of others."
What's your biggest fear?
That one day I'll run out of stories.
Does music helps you to play/direct, write?
Yes, I have written all my scripts or plays while listening to music. And it doesn't matter which music I choose. Music helps me to concentrate fully on my work.
You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?
That only words can lie. A body, a movement, a smile or a look can only lie to someone who wants to believe what they see.
Share your speech if you should win an Oscar.....
I was extremely surprised by this award. I consider myself an independent creator who says what I think. And the way he thinks. If the film now wins an Oscar, it is certainly not my doing. It's the whole "orchestra". After all, the film is an orchestra, everyone has their part to play, and harmony is the key. If we get an award here, it's for the whole orchestra, not for me. The musicians can play without a conductor. But what does a conductor do without an orchestra?
Glen Dunzweiler - Interview
Glen Dunzweiler is the creator of the feature documentary “yHomeless?" (On Amazon Prime). He has written the non-fiction books Things I’ve Learned from the Homeless and A Degree In Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills for Students. His TEDx Small Business Homeless can be seen on YouTube and he is developing a narrative feature titled Deuce. He lives in Los Angeles and produces a podcast called Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler as well as a storytelling show titled FRANK: Honest Stories. No Rules.
The biggest challenge of being an actor\director\ screenplayer is…
Figuring out how best to tell a story is the biggest challenge. The Bag started as a one-act play. It was just the middle scene (based on a real bus conversation). When I brought it to film, I added the 1st and 3rd scenes to give the concepts in the dialogue concrete reality. I made it animated because live action would mean securing film permits and production insurance.
Choose an Actor, Choose an Actress...and now choose a story you would
like to direct or play with both of them
I cast collaborating performers who I work well with. I have a narrative feature in development (Deuce) that is about a man growing up in poverty and crime in Chicago. His girlfriend takes him to Tacoma, WA where he finds that his hustling skills make him a very good legitimate businessman.
Who’s the first Aritist that let you understand you wanted to be an
Actor\ director\screenplayer?
In the 1990’s, I would always go to the independent theatre in my hometown (Sacramento - Tower Theater) to see movies with a strong singular voice - movies like Party Girl, Freeway, Trainspotting, Crumb, Kids, Menace II Society, etc. I wanted to tell stories like that.
What really excites you artistically or emotionally?
I am obsessed with stories of success out of poverty. The details and interactions in a life that doesn’t have much around it really concentrates people’s choices and priorities into an evocative story. Poor people can’t just buy their way out of jail or call a lawyer friend.
Marlon Brando said “Never confuse the size of your Paycheck with the
size of your talent”. Do you agree?
I ask, “what is the talent for?” I realize that art has to be sustainable. It has to ‘sell’. This means it has to touch people and give them enough joy that they are willing to pay money for it. Film is expensive. It needs a guarantee of ‘butts in seats’. I like working with people who are talented and who are nice to work with. If they can help with ‘butts in seats’, that’s good too.
Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life\career choices?
Everyone discourages me. I am making things that don’t come with 1 stability 2 health insurance and 3 a guaranteed income. But, I spent my 30’s living other people’s priorities and I was miserable. I also worked for a future that never came. Now, my day to day is happy and life is an adventure.
Do you think it is harder for a woman being a Filmmaker?
I spent 11 years teaching university students lighting and sound for live entertainment Those fields are historically male dominated. Because I only care about ‘doing the thing’ and not about who you are, many young women worked with me. My supervisor asked me if I was running a harem. People have expectations. They have opinions. Just do the thing.
Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own Vision as
a Filmmaker\actor\screenplaye?
I haven’t had to worry about that! (Jokey face emoji). I think fame and money can isolate you from accessing the stories that audiences find relatable. I have a bad habit of subconsciously rejecting monetary success. My generation of artists was told that poverty = success. “Selling out” equaled getting paid well for your art - God forbid! The problem is, that’s not very sustainable.
Who’s the Movie star that made you dream for the first time?
Johnny Depp started doing really independent work after his fame as a heart throb on 21 Jump Street. I remember seeing a film he was in with a visual effects flying fish sharing the screen with him (I hope that’s accurate). He made me realize that going for it was the fun in life.
Make a wish about your career...
I need The Bag to lead to green-lighting larger projects. I need The Bag to resonate with audiences.
Talking about cinema\Showbusiness, how hard is to remain completely
honest to yourself as an artist?
I am a filmmaker/producer/entrepreneur. I have positioned myself to build the sand box that I can invite others to play in. This gives me the most control in the projects that I am a part of. I hope to keep this model moving forward.
The Film you have loved the most?
I saw Fight Club in the theaters. It was good. As I got hit by distracted drivers (6+ times, 3 that hurt me), lost a house to the 2008 financial crisis, lost my marriage, and burned out of my career as a university professor; I reluctantly had to admit that Fight Club is life. “We can do nothing until we’ve lost everything.”
And now, don’t be shy….the one that annoyed you the most?
Mother (2017) was the last film I saw in a theater. I usually appreciate films directed by Darren Aronofsky. I was so upset by Mother that at the end of that movie, I was yelling at the screen (which I do not ever do). As an audience member, I felt played. I never liked Theatre Of Cruelty too much and Mother pulled that off in cinema form. I haven’t taken a chance on ‘going to see’ a movie since.
Your biggest artistic goal is…
I wish to continue creating stories and I’d like to make it sustainable.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Being a fiduciary intrigues me. Guiding people to make responsible financial choices seems like something I would enjoy.
How important is it to be rewarded as an Artist?
I have figured out how to get immediate joy from what I do now. When people reach out with a compliment regarding something I’ve created, that means a lot. Being financially rewarded is nice too.
Do you have regrets?
I want to write a book called Never Listen To Your Mother. Mothers keep you alive with their concerns while you are a child. Once you are an adult, those concerns can become suffocating. My mother always told me to have a back-up plan and to get a job with health insurance. My back-up plan became my main plan and getting a job with health insurance got me stuck for 10 years of my life. (I love my mother BTW. She was good.)
