Andrew Sempere: Artist/Design Researcher/Trustee Of The Boston Awesome Foundation

Andrew lives and works in Boston MA, as a full time Design Researcher for IBM's Collaborative User Experience Group / Center for Social Software, an instructor and artist. He holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Masters of Science from the MIT Media Lab. Andrew is also a trustee of the Boston Awesome Foundation.

Andrew's works have been seen at venues around the US and Canada, including the Bumbershoot Music Festival, Siggraph, Boston Cyberarts, and the 7th Manifestation Internationale Vidéo et Art Électronique.

What is the current project you are working on?

Right now I am working on some "serious games" for my employer, IBM Research. I was part of a team that included myself, a researcher at our lab and two amazing interns from the Carnagie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center. The games are an attempt to introduce game concepts to some basic work processes (training on new software, thinking differently about time management). This is a "hot thing" right now, but a lot of companies are applying "gamification" in a pretty shallow way to processes that are really just work and should stay that way.  Fish oil is fish oil no matter how much sugar you put in it. But games and game design has a number of concepts that work well if you look for how they can complement what you're doing already.

 How do you measure success?

There are lots of different kinds of success. I'm pretty hard on myself to be honest, and I don't' think most of what I've done is successful, but that's not very satisfying. If I can change one person's perception even just a little bit, then I'm happy. This is especially true for my art projects. A lot of people react to new and unfamiliar situations with bluster. Some kind of atavistic reaction, they get cranky, puff up and tend to dismiss things out of hand. One of my favorite stories was when we were performing The Jackal Project on Newbury Street in Boston. A man came by and pretty much demanded, loudly, "what we thought we were doing here."  I spoke to him for a bit and invited him inside to a workshop where we were hacking old toys into strange sculptures. He ended up spending three or four hours and left with his own sculpture and a big smile. That was a success.

(more on the jackal project: http://andrewsempere.org/tangentlab/Jackal/index.cfm)

 How do you handle rejection?

Emotionally, I react to rejection that way everyone does (even if they don't admit it). I hate it! Why can't the world see what a genius I am? After that passes the truth is that if you aren't being rejected, you aren't trying hard enough. There is a myth around creative work in particular that it just appears, fully formed and wonderful, but it's really a long, difficult process, and rejection is part of this. If an idea is rejected it's not bad, it's just not ready yet, so I put it on the shelf and keep it for later.

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

Very hard to count. Lots :D

What exactly is The Awesome Foundation?

Here's an article in the Globe: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/930604/Oct10_Globe_AwesomeFoundation.pdf

The Awesome Foundation is not an actual foundation, but it's very much a real group. The idea is pretty simple: there are awesome things happening in our community that need a little bit of a kick. Not a lot, just a little... in our case it's $1,000  and as much good word of mouth as we can provide. The money comes out of our pockets and goes directly to the recipients, there is no paperwork, no contracts or official agreements, it's basically just a gift. There is a group of about 10 trustees (in our case we have 12, it's a long story), each of whom provides $100 into the pot. We grant one award per month. The devil is in the details, of course, the trustee meetings are long and involve a lot of back and forth, but it's one of the only organizations I've been a part of where the meetings are not formalities -we really *are* debating what is awesome. For me, this is the best part of being involved - getting a chance to see all of the wacky wonderful ideas that people come up with and meet regularly with a small crew of folks who want good things to happen around them.

 What is your role in The Awesome Foundation?

I am one of the trustees of the Boston chapter, so I put in $100 a month, attend the meetings and do my best to promote the projects we select.

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

I'm speaking mostly about art and technology - I'm sure it's different for painting or ceramics, or other practices, but I find

Boston a strange and often frustrating town with respect to the art scene. We are sandwiched between New York (which has a ton of diversity) and Providence (which is cheaper and has more space than Boston, so it supports a lot more alternative art spaces) Which is not to say that Boston doesn't have an art scene, it does, but it's a lot smaller than you might think. In addition, it tends to be dominated by the schools in the area - so there tends to be a micro-scene around the music schools, another around the technical schools, another around the art schools. It's a little strange to me how balkanized it is, but I think in part it's because space is so damned expensive in this city. In cities like Chicago, or Detroit or even Providence, it's relatively easy to find a large industrial space and turn it into a gallery. There's a little more breathing room. As far as I know, for the last ten years or so, there has been exactly one gallery in the whole Boston area that does anything regularly around art and technology. It's a good gallery, and I'm happy it exists, but we need at least ten more. For now I mostly show outside of Boston, even though it's my home and I love it.

