Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?

War of Films is featuring my independent film called APRES SURF. It was one of my first films as an independent filmmaker and required a cinematographer/Editor who became my mentor and interviewed many surfers at New Smyrna Beach Florida. We spent many hours at the beach working in the sun.

​

What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?

I started as an extra in 2 films: Le Dernier Baiser (THe Last Kiss) and Rue Haute (High Street). During medical school and as a surgeon (yes I am a doctor), I have done many films and videos. I started my own media production company 1 1⁄2 years ago CORONADO BEACH PRODUCTIONS

 

What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?

I had to learn some of the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking and thus I was able to help others pursue their dream of making independent films.

​

Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the making of your film?

Most memorable moment was achieving credibility with a group of surfers that we were doing a real documentary and they allowed us to interview them in front of the camera. Interesting anecdote: we had filmed multiple male surfers but needed a female to feature in the film. By lucky coincidence we approached a female surfer who turned out to be a champion beach volleyball player and surfer from UCLA.

​

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?

I try to show the human interest side of a story and attempt to transmit messages that I think would be of interest to many people. There has to be a main theme that gets interpreted by others through acting or stories of life experiences.

​

What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why?

Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work? Prefer stories that capture the attention of the audience. Influences are Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick

​

How do you select your cast and crew for your film projects? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?

I want people who are motivated and have passion for their work when they are being interviewed.

​

How important do you think film festivals are for independent filmmakers, and what has been your experience with film festivals so far?

I have entered many festivals and have won many awards. Festivals are VERY important to independent filmmaking.

​

Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received and how they have impacted your career?

My first film received the “DEBUT FILMMAKER AWARD” at the Dubal International Cine Carnival. Many awards have since ensued: this has been a major motivation for me to continue my work.

​

How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?

I take it with great pride that people take the time to evaluate my work and help me to improve it.

​

What do you enjoy most about the process of filmmaking? Is there anything you find particularly challenging?

I enjoy the creativity of all of the cast and crew and how they carry the message of the film. Schedule coordination is challenging

How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience? Mostly have used festivals, social media and YouTube.

​

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?

Do the research of what it takes and plan ahead. Be creative and share your dreams

​

Finally, can you share with us your future plans and upcoming projects as a filmmaker?

My latest film projects are THE TWELVE MILE (as Executive Producer is being edited) PARALLEL LIVES (Co-producer - recently released at OIF Festival) and STARSTRUCK and I am one of the Producers. I met the writer/Director through a fundraising website called Indiegogo. I provided some of the funding and we have completed filming in Hollywood, California and the film is getting edited. We also recently released a book “A SURGICAL APPROACH TO MEAT CUTTING” available on Amazon.