What’s the message you wanna express through your
art?
Succeed!!!
Andreia Solomon Burke - Interview
Andreia, an American novelist, was born on July 30, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to her literary accomplishments, she is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. She has both written and directed her short films, Just Another Angry Black Woman in 2018 and Tumble Weave in 2020, through her independent family-owned production company, A Fave Five Films. After leaving the United States in 2007, Andreia committed herself to nurturing her creative abilities, culminating in the publication of her first successful novel, Relay- tionships, in 2009, followed by its sequel, Forbidden Seduction, in 2014. As a mentor to aspiring writers and filmmakers, she inspires them to carve their own paths within the industry. Having resided in the United Kingdom for 17 years with her family, she enjoys extensive travel and cherishes time spent with her loved ones while continuing to develop her upcoming projects, Flat No. 8, and The Ten Commandments.
What's the necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenwriter?
Being a director and screenwriter, I can tell you that vision is key when it comes to crafting a compelling story. The two are intertwined; a director must have that vision to engage the audience with a fantastic narrative.
First and last cinematographic crush?
Alfred Hitchcock and Spike Lee are masters of their craft, each with a unique approach to cinematography. You can easily recognize their signature styles while
watching their films.
How old you were when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenwriter?
I realized I wanted to be a screenwriter after finishing my first novel in my mid-forties. The urge to direct came a bit later, around my early fifties, when I really wanted to bring my stories to life on screen.
For you a Film is...
Movies used to be thrilling, full of suspense, and just plain fun. Directors and writers really cared about creating something special, but these days, it feels like we’re lucky to see one standout film a year. Everything seems so repetitive; how many explosions and massive car pileups do we need? I know some fantastic screenwriters who would jump at the chance to showcase their projects, and I’m right there with them.
What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?
When I'm directing a film, I really get into the zone. I'm always thinking ahead about the next scene and how to deal with any potential problems. That’s why if something goes wrong, I can usually fix it right away since I've already considered it in my mind. When I write, I am more relaxed since it’s just me doing my thing. I can take my time and edit as much as I like.
You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenwriter that you
love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're going to watch it?
Idris Elba, as he is the perfect example as an actor, writer, and director. I've always imagined him in a role in my film because he embodies the character I created in my novels, Relay-tionships. I would pray it is one of my films that I am working on, The Ten Commandments or another one of my films (untitled).
Audrey Hepburn used to say, “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think
about it?
I will answer this after I shoot my next two feature films.
What's more important talent or luck?
Since I don’t believe in luck, it’ll have to be talent.
You must go to a desert island, but you can bring with you just one movie...
The movie Claudine, made in the 70s, focuses on a single mother, Diahann Carroll, who’s juggling life with six kids while living in poverty. She finds love with a garbageman, played by James Earl Jones. Their struggles are real, but the bond they have really resonated with my own experiences growing up.
Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even
if you didn't like the project?
I haven't done that, but I did create a screenplay for a friend I've known for ages. It was a great experience because it was his life story, and I already knew a lot about his background.
What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?
My film really got to them and brought tears to their eyes. I didn’t set out to create a tear-jerker, but I definitely aimed to evoke some strong emotions.
Are you satisfied about your career?
Honest answer… no. There’s so much more I’d like to do.
Do you have a good luck charm?
I do not believe in luck.
Which is the worst moment on set?
We had a major issue with one of the main actors on set. He was just unbearable and really offensive. So, we made the call to cut him from the project the following morning.
How do you feel when a job you've been a part of its ending?
I experience a grieving process. Most of my projects last anywhere from a year or two. To wake up when it’s all finished, I feel empty. If it’s writing, I miss the characters because for over a year they have become a part of me.
If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…
My beloved sister, Beverly Renee Solomon, who has sadly left this world at the age of 17.
Hailiang Duan - Interview
Hailiang Duan is an artist whose mediums include photography, video and installation.His work explores the complex relationship between individuals and society, focusing on themes of loneliness, belonging, and detachment in modern urban life. Drawing from his experiences navigating rural and urban environments, Duan creates art that invites reflection on identity and the sense of place. His projects evoke an emotional response, encouraging viewers to reconsider their connections to their surroundings and explore the collective memory within contemporary settings. Duan aims to provoke deep engagement with space and self through his artistic practice.
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/ screenplayer?
Rather than being a filmmaker, I prefer to use the medium of image/film to create my art. During college, 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 images. During this period, I made this documentary about returning home.
How did your family react?
When I told them that I wanted to shoot a documentary, they were very supportive of my idea, although some people did not understand my ongoing work during the filming process.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
Jonas Mekas.
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.
Louise Mason - Interview
Louise Mason is the director, cinematographer, costume designer and lead actress of her award winning horror/drama/crime thriller feature film Sewing A Nightmare. Sewing A Nightmare has won the Best Poster and Best Crime film awards at the October 2024 Hollywood Blood Horror Festival. She is also a photographer and fashion designer. Her fashion, costume and lifestyle editorials have been published in and on the cover of many magazines including, Arttells Magazine, Marika Magazine, Le Desir Magazine and Unbound Magazine. Louise has also worked on many other feature films and in T.V.
What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenplayer?
Being aware of your surroundings and understanding the dynamics of human interactions.
First and last cinematographic crush?
My first cinematic crush was when I was a very little kid. It was Rider Strong from boy meets world. I can't really remember any movie star crushes after that.
How old you were when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer?
It was right after I became a cinematographer. I was 25. I already knew costumes and photography were really my thing and that I could act if the occasion ever arose. I also knew if in a bind a production needed an AD or someone to sit in for the director for a day I would have what it took to do it so I guess that means somewhere down in my heart I wanted it. I became a director on a very low budget indie film because no one else had the time in their schedule to take on the responsibility. It was a last minute thing, almost a fluke. I was originally going to be the costume designer, cinematographer and one of the lead actresses with a few camera assistants but we were on a deadline and the original director canceled at the last minute so I stepped up to do it. I am happy the film won some awards.
For you a Film is...
