What is the current project you are working on?
I'm currently at work on a short called "Le Marie Originale" about a woman who makes the best apples pies in town and explores beauty in the eye of the beholder. And a feature adaptation of a famous book.
Did you always want to be a filmmaker?
Absolutely. My father made a lot of films with 8mm when he was younger, and I was fascinated with his loopy imagination and the fact that he made them with this small box and a piece of glass. That was my first realization of the concept that films could be made by an individual. Then there was the Saturday Morning Matinee on television that broadcast Tarzan films, Abbott & Costello, Marx Brothers, and Hammer Horror. Huge inspiration. I watched that stuff religiously and played with my action figures along with it. Then I was taught how to use the 8mm camera and it took off from there.
What inspired you to become filmmaker?
Along with what I described above. The further inspiration was George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Their early work of course.
What is the best thing about being one?
You get to step into your imagination, craft it, play with it, then share it with anyone.
What is the worst thing about being one?
I don't think there truly is one. At times you struggle with ideas. There is always the issue of money, etc. But I kind of like the struggle. Keeps you grounded and hungry as an artist.
What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?
Lots.
Who is your favorite filmmaker?
Every few years there is a new one. Current times I have deep respect and admiration for Christopher Nolan, Jean Pierre Jeunet, Terry Gilliam and David Fincher. For growing up and continued favorite... David Lean, Spielberg and Coppola.
How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?
I'm constantly interested in the world around me and ahead of me.
What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?
First I say have other interests and live lots of life outside of making movies. Then bring that in with you. Be ever pursuing. The business is becoming a harder industry to survive in. So many people I know are out of work and these are individuals with big credits. It's a rapidly changing industry. But you can always make movies. 'Making it' should mean finding a way to create a film that is pleasing to you and that an audience shares. The internet is giving you the audience. Go out and make a film even if your day-job is as an accountant. And always strive to be better at the craft.
What do you like to do besides filmmaking?
I love art. I'm an illustrator and painter. I also pursue fine-art photography. And I drink a lot of wine.
Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?
Only anything that kept the roof over my head and left spending cash to make films.
What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?
The Third Man, Lawrence of Arabia, Godfather, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Star Wars, and Amelie. Those are some, thought the list is much longer. For television I think 'Friday Night Lights' is hands down one of the best shows to have ever been broadcast. There is such beauty in its subtlety, simplicity and truthfulness of life.
How would you describe your film education?
I did study in college, but it's truly making lots of mistakes. And then some more. And then they help me get better every time. And study the masters. Steal from them and give it my own voice.
How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?
Crowded. I have always found it odd how many are in this pursuit to become famous and wealthy. It makes them become as hollow and superficial as their films. Those are truly amatuers. It takes so much out of your life to invest in a film and strive for excellence that if you only want to do it for money -- there are other ways to make lots of money. And are probably far easier. If you factor in the amount of time it takes to make a film and then the money that you might make -- typically it shows you're working for minimum wage. That's a bit sarcastitc I know, but hopefully you see what I'm getting at. There are some great professions out there that I think could use some of those who enter the film business. There are guys I've met who could be aeronautical engineers, yet they decide to haul around a hundred pounds of cable or sand bags. But every now and again you meet those individuals who have talent and a love of the craft that meets your own and it's a joy to be around and collaborate. Then it's just so much fun!
How has social media changed the independent film industry?
What is so awesome about the new outlets is you can share your work with a worldwide audience. And your collaborations can extend to a worldwide network. You and a guy or girl in India could co-direct a piece and share it on Vimeo. One day there will be these massive plastic panels everywhere, like in a subway station or on a pole on a street streaming films as artwork that a group from all over the world created or just one guy.
What is the casting process like?
I dig it. You get to find a human being who matches the voice and look of a character that has lived inside your head. Now he or she stands before you. Hopefully.
How does independent film differ from the mainstream?
Well, what is labeled as indepedent truly isn't. They have studios behind them and marketing muscle. Sometimes effectively so, sometimes not. True independents are like some of those pieces you find on a web-site like Vimeo or possibly a film-festival.
You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be?
Raiders of The Lost Ark. What a blast that would be. And you're among some of the finest craftsman ever!
You could be any animal. Which would you be?
A horse.
You could have any super power. What would it be?
Flight.
What is your opinion on movie remakes?
Hollywood has been doing it since it began. But in the old days it was because a film didn't work out originally, so it was an opportunity to get it right. Well, these days they're re-making films that already got it right. The corporations and filmmakers who do them think "Hey this time you don't have to see the wires! We can do it with better special effects." Idiots! They miss the whole point of story is king. It doesn't matter if it was told in the 70's with oil painted matte paintings. No one has stopped watching "The Wizard of Oz" because it came out in 1939 and didn't have CG. Remaking foreign films is just as bad. Give credit to people out there. They'll read subtitles if it's A GOOD STORY. Well... the remakes all fail anyway. Corporate Hollywood will never understand. Too afraid of taking a risk and finding something with a fresh voice. And they question why attendance continues to decline.
What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?
There are some that work and some that don't. Again, this has gone on since the early days of filmmaking. It's nothing new. Perhaps what is new is some novels today are written more like screenplays. They don't want to exist as a piece of literature that stirs the mind. Just as a spring-board to get a movie made. It's a shame when that happens because no matter how hard we try as filmmakers, the imagination is always the greatest film.
Thanks for a wonderful interview Ricky. I hope I'll get to see "Le Marie Originale" sometime. I'll be to check out "The Monkey's Paw". Check out the trailer below.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/18033795]
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