INTERVIEW with Victoria G.

First of all we would like to know a little more about you. So that the audience has as
much information as possible. Who is Victoria G.?
I am a twenty-three year old artist, interviewer and college student based in San Bernardino County, California. 

How many years have you been making movies and how did you end up making
movies?
I have made some little films for Academic Decathlon when I was in my early years of high school with my cousin, who was also my classmate, but other than that I have not made a film until late 2021 with my short, Noise.

Let's talk about your project. How long did it take from the initial idea to have it
ready to be released?
For my final project to earn my Associates Degree, I had to make a short film that could be no longer than seven minutes. The initial idea came to me rather quickly, and the screenplay took me less than an hour to write. The shooting took me a few hours and the editing took me about two days.

Can you tell us a bit about the process you've had with Noise? Is it self-financed or
were you able to get financing?
The process was really fun! I have always enjoyed watching movies and always wanted to make one completely on my own because I felt it would be a really interesting challenge. Noise was made with a zero dollar budget with no financial assistance. 

No spoilers, but what will the public find in Noise?
The public will find that even the most common obsession could potentially lead to a tragic end.

Have you been inspired by any other film of the same genre?
I love Horror movies and I've always been intrigued by films that utilize music in such a way that it almost becomes its own character. One film of the same genre that comes to mind is The Lighthouse (2019), which is my favorite live action film of all time. I love the elements of insanity, music and the fact that it's black and white. 

There are many creators who seek inspiration from other artists, literature, music,
painting, etc. To create this work have you used references from other arts? If so,
what are they?
Even though I am a visual artist in multiple mediums, I didn't really use any of those for reference. I really just used other movies as my reference.

We would also like to know more about your film preferences. We would love to
know which directors you like and which are your favorite movies.
There are way too many to name (laughs), but I will say three for each. For directors, some of my favorites all happen to share the same first name, which are: David Cronenberg, David Lynch and David Fincher. For movies, some of my favorites are: The Lighthouse (2019), Xanadu (1980) and Streets of Fire (1984).

There are great classics of cinema considered masterpieces, but for us cinema is
subjective and we also love films that critics may consider bad. Do you have movies
that are not considered masterpieces but that you could watch over and over again
without stopping? Which are?
It happens all too often where I watch a film that I walk away loving and then find out through a Google search that many viewers and critics dislike it. Since cinema is subjective, it is true that we all will have different opinions. In regards to your question, a few films that come to mind are: The Last Airbender (2010), Jumanji (1995) and Space Jam (1996). Something all of these films have in common are that they are all fun and creative films that received low ratings on websites such as Rotten Tomatoes. All of these films to me are absolute favorites since childhood that I still think about, get inspired by and watch today.  

Your favorite black and white movie?
The Lighthouse (2019)

Have you seen anything by Quentin Tarantino? How would you define it in one
word?
Yes, I've seen most of his films. I think he is a great director! If I had to describe his work in one word it would be, visionary.

Your favorite 2010-2020 movie or series?
There's a lot, but for movie I will say a different one than The Lighthouse, since I've mentioned that one a lot already. I will say, Cosmopolis (2012). For series, one that really stands out as one of my favorites is This Is Us, which started in 2016 and just ended this year. 

Your favorite actor or actress?
Robert Pattinson and Julianne Moore

Changing the subject, one of the concerns of many creators is the lack of financing or
opportunities that producers provide. What do you think about this?
This is something that I personally have never experienced, but am aware of. I think it's important for a creator to do their research before working with a producer. In doing this, they will know exactly the type of financial support and opportunities their chosen producer will provide.  

A very personal question, but… What are your strong points and weak points?
I feel my strong points are that I am creative and hard-working. I feel my weak points are that I suffer from self-doubt and fear of accidentally copying an idea that has already been done. 

Do you have experience on the festival circuit? As a filmmaker, how do you see film
festivals? Where do you think they should improve?
Yes, I do. With Noise, I have already received over forty-five selections and awards. I see film festivals as a great way to give emerging talent the chance to showcase their work. I think adding more virtual film festival attendance options would be a great way for film festivals to improve.

Do you have any other project in mind? Can you advance us something?
I have a lot of ideas in my head, but I'm stuck on the practicality of making them come to life. Practicality in terms of something I can make with not much money and primarily on my own. I can't really give too many details because I don't have one set in stone yet.

Would you like to add something else?
Yes, I really love cinema and it has always been one of my passions!