Either a form of escapism or a good way of examining the gritty world around me.
What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?
I feel a tremendous appreciation for the camera crew as well as the costume department because I do those jobs too. A movie wouldn't be the same without the crew that puts it together. I also feel heard and I like 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 you're gonna whatch it?
I would like to go to the movies with the director of the Mad Max franchise and I would like to watch Fury Road or Road Warrior.
Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?
I think everything has its limitations so unfortunately there are a lot of things that are impossible.
Can you live just of your passion?
I think so. It keeps me occupied and happy and I make enough to be alright.
What's more important talent or luck?
It's 50/50
You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...
Scarface.
Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?
I am happy to say that every project I have worked on had something about it that I liked.
What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?
Tremendous technical proficiency and very colorful too.
Are you satisfied about your career?
I'd like to do more.
Do you have a good luck charm?
No. Not even a locket.
Which is the worst moment on set ?
If there is some sort of unexpected delay and a lot of people are getting tense then that is a bad feeling. Most of the time that doesn't happen but there are so many moving parts in making a film that you never know.
How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?
It depends on how exhausting the job is and what I have lined up afterwards.
Have you ever lied to get a part/job?
Never.
If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…
My first thought would be wow I never thought this would happen.
Dean Morgan - Interview
I'm Dean Morgan, born in Chicago and raised in Park Forest Il. I Live in Dallas Texas with wife Danette for 34 years and have 2 kids Maura 30 and Sean 25. I own 4 businesses and love to act, direct write film, and make people laugh. I have won over 450 awards from filmfreeway and a few other festivals. My agent is Beverly Brock from NC and my PR guy is RJ Garis and my manager is Icon Studios Universal. My characters are Sheldon Mashugana, and The Macher, I am a Rabbi with a PHD and love to do weddings.
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/ screenplayer?
I experimented with that in 1979 at Second City Chicago, past the audition, however I was not ready at the time to do anything
How did your family react?
Thought I was crazy.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
Not really, I enjoy watching the Star Trek and sci-fi movies, my favorite was William Shatner and his story
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.
Amy Johnson - Interview
Amy Erin Johnson grew up in sunny California, where the spirit of adventure ignited a serious case of wanderlust. As a successful loan officer, she has mastered the art of helping others achieve their dreams through smart financial solutions. Beyond the world of numbers, Amy is an avid moviegoer and a travel buff, always seeking new experiences and stories to tell. With a passion for exploration and a commitment to making meaningful connections, she thrives on discovering the beauty of the world—one adventure at a time.
When did you realised you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
During my childhood, I had a passion for watching movies and subsequently reenacting them. My mother shared a love for films, which allowed us to explore movies from various decades together. This shared experience brought me immense joy.
Do you remember your first time at the Movies?
I vividly recall my first experience at the cinema. It was a heartwarming film that moved me to tears, and I believe I was only three years old at the time. This experience not only left a lasting impression but also deepened my affection for animals.
If you should change country where would you like to work?
Italy holds a special place in my heart. I had the opportunity to visit during the first season of my show, AF, where I encountered numerous Italians, including filmmakers and local residents. The beauty of the country is truly remarkable, and Italians are some of the kindest humans you will ever come across.
Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…
I always focus on the positive, so I want to highlight two movies that have profoundly influenced me. My affinity for horror films likely began with "Beetlejuice." I would watch that film repeatedly, and it sparked my admiration for Tim Burton. Additionally, "Splendor in the Grass," featuring Natalie Wood, opened my eyes to the significance of acting. I first saw it in high school, and her performance truly took me on an incredible journey.
What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?
I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles for two years. I believe this experience was invaluable, as it provided me with essential skills for acting. Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of acting lies in mastering the fundamental techniques and using them as a foundation for personal growth and improvement.
Have you ever hated your ambition?
I’ve never hated anything that I’ve done. Life is way too short to not be happy.
Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?
I find that perspective intriguing. However, I believe it often pertains to individuals who are constantly sharing their experiences through photos on social media. I admit that I’m guilty of this too. Yet, it's essential to embrace the present moment, set aside our phones, and fully engage with our surroundings. In this regard, there are both right and wrong approaches to portraying life in movies.
Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?
When I shut my eyes, the word "cinema" brings to mind a movie projector emitting its familiar whir, while happy viewers huddle together, sharing popcorn as they gaze at the screen.
Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?
Luca Centoni of course! I have met so many amazing people. Been to some increadible places becasue of him. He is a great collabrotor and friend.
About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…
My biggest dream is to travel the world and share my experiences with others—no nightmares, just adventure and inspiration; those are only for the movies!
How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?
One of the most important things in Cinema. It allows people to appreciate different perspectives, stories, and traditions from around the world, fostering empathy and understanding.
What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
I believe that continuing to learn is essential for our growth. Learning is incredibly important, and no matter how far we go or how high we rise in our skills, we should always remain students at heart.
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 really love *Changeling* with Angelina Jolie. It has a nostalgic feel to it, and I believe that no matter when or where you watch it, the emotional depth and storytelling resonate beautifully.
Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you 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 think that with anything that we do the most important thing is to say grounded and happy, always do different things don’t ever just focus on one that way when things are not going as well on one part of your life you have another part that still brings you great joy, and I do agree with him, but the most important to me is always the actors bringing the script to life.
What’s your most ambitious project for the future?
Amy's Adventure's- more info coming soon.
Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?
Emotions serve as a rich source of inspiration, and diverse feelings allow individuals to connect with others on various levels. Relatability is key in creativity—whether through joyous experiences, struggles with sadness, or the complexities of everyday life. This connection is what often resonates deeply with audiences, prompting shared experiences and understanding.
What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?
Creating a show that resonates with people and encourages them to embark on their own journeys is a powerful goal. When individuals see parts of their own experiences reflected in what you create, it can spark introspection, motivation, and a sense of connection.
Casey Mensing - Interview
Casey Mensing is an award-winning screenwriter, poet, and visual artist. His nomadic existence currently finds him living in Downtown Los Angeles. In his free time, he enjoys painting, taking photos, and bringing home stray books.