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

So many to chose from! I'm going to cheat a little - it's not a piece exactly - but I would love to spend a day hanging out in NYC in the late 60s. I'd love to visit Warhol's factory. I'd love to hang out at the Chelsea hotel, have dinner with Patti Smith, see Velvet Underground perform. This is almost cliched now, but the thing is that "scenes" are only scenes in retrospect - I think it would be amazing to see that from the inside, on the ground, as it unfolded, before it became a "thing." In art school, as a designer trying to make art and an artist trying to be a designer, a good friend gave me a copy of "The philosophy of Andy Warhol: from A to B and back again." She still calls me "A" and I call her "B..."  but that book helped me see that you could play on the boundaries. Not copying Warhol, it's been done and it's tired, but trickster in that way. That would be fun.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

It seems unlikely that earth is completely alone in the entire universe. If the life on other planets isn't as intelligent as us, we'll probably enslave it. If it's smarter, it's probably a good idea for it to hide. That's how I imagine it - aliens hiding on the backsides of planets, watching YouTube and rolling their eyes at us.

 What's your favorite movie quote and why?

I love movies, I really do. I almost never watch TV, but there was a time I was watching at least two feature films a day. Not that much anymore, but I still make heavy use of my Netflix account. Even so, I'm not sure I have a favorite movie quote, that would be really hard.

 Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for the interview :D

Ryan and Theresa Pickett

 

Theresa Meeker is an Italian-American actress who appeared in several films and print work as well as commercials. She hails from Williamson County, Tennessee although she was raised on the archipelago of Sumatra, Indonesia by mother Judith Meeker and father Dr. William Meeker MD. She studied film and television acting at Michael Howard Studios as well as Larry Singer Studios in New York City. She received a BA in History from Flagler College of St. Augustine, Florida and she is pursuing a Master of Education in elementary education at Vanderbilt University Peabody College of Education with several scholarships in 2011. She is married to director Ryan Pickett and she was recently voted one of the best “Real Housewives of Nashville” by Village Voice media owned Nashville Scene. 



Ryan Pickett is a Nashville, Tennessee based nationally-recognized entrepreneur and filmmaker. Ryan directed, produced and co-wrote avant-garde multi-award winning film “Look” using the RED ONE 4K. Ryan had a small role in “Look” as a photographer who photographs a model played by a woman who later became his wife, Theresa Meeker.

“Look,” which has won awards in the Accolade Competition and Best Shorts Competition, was Ryan's second short film. The very first film that Ryan made “You Only Loved Me Twice” as well as his business proposal helped him beat out thousands of others across the world and earned him a top 5 finalist spot in the film entrepreneurship competition the Race to BE hosted by Russell Simmons at Sony Picture Studios in Los Angeles.

Ryan hails from Baltimore, Maryland although he was raised in Germany by father George Pickett, who was a member of the USA Olympic Weightlifting Team in the 1968 Olympics, Mexico City, as well as by mother Cheryl Pickett. Ryan studied acting at Stella Adler Studio of Acting in Los Angeles. He has worked for major entertainment corporations, including Playboy, Henninger Productions, Washington Redskins, Ascent Media, Film House and Gibson. He has freelanced on numerous film projects and he appeared in “Arrested Development” and “Strong Medicine” television shows.

Ryan concentrated on film directing at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film. He received a BA in English Language and Literature at University of Maryland, College Park and he is currently living in the Hillsboro Village district of Nashville, TN. He was recently voted one of the best visual artists of Nashville as well as Nashville’s best filmmaker by Village Voice Media owned Nashville Scene.

What is the current project you are working on?

Currently working on a feature length script (Ryan).

I’ve been looking at some commercial spec competitions, while Ryan and I will post anything new that we do on ryanpickettproductions .com (Theresa).

How do you define success?

Being happy with what you do (Ryan).

How do you handle rejection?

Move on (Ryan).

What inspired you to become involved in the film industry?

A love for movies (Ryan).

I loved reading when I was little. Some of my favorite books, such as Matilda, which I read dozens of times, were made into movies. I wanted to see the actors reacting the way I envisioned them from reading about them, and I decided to be an actress so I could interpret a script the way I imagined it happening (Theresa).

What is the best thing about creating/working on a film?

Seeing your ideas brought to life (Ryan).

What is the worst thing about it?

Budget (Ryan and Theresa).

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

I’ve written and directed two short films, including "Look" and "You  Only Loved Me Twice", which you can read more about on IMDb as well as at ryanpickettproductions.com, while I’ve worked on numerous other films (Ryan).

I’ve been in a few commercials and several short films as well as two features (Theresa).




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

Hold out for the right part. Some wannabe actors don’t realize that taking the wrong part really can encourage people not to take them seriously later on (Theresa).

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

Play guitar and weightlift (Ryan).

Travel and go running (Theresa).

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

Amadeus and Salt, while Ryan and I watch a lot of vampire shows, such as Vampire Diaries (Theresa).

How would you describe your film education?

I studied Film and TV acting with casting director Gabrielle Berberich at Michael Howard Studios as well as stage acting with Larry Singer at Larry Singer Studios and I took a film course at Flagler College in St. Augustine. Most of my film education came from being on set and networking with filmmakers, such as Ryan, who had extensive collections of movies to watch (Theresa).

I watched a lot of movies and went to school for film (Ryan).

What is the casting process like?

