Val Neminov Co-Producer

What is the current project you are working on?

Deader Days (http://bit.ly/DedrDys)

How do you handle rejection?

As just another step in this business, you will get a million No's but if you don't give up you will get that one Yes that can change your life. You can't be in this business if your afraid of rejection.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

No

 What inspired you to become filmmaker?

My best friend and business partner in 10 in 2 Productions, Brandon Riess

 What is the best thing about being one?

Waking up everyday and doing what really makes you happy! Not many people can say that about theirs jobs.

 What is the worst thing about being one?

Long hours and sacrificing a lot of your social life.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

I honestly cannot recall at this point, if i had to guess over 40 different project, everything from short films, to features, to music videos and commercials.

 Who is your favorite filmmaker?

I love the works of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, as well as countless other talented directors and producers.

 How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

It became a lot more stressful but at the same time it has became a lot more fast paced, crazy, and definitely more rewarding.

 What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

Never give up and never settle for no or listen to someone who tells you that you can't do something. You only fail when you stop trying.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

I enjoy hanging with my friends and pretty much doing anything outgoing and exciting. 

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?

I used to work at a grocery store and worked at a Starbucks.

How would you describe your film education?

Well I was thrown into it and learned and picked up as I went! When I fell in love with film and knew this what I wanted to do for the rest of my life I applied for CSUN film school which I'm currently attending.

What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

Black Hawk Down is one of my favorite films, Dazed and Confused, any Rodriguez or Tarantino film, and of course the classics like Goodfellas and Casino. There are honestly to many to name. Entourage, Scrubs, Boardwalk Empire, and Family Guy  are some of my favorite T.V. shows.

 How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

I'm lucky to be surrounded by many talented individuals that  I go to school and that I work on projects with, and of course Hollywood is just a 20 minute drive!

 How has social media changed the independent film industry?

It pretty much revolutionized indie filmmaking and opened the doors for networking on a whole new level.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

It is an amazing tool to support indie filmmaking on a whole new scale.

 How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

The biggest way it differs is financially; in the same way you have to rely on friends and outside people to come through for you and dedicate their time and money and equipment for your project with no compensation. And this really shows the people who are in it for the right reasons and who will have your back if you have a million dollar budget or if you have enough to only order a pizza.

 You could go back in time and see and film being made. Which film would it be and why?

Without question it would be The Godfather. That film truly revolutionized filmmaking and most films today have in one way or another adopted something from that film.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

It would be ignorant to think we are alone in this vast universe.

Do you watch "The Walking Dead"?

No i haven't.

 What's your favorite movie quote and why?

I'll have to think about this one, too many to pick from.

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

It's really a hit or miss.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

If done right they are remarkable works of art and really bring the book to life for the audience.

Is there anything else you would like to add? No