When did you realise you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
I think I’ve always been a writer. As a kid, I made up stories all the time, but instead of writing them down, I would record myself doing all the characters and the narration. Everything I’m doing now is a continuation of that.
Do you remember your first time at the Movies?
I don’t remember the first time I saw a movie or went to a movie theater. Movies were a constant in my life growing up, and my parents took us to see them all the time.
If you should change country where would you like to work?
That’s an interesting question. I’ve never thought about permanently relocating in that way. I’d love to create things, maybe a specific project, in a new city and then take off for another one. Especially since I work in several disciplines, it would be fantastic to make a movie in one place, do a stage play in another city, then do a visual art show in the third place, and keep creating nomadically.
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.
Holger Klussmann - Interview
I was born in 1955 in Bielefeld, Germany. I later studied social pedagogy in Düsseldorf. Since I started working as a film author, I have had a great interest in spiritual topics. Over the years, I have taught myself everything and I have always enjoyed taking on the camera work. In the beginning, the films were shot in Super 8, later came video technology and today the films are produced using digital technology.
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer?
I started making movies in Super 8 in the 70s.
How did your family react?
There were no problems, everything happened in a manageable way.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
I was very impressed by “Ben-Hur” by director William Wyler. William Wyler is one of the great filmmakers, he conveyed the really important values in his works in a very appealing and entertaining way.
Who's your biggest fan?
I think in other categories. My films are about spiritual values. I am happy when I can inspire people with my films.
What brings you inspiration the most?
Love and peace. The life of Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ and the other great souls.
Which actor or director would you like to work with?
I mainly do documentaries, that's where the movie theme carries the most weight.
Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?
I can't judge that, I've mostly always seen the movies.
What's the movie that taught you the most?
That was “Ben-Hur” by William Wyler in 1959. A wonderful story, filmed with a lot of love and great effort. It was a huge success in many countries for a long time. It was a great time to make religious films back then.
About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?
No.
On set what excites you the most?
There's nothing that particularly excites me.
And what scares you the most?
Sometimes there is the fear of whether everything will work out with the technology. But nowadays you can check everything immediately on location.
What's your next project?
I don't know yet. There are sort of two phases in my life - the creation of a new work and the time after that, then after a while a new horizon emerges and another movie idea pops up.
You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who would you choose?
I don't really think like that. There are many excellent artists, filmmakers and musicians who have given me a lot. But to steal someone else's career - no.
An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....
A good film writer is made up of interesting ideas and the power to realize them. He should have a good message.
Good movies run forever and always have an unconscious role model function.
For you Cinema is...
Cinema is the experience of a good movie in an audience. “2001 - A Space Odyssey” by Stanley Kubrick is even said to have made people in the audience applaud for a long time after the movie.
I try to convey a certain feeling of love with my films - the pure, great love that is radiated by the very great souls. I like to be in Kurukshetra near Delhi to visualize the historic battle with the message of Krishna as much as I like to be in Bethlehem and Jerusalem to recreate the birth and crucifixion of Jesus.
One should try to bring the highest values to the movies. World peace, for example, is not a utopia. The moment you tune into it and long for it, you have world peace. That's what I addressed in my film “World Peace”.
Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?
A good movie like “The Gold Rush” by Charlie Chaplin or “The Song of Bernadette” by Henry King also works in black and white. But life is colorful. I prefer to watch the Laurel and Hardy films in color, as some of them were re-colored.
Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?
I don't know if my films would fit into an Oscar ceremony.
Do you think you're gonna win it?
No.
Sofia Mavrou - Interview
I am a Greek independent filmmaker, actress and writer with no formal training in filmmaking and acting. I studied Primary Education and Clinical Psychology in Greece and the U.K. I have worked as a careers adviser for the last 15 years in secondary schools in the U.K. Last year I wrote, directed, produced and starred in my first short film ''An impossible secret''. The film is doing very well in festivals and has won many awards for best drama, best director, writer, actor/actress. I am also a member of local drama groups and a mum to 2 wonderful children.
Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?
I prefer Drama as Iike intense, complex characters and plot.
Life imitates Art or Art imitates life?
Art imitates life.
Which is the best moment on set?
When after several takes for a certain scene the actors and the director agree on which take is the best.
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.
A.L. Jobrail - Interview
A.L. Jobrail writes screenplays, short stories, novellas, and poetry. Her scripts have won one or more awards which are mainly adaptations from her eBooks that are available on amazon.com. She likes to have several projects going at the same time. A. L. loves to give stories that Hitchcockian twist. Ana has received over two hundred selections, runner up and finalist and winner awards. Her first award has a special place in her heart. In 2017 she received the Louis Mitchell award for breakout writer of the year at the AOF Megafest. Writing is her true passion. Editing comes second. She has edited books written by Pamela Turner, Missy Goodman, Amy Leigh McCorkle, and Rebekah McAuliffe, of which three have won awards. 2025 will be her breakout year as a filmmaker. Ana also has a blog that contains all her rough drafts as well as blurbs about her life and thoughts on life. The link is http://bit.ly/2O27677.
The biggest challenge of being an actor\director\ screenwriter is…
The biggest challenge of being a screenwriter is keeping true to the storyline and characters' personalities and development.
Choose an Actor, Choose an Actress...and now choose a story you would like to direct or play with both of them
Jason Statham and Selma Hayek in my script A Day Late...
Who’s the first Artist that let you understand you wanted to be an Actor\ director\screenwriter?
There have been many who have inspired me to go into the film industry. The first that I remember is Judy Garland as Dorothy.
What really excites you artistically or emotionally?
Putting that first scene on paper or the first paragraph of a story excites me. I love the beginning with all its possibilities.
Marlon Brando said, “Never confuse the size of your Paycheck with the size of your talent”. Do you agree?
Yes, I agree. You can have all the talent in the world and yet, if no one knows or recognizes your talent then your paycheck will not reflect that talent.
Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life\career choices?
