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

 A BOOK BY THEIR COVER is based on events that happened at a local school in a small town.  A book was banned because of its content - if the content were solely for a hetero-normative audience the book would not have been banned but due to homophobia it was. My film reflects how young Queer people struggle to find information, resources, and acceptance to learn about their orientation - and frequently their search for knowledge is covert and shamed. This must stop.  

 

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

Films are an incredible full screen mirror and echo that audiences are able to improve and grow upon. The medium of film is philosophical, and provides a theory of emotions, in what it can provide to people and humanity. 

 

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

We had a very fortunate experience, but to answer the question the challenges of funding, time, and preparation were the challenges. 

 

What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film?  

The lead actor, a twelve year old, showed up to set completely memorized and able to parrot my script near exactly how I heard it in my ear while composing the screenplay. Her identification and awareness of character helped me know that I had written a strong script to tell the needed story we were embarking upon. 

 

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

I needed a small grocery market for a location, I asked the owner and he said yes, and told me he is a SAG actor, I told him he would be great for the Policeman role, he told me he has a full Police uniform. We were talking and I said I needed some more young teenagers for the film and he told me about his two 12 and 15 year old daughters.  So much was provided by this one person - just by asking.  

 

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

I approach bringing to sound and vision stories that are often not heard or seen, and must be represented and told for empathy and progress of all peoples. 

 

What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work?

My preferred genre is narrative.  I call the work I do Anton-Chechov-ian meets Operatic - I like the small story that transcends to the epic and archetypal. Yasujiro Ozu, Elio Petri, Ida Lupino, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jean Cocteau, Francois Truffaut, Luca Guadagnino, and Sally Potter - and what they frame, and what they say have been influences on my work. 

 

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

I look for prepared people who are able to explore, I look for people who have their own vision that collaborates with the bigger mission of the concept. I look for people who have their own voice and are not constantly conforming to what is expected. Actors need to be available, story-tellers, who are radiant without excess. 

 

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

I am slightly surprised how many film festivals exist, but film festivals are vital for continuing art, that is not always the entertainment/commercial success film. Film Festivals display and provide a much needed platform for artists to be truly seen and GOT (i.e. “you get me…”) Many times works are not seen in truth, or often more commercial aspects are put onto art and then the work is not “got” by the public to experience and glean from. Work maybe strong and stronger but film should be seen and audiences should be able to say - I see what that director and team were trying to portray. Being seen, in the bigger sense of the word, is a huge aspect that Film Festivals provide. 

 

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

I am new to filmmaking but the recognition and awards received by A BOOK BY THEIR COVER have been encouragement for me to continue. 

 

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

I listen, I consider, I taste and experience, I hope that I empathize with the critic but I hope the critic empathizes with my purpose beyond liking or not liking the work.  By listening and considering -  I improve my craft,  however, believing, trusting, and following my own voice and vision also improves my craft. 

 

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

I truly love the creation of a world that is than experienced by others. It is, to me, more than making a meal, or creating theatre, or writing a song, or a painting, because it is so encompassing of many media and sensory inputs.  

 

Challenges are not creating the work, it is producing and managing the work that is difficult.  Filmmaking can be compared to having a child - it is a beautiful life long practice but raising the child has its challenges and joys.  

 

How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience? What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry? 

I appreciate these questions, but feel I should wait a bit to get more experience before I answer and give advice, but great questions.

 

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

I plan to deepen my exploration of how to visually and vocally tell stories that interest me and didactically help others. I have three ideas that I am currently turning into screenplays and eventually films - one deals with a very personal story that I am finally ready to share; one addresses if the world was topsy-turvy about the very aspects that perpetuate humanity; and another is slightly science fiction in its aspects right and wrong, night and day, black and white, etc.  

 

Thank you for this great opportunity to share my thoughts in this insightful interview.  I learned a lot.