I had a college professor who didn't like my work and put his personal likes ahead of the possibility that others might enjoy my work. I let his opinion influence me. I went off my path for years until I took a poetry class that reignited my passion.
Do you think it is harder for a woman being a Filmmaker?
Yes, women are half the population yet underrepresented in the film industry. Things are changing. Women are mentoring other women to recognize their potential and talent.
Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own Vision as a Filmmaker\actor\screenwriter?
In theory I hope not. Though I have heard of many writers who detested the finish project when adapting from book to movie. I wrote my version of the story and once I sell it, I have to let it go.
Who’s the Movie star that made you dream for the first time?
Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. It is a true classic that inspires us to follow our path down "the yellow brick road."
Make a wish about your career...
I wish that my body of works become classics in their various genres as well as inspires others to create their own imaginary worlds as well.
Talking about cinema\Showbusiness, how hard is to remain completely honest to yourself as an artist?
Once the script is written, everyone wants to give his/her opinion on how to improve the script. A good writer will listen and utilize the changes that improve and politely decline those that don't.
The Film you have loved the most?
I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz. I loved it! Later in life I also fell in love with Gone with the Wind and the miniseries Shogun, though there are many movies in multiple genres that I love.
And now, don’t be shy….the one that annoyed you the most?
I am not a fan at all of the Jackass movies. Those disclaimers at the beginning of the movie do nothing to deter others from trying dangerous stunts or doing new ones.
Your biggest artistic goal is…
My biggest artistic goal is to direct my scripts and make documentaries that have a positive influence worldwide.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would run women's retreats and workshops to empower them to be all that they can be.
How important is to be rewarded as an Artist?
Everyone likes to be recognized for the good job they did. I'm no exception. I will continue though whether I received more or not.
Do you have regrets?
Yes, I do. I let others influence my decision to continue writing. I let their opinions matter more than my dreams. Always, always follow your dreams.
What’s the message you wanna express through your art?
Live and let others live life to the fullest. We are more alike than we are different. We decide the vision of what our world is. Choose what color your lenses are.
Antony Spina - Interview
Hi, I'm Antony Spina, an award-winning writer and director from London with a passion for telling captivating stories. Over the years, I've had the privilege of bringing compelling characters and narratives to life, both on screen and through the written word. And some of them, I’m proud to say, have done very well indeed. Whether it's through heartbreaking dramas or thought-provoking thrillers, my goal is to create work that resonates, leaves a lasting impression and overall is thoroughly enjoyed.
What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good director?
Imagination and discipline are certainly up there, as well as not letting yourself get carried away by your own ego. But I would say the most essential ingredient for being a good director is vision. A director must have a clear and compelling vision for the story they want to tell and how they want to tell it; lose that and you don’t have a real story anymore. Because his or her vision encompasses all.
At the end of the day, it’s the vision that guides every aspect of the filmmaking process, from working with actors to collaborating with the cinematographer, editor, and other crew members. It ensures all creative decisions serve a unified purpose and lead to a cohesive and powerful final product. It’s the cornerstone upon which everything else is built. That was certainly the rule when I was making ‘SAD LITTLE BOY’ and then ‘THE PROGRAMME’. It’s been the rule while I’ve been writing my novel, a thriller I’ve just finished called ‘CHARLIE’S WAY’, and it will be the same again on the next project after that too.
First and last cinematographic crush?
There’s so many and for so many reasons, but recently I watched ‘The Bear’ series, and was blown away by its clever use of timing and the way suspense is built in almost every scene. It had the sort of discipline I’d like to have on my projects, and it went into each and every shot, as well as the masterful storytelling and everything else it did so brilliantly. Watching it, especially the first season, it certainly inspired me to come up with some new ideas and get creative on some other stories I’ve had bouncing around in my head for a while
How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a director/screenplayer?
I think I was around 20 when I realised I wanted to be a director, but much, much younger when I came to understand how I loved creating stories. When I was about 11, I used to collect comic books, and even back then, I was always conjuring various adventures in my head for my favourite characters to be getting themselves into. I believe this is where it all started from for me. In my early teens, I was occasionally jotting down ideas or short scenes. By my late teens, I made it a point to write down every little idea that popped into my head (most of them bad I’d guess). And by my twenties I was endeavouring to write full stories and scripts; although it took me a long time to learn to be disciplined enough that I'd actually finish any of them.
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.
Scott MacLeay - Interview
Scott MacLeay holds a Master of Science degree in economics from the London School of Economics and left his doctoral studies to pursue a career in photography in Vancouver specializing in fashion photography and editorial portraiture. His images are present in numerous private and museum collections. In the 1980s, he began experimenting with video art and was named Director of the prestigious Center for Media Art and Photography (CMAP) of the avant-garde American Center in Paris where he devoted himself to producing audio-visual projects and developing cutting-edge pedagogical programs for young artists. Since moving to Brazil in 2010 he divides his time between new media creations, musical composition for installations and exhibitions, the exploration of online interactivity and curating exhibitions for Brazilian new media artists.
What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenplayer?
If I had to choose only one ingredient, I would say dedication. For me, it is the quality that guarantees that we have the ability to assemble and exploit all of our other qualities in a coherent manner for the long haul, through the ups and downs and the variety of expected and unexpected challenges that await us on any project.
First and last cinematographic crush?
Two decades dominated my passion for cinema productions: the 70s and the 80s.
Three filmmakers stand out from the many extraordinarily talented creators of that period. In the 70s, I was a huge fan of the films of Lina Wertmüller: Seven Beauties, Love and Anarchy and Swept Away. I think I was attracted to the manner in which the confrontations of good versus evil and right versus wrong were presented on both social and individual planes. I also enjoyed the strange and often uncomfortable mixture of comedy and tragedy.
In the 80s, I was attracted to the work of two very different filmmakers: The first was Peter Greenaway and the larger-than-life frescos that he “painted” in films such as the Draughtsman’s Contract, Drowning by Numbers and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover. The synergy of Michael Nyman’s music and Greenaway’s cinematographic vision left a lasting impression on me. The rigour and depth of commitment were palpable.
I think my last genuine crush was for the early work of Jim Jarmusch starting with Stranger than Paradise and moving through Down by Law and Night on Earth. As an artist, I think I was attracted to his treatment of countercultural themes and characters and the non-linearity and seductive unresolved quality of his narratives.
How old you were when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenplayer?
My decision to explore the fimmaking universe was rather schizophrenic – a stop and start affair. I made my first short films at the age of 33 and my decision to embark on this journey was due to my contact with experimental video art of the early 1980s, in particular the work of William Wegman, Bill Viola, Gary Hill and Joan Logue. I was a photographic artist and part-time composer living in Paris and had founded the Photography Department at the American Center in Paris in 1980. Thanks to the Center’s dedication to presenting avant-garde American video art to French audiences, I came into contact with the work of a great many influential video artists from the 70sand 80s. My passion for this form of expression increased when I became Director of the Center for Media art and Photography at the American Center in the mid-80s. However, during the 80s and 90s my personal filmmaking was more research-oriented than project oriented. During the 90s and onward, my main link to films was my focus on composing music for video art, special format cinema (simulators, 360° films, …) and contemporary dance. In fact, my active pursuit of filmmaking only really began in a sustained manner in 2010 after my move to Brazil. My many years composing music for my group Private Circus in Paris and the first transmedia projects from Canada’s National Film Board that I encountered around this time, reignited my desire to explore the digital new media universe and I began to devote a great deal of my time to making experimental films.
For you a Film is...
For me, a Film is the creation of a non-linear universe in which space and time are warped to fit the state of mind I wish to explore. I am primarily interested in telling stories about what I think and feel about my relationships with others (those I am close to as well as those I may not know) and how these relationships evolve. I often introduce chance into the conceptual framework of my films. I am not particularly interested in telling stories about what I see around me daily. Because of this, my work tends to have a certain non-linear autobiographical aspect to it, although my aim is to try and create works that are both intemporal and universal in nature. I am interested in exploring the ambiguities, doubts and unexpected twists and turns that populate contemporary relationships and that in many ways define the human condition in the western world.
What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?
This is a difficult question due to the experimental nature of my work. Much of my recent work over the past 5 or 6 years, such as my interactive Web-based video project “Encounters in the Right and Left Hemispheres”, is based on performance art and the development of relationships by chance. As such, conceptual frameworks replace scripts, and performance art replaces traditional acting.
However, what I can say is that both as a performer and as a conceptor/director, I feel vulnerable and liberated at the same time. I feel like I am always walking on a very narrow ledge. I find it both exhilarating and intimidating
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?
The question is twofold for me: cinema or video art viewings
As far as going to the Movies is concerned, I would choose contemporary work to watch, such as Peter Greenaway’s trilogy “The Tulse Luper Suitcases” (Parts 1- 3) and would enjoy the opportunity of watching it with David Lynch.
If we are speaking of watching presentations of video art, I would choose to watch a retrospective compilation of Patty Chang’s work in the presence of the artist.
Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?
I agree if we add the corollary that contacts and funding are simply serious challenges and not major obstacles. Dreaming is indispensable, as is dedication. Unfortunately, in today’s world, depending on the project, they are not always enough.
Can you live just of your passion?
As a non-commercial artist, I have been relatively fortunate over the past four decades. My photography work has sold well over the years thanks to solid gallery representation and my musical collaborations also generally paid their way. However, in spite of this success, without my teaching and lecturing, I could never have created all of the new media film and photo work that I have been able to produce and exhibit in Europe, N. & S. America and Asia.
What's more important talent or luck?
Luck is more important, but not luck of any sort. I refer here to luck that we provoke by our dedication to exploration and new encounters.
Talent is important, but is a fairly common commodity.
You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...
Casablanca. I am an incurable romantic. Seems like good long-term company if you are all alone on a desert island. Also, it was my father’s favourite movie.
Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?
No, because I only work on projects that I create.
What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?
That my work is relevant.
Are you satisfied about your career?
Impossible question to answer with a simple yes or a no. Yes, if by the question you mean “Have you done the best you could have under the circumstances and constraints as you perceived them?” or “Was the journey a satisfying one?” No, if I refer to my constant desire to have gone further and encountered more varied solutions to many of the challenges I confronted.
Do you have a good luck charm?
My encounters with remarkable minds.
Which is the worst moment on set?
The wait before the action.
How do you feel when a job you've been part of is ending?
I usually feel a sense of relief and liberation followed by thoughts about what I might have done better.
Have you ever lied to get a part/job?
No need, because in my work as an independent artist, I am always the project instigator.
If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…
My parents.
Damian Matyasik - Interview
When did you decide you wanted to be director?
When I was 12 years old I watched Terminator 2 and I felt it would be cool to make movies.
How did your family react?
My family and loved ones always believed in me, it was I who didn't believe in myself enough. Now they are happy that I was able to achieve my biggest dream.
Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?
When I watched Michael Jordan win six titles with Bulls, I'm sure it had a big impact on how I view competition throughout my life and the tremendous tenacity involved. I wouldn't call him a role model, perhaps, but certainly a person who had a significant impact on shaping my approach to achieving goals.
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.
Dhanashree Ganatra - Interview
Singer, Songwriter, Music Composer, Poet, Writer and Filmmaker. Some compositions from 'Dhanu Dnyaniyachi' (written, music composed and sung by Dhanashree) are regularly played on Akashwani Pune. * Honorable Jury Member of Marathi Mirchi Music Awards. * Have sung almost 4000 jingles till today - all played on Akashwani Pune. * Have recorded songs in 10 Indian regional languages - Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Manipuri, Sindhi, Konkani * Grammy Award Winner Shankar Mahadevan ji and Padmashree Shri. Suresh Wadkar ji have sung Dhanashree's music compositions for a few Marathi Films.
When did you realised you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
Being a singer, songwriter and music composer, I always had an inclination towards music and right from my childhood I always wanted to sing and compose new melodies. When I was 10 years old, I had fixed up in mind that I was going to be a singer, songwriter and music composer.
Do you remember your first time at the Movies?
Don't remember exactly...
If you should change country where would you like to work?
I strongly believe that art is the only thing that can change the world and bring peace and happiness to this planet... So I would love to work in the field of art, especially the music and film industry.
Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…
The first one is Charlie Chaplin's 'Modern Times' and the other is an Indian Bollywood Film 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect'
What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?
I feel techniques can be taught but creativity must come from within... That spark has to be there inside... Art is the blessing of The Almighty and a gift of Mother Nature... Being a musician, I think you must be born with The Music and then you can develop your music skills with the guidance and blessings of your teachers and Masters.
Have you ever hated your ambition?
NEVER !!
Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”…
was he right ?
Haha... Yes, I think they are the most crazy and weird species on the earth... They can see, imagine and make people believe what no one can do...
Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?
Being a musician... I always see Grandeur Music... Grand Piano... Strings... Cellos... and lots and lots and lots of music !!
Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?
I learnt a lot by observing and studying the work of the legends. As a music composer I learnt a lot from all the legendary Bollywood music directors. And as a singer I learnt from the legendary Indian singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale. I also learnt a lot from my favourite singers Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, Doris Day, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and many more... The list is unending...
About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare...
My biggest dream is to perform my own songs with a full fledged orchestra at The Royal Albert Hall... That was my Father's dream for me too !!
And the nightmare... Well, once you hold the hands of the music, you don't get nightmares... All you get is happiness, happiness and more happiness !!
What’s your most ambitious project for the future?
As I said above, to perform 'my own songs' in The Royal Albert Hall, with a full fledged orchestra...
Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?
Yes definitely. I think a real artist is the one who experiences sorrows, sadness, rejections and loneliness and then through his creative skills transforms those feelings to a universal level and then transcends the same to the most beautiful piece of art !
What do you wish for yourself as a Filmmaker \ Actor \ Writer?
As a musician, I wish for myself that I keep singing pitch perfect melodiously till my last breath !
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 ?
Roman Holiday or Somewhere In Time
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 parents... and also my best friend: Music !!
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, absolutely !!
How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?
Obviously most important. Because that is what brings out exactly what you want to say through the film.
What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer ?
As they say, improvement and perfection has no limits. As a musician I would always and forever keep trying my best to improve on every aspect of music that I deliver as a musician.
Colleen Shannon - Interview
Surrounded by oil men, lawyers and drillers in a west Texas community that has produced two presidents and many national leaders and businessmen, Colleen grew up reading and writing stories of every kind. After college when she married and was expecting her first child, she used a scrap computer to write her first romance. She sold it herself in less than a year, and at the age of 26 began a new career. The strength of her first book led to her nomination by Romantic Times as Best New Historical Author. She went on to win and/or be nominated for numerous other awards, including a Kiss Award for all three heroes of her Fairy Tale trilogy written for Dorchester Books. Her eighteen single title releases have appeared on numerous bestseller lists. She has well over a million books in print. She is also an accomplished screenwriter with high selected ratios on Film Freeway for her submissions, which include three scripts, a treatment, and a music video, all original or based on her books.
When did you realise you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
I read from a very early age, probably about six, and wrote my first short story at eight. It was a story about horses which I sent to my Mom who was working In D.C. for a three star general at the time. I stapled a memo pad on the left when I hand wrote the story to make it look like a book. At 14 I wrote an historical story on the bus and at 26, after I graduated from UT Austin with a degree in Archaeology, cum laude, I sold my first book myself to Berkeley Putnam. The film aspirations came in considerably later.
Do you remember your first time at the Movies?
Bambi. I cried for a week. But it certainly helped me begin to understand the power of film and storytelling.
If you should change country where would you like to work?
Italy or Ireland most likely.
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....
William R.A. Rush - Interview
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.
Samuel Lee Taylor - Interview
Samuel Lee Taylor served as Associate Minister at Lubbock Street Church of Christ in Texas from 1980 to 1984. During this time, he wrote and published 2 gospel booklets ("Somebody Help Us Find the Way" and "What Choice Would You Make in a Slippery Situation?"), as well as recorded a gospel album ("What Train Will You Ride"). The unrelenting trials and tribulations of his personal life catapulted him into his more than 30-year journey of writing and developing " At the Mercy of Faith." A highly visual and groundbreaking screenplay, described as a fusion of "The Pursuit of Happyness" meets "It's A Wonderful Life" on "Jacob's Ladder," "At the Mercy of Faith" promises to captivate audiences with its profound exploration of faith and the human experience.
The biggest challenge of being an actor\director\ screenplayer is…
The biggest challenge for me and maybe all writers is the initial creation of a story that is worthy to be developed and shared. A story that has a compelling purpose and energy to foster inspiration, motivation, and cultivation of hope, unity, and harmony on a global scale.
Choose an Actor, Choose an Actress...and now choose a story you would like to direct or play with both of them:
I would love to see Denzel Washington as the antagonist, paired with Viola Davis as an investigator, locked in a intense murder mystery crime spree with a lot of twists and turns.
Who’s the first Artist that let you understand you wanted to be an screenwriter?
I hold a deep admiration for Spike Lee. His extensive body of work is not mere entertainment, but they often are catalysts for meaningful social discourse and cultural introspection. Spike Lee inspired me as a filmmaker and made me believe that cinema has the power to provoke thoughts, evoke emotions, and spark positiv
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.
Rudy Strukoff - Interview
Rudy Strukoff has had an impressive career journey, transitioning from a touring musician to a dedicated educator in film and digital arts. His work in schools since 2016, teaching film and digital arts, showcases his passion for creative expression and storytelling. His project "DARTH VADER GOES BACK TO SCHOOL" where he led 32 middle school boys on a year-long project to produce a feature-length film, is an innovative and engaging film that combines elements of the Star Wars universe with a relatable, real-world narrative-focused on promoting kindness and acceptance. It's wonderful to see how Rudy merges his artistic background with his teaching expertise to inspire and empower young minds. Rudy's commitment to education and creativity is evident through his transition into making music videos after retiring from teaching, demonstrating his enduring love for artistic expression and his dedication to sharing his talents with others.
When did you realize you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
I was teaching film production and editing as part of my computer technology classes at public schools in Orange County, CA, when I realized that teaching film was the only part of my job that I enjoyed. I didn’t mind working late helping kids with editing or guiding them to make better films. When I retired from teaching I decided to make music videos from my old music catalog (in my former life I was a touring musician) because nobody is buying CDs anymore and streaming services have pretty much killed the digital downloads from services like iTunes and Amazon. I decided to get my music back out there I needed to make some catchy music videos and get my songs on YouTube.
Do you remember your first time at the Movies?
I do remember my first time at the movies, or at least the first one I remember. My dad took me to see The Sound Of Music when it was released in 1965, I was 4 years old. It was a magical experience and thank you for this question, as I realize now it was really a series of music videos stuck together with a storyline about Nazis.
If you should change country where would you like to work?
If I was to move to another country I would like to live in Portugal or Spain, but I love the desert southwest and plan to live out my days in Palm Springs, California. A very happy place.
Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…
Anything by Hitchcock, then a tie between Scorsese or Coppola. Hitchcock fascinated me from an early age, his POV film techniques and his themes where good people do unsavory things. In Rear Window, James Stewart’s character is a voyeur and his girlfriend is caught breaking into the suspect’s apartment. Also, I love the way Scorsese and Coppola cut their scenes/montages to a particular song that could enhance the work on camera. For example Goodfellas and Apocalypse Now…both films have killer soundtracks, again, kind of a sequence of music videos with a story attached.
What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?
Being self-taught (because I was given the film class at the last minute before my first semester as a new teacher) this is probably not a good question. I was shooting photos for the Palm Springs International Film Festival when a film intern started talking to me about how she was going for her master's degree in filmmaking (and going deeper into debt in the process). I told her she needed to skip the advanced degree and start building her portfolio of little films, in other words, studios and producers want to see what you can do, not what you “know.”
Have you ever hated your ambition?
Not at all. I’m in a perfect place right now, I can do my own projects at a pace that is comfortable and I can pick and choose which projects I want to be associated with, based on their value to me as someone who wants to learn and improve without getting beat up in the process.
Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?
Well lucky for him this is not true. I think the quote was taken out of context or he was actually directing the comment at film critics. His argument was that people who love life, live it. Film fans, meanwhile, are “neurotic” escapists. I think this is wrong because I DO like to escape to the theater and watch a movie on the Big Screen. But I’m in the theater to learn as well.
Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?
A big marquee, spotlights in the sky, a red carpet, and a media wall where my film is being premiered. I have won some film festivals, but so far have not been able to attend the events. Soon though, I hope. I was just asked to attend a festival in Mumbai but that’s out of reach for me at this point.
Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?
In addition to the directors I’ve already mentioned, I’d have to say Herb Rits or Mary Lambert, both took turns directing Chis Isaak's music videos. By the mid 80’s MTV had really nothing on but big hair bands screaming at the camera. The Chris Isaak videos had nuances and story lines I could relate to and were better programming for MTV.
About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…
My biggest dream would be to attend a premier of one of my films. The worst nightmare…not going to happen because my work has won multiple film festivals around the world. Winning puts pressure on me to do something new and exciting with each release, and I rise to that challenge. Not a scary thing at all.
How important is it to have a good Cinematographic Culture?
You need good chemistry on set to make great art. The director (me) sets the tone and I never let actors get under my skin (even when they are late to a sunrise shoot) because I know I can figure it out in post.
What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?
I would like to learn more about how my nice Sony cameras can work with lighting, exposure and LUT…still learning.
A big producer gives you the chance to direct the remake of one of your favorite black and white movies (if you have one)… what film do you choose?
I would like to remake Hitchcock’s Strangers on A Train. I love trains and you can see a lot of train footage in 3 out of my 4 produced music videos
The 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 keep myself motivated because making films makes me happy.
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 did not read these questions through before I started so you must know by now I love Hitchcock’s work. Yes of course I agree with him. When young people ask me about how to get into filmmaking I tell them the fastest way is to write a killer script. Second, make any kind of film that showcases your cinematography and editing skills.
What’s your most ambitious project for the future?
I’d like to do a music video for a song I wrote called Dirty Lipstick. The song is about a guy who is in love with a ‘lady of the night’ and he wants her to quit and be with him only. (Kind of a blues version of the theme in Roxanne by The Police)
Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy lets you be more creative?
I tend to write better songs when I’m feeling down because it gets to some root emotions that stir up the creative process. Two of my music videos come from a dark place; ‘love lost’ and ‘going to prison.’ I think that Love In Vain and Phone Call From Leavenworth are my two most powerful and cinematic videos.
What do you wish for yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?
To be able to keep creating because it keeps me young and happy. I really don’t care about financial success with my films, just that people enjoy watching my work.
Steven G. Smith - Interview
Steven G. Smith is an award-winning independent freelance cinematographer and director based in the US, with over twenty years of professional experience specializing in documentaries and storytelling. He strives to be a sensitive and creative storyteller with a strong emphasis on the visual aspect of filmmaking. He is highly skilled as a producer, director of photography, and cinematographer. His work has been featured in numerous international film festivals and high-end broadcast productions. Steven holds a formal film education from Emerson Film School, where he earned his MFA degree.
What is the necessary ingredient to be a good director?
For me, curiousness and childlike wonderment are the critical ingredients in approaching this form of storytelling and being a director. As a cinematographer, I always strive to develop my appreciation for aesthetics and light.
Who is your first and last cinematographic crush?
I enjoy the authentic storytelling and skill level required to be a prominent documentary and cinema vérité filmmaker. The skills needed are visual, aesthetic, and interpersonal skills with the subject.
How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a director?
I was intrigued with storytelling from a young age. As a child, I leaned toward visuals and interesting aesthetics. Of all the arts, I found the visual arts to be the most compelling. My work is split between working as both a DP and a director.
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.