It’s nerve-racking for me since I’m an actress. Several acting mentors told me to think that an audition is just a meeting, although I get pretty nervous to have someone sizing me up and deciding whether I fit the part. The best part of having been in the industry for several years is often some of the people holding the audition are people I have met before, which helps me relax and focus (Theresa).

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

Nashville, Tennessee has some successful music video directors as well as some indie filmmakers who just don’t realize that their filmmaking careers might never happen if they stay here. There are a lot of creative people here but the industry for filmmaking isn’t very good. Ryan and I are here for my Master of Education program at Vandy, which has the number one program in the nation for education, while we know that if we want to take the film industry seriously we’ll have to go somewhere else (Theresa).

Pretty weak (Ryan).

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

Makes it easier to get your film seen (Ryan).

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

I’m not really into it (Ryan).

It seems kind of like being a sales person, which takes away from the creative freedom filmmakers should have when developing their film. I’d think it’s little cheesy to have to ask all your friends for money on Facebook and twitter (Theresa).

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

Smaller budget, lesser known actors (Ryan).

Doing a lot of your own PR (Theresa).

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

"Citizen Kane" because it had some of the best acting as well as directing and writing in movie history, while it was so revolutionary for its time (Ryan).

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

Some are good. Some aren’t (Ryan).

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

Sometimes book to movie adaptations work, although I’ve been let down by some in the past. I’ve got high hopes for Hugo directed by Martin Scorsese. "Hugo" is based on the book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" written by author Brian Selznick, which has a lot of illustrations and reminds me of a flipbook, while the way the illustrations zoom in to show different perspectives and reveal movement looks very inspired by the way an audience might view a movie (Theresa).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Visit ryanpickettproductions.com

Dr. Chris Radio of Horror

Dr Chris has been sharing his knowledge of Sci-Fi/Horror since October 15th, 2007 but is only now taking his show to the internet. Chris and his cohort(s) will be bringing you all the latest, greatest and most random of news. Check out his show at WCUW.org. Read his blog at http://radioofhorror.wordpress.com/

What is the current project you are working on?

Currently working on a kids Halloween book, and preparing for Rock and Shock a Horror convention that my show will be broadcasting at. In Nov I have Killer Film Fest.

How do you handle rejection? 

HUH?? What do you mean like with woman??

Did you always want to create your own radio show?

I got the idea after putting on a horror themed film fest to raise money for charity

 What inspired you to create your show?

DJ's Kevin Barbare and Mike Shu of Waaf, and Horror Hosts of the past.

 What is the best thing about having your own show?

The guests the massive amount of stuff people send you

 What is the worst thing about having one?

Trying to find guests sometimes can be very very hard

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

10, too many to name upcoming ones include a live broadcast at Rock and Shock, a children's book, and Killer Film Fest.

 Who is your favorite filmmaker?

Steven Speilberg, Wes Craven, Kevin Smith, John Carpenter, George Lucas.

 How has your life changed since you started your show?

It is a every week challenge, lots of good some bad, but lots of fun. The show has given me a new sense of purpose.

 What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to start their own show?

Don't quit unless they cancel you.

What do you like to do besides doing your radio show?

Spend time with my son, collect comic books, play video games, go to poetry readings, watch Horror Movies.

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become create your show?

too many lol

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

My fav TOP 5 American films are in this order

12 Angry Men

Star Wars Episode 4 A new Hope

Halloween

ET

Airplane

Foreign films

7 Samurai

Gojira (Godzilla)

Vampire Hunter D

My number one fav TV show of all time beating anything that comes before it or after it is

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000

 How would you describe your  education?

High school, a little collage I never completed

How do you choose what guests will be on your show?

Based on who I can track down at the time

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

Calming, or terrifying

 How has social media helped your show?

O god yes its a horror to think how they did it years ago before the internet

How has social media hindered your show?

None

 How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

Sometimes has more heart in it

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

Most likely the first Halloween, cuz it was made with such heart and soul, and its the original independent horror movie

 What's your favorite  quote and why? 

"Freedom is the right of all Sentient Beings".

Said by Optimus Prime, it's soo true it make me never want to bow to tyranny or oppression.

 What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

TOO MANY FUCKING HORROR REMAKES, some are ok and warranted

What is your opinion on book to movie adoptions?

Its ok Lord of the Rings, The Girl with the Dragon tattoo, comics they have there ups and downs

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Working on 91.3 fm wcuw in Worcester MA on my show has been a blast I love it and hope to have a career made of it.

Thanks for doing the interview Chris.  It will be nice to meet you at The Killer Film Festival.  I'll be sure to spread the word about your show.

Filmmaker Nick Corporon

Nick Corporon is a writer/director and lives in Los Angeles.  His LGBT-themed short film LAST CALL played in over 40 film festivals around the globe and was released on a compilation DVD in the U.K. He just completed another gay themed film EMPIRE, which is now hitting the festival circuit.  He’s currently securing funding for his new short film, BARBIE BOY. He works in TV casting.

What is the current project you are working on?

Two projects actually. I just finished post production on a short called “Empire,” a contemporary love story, which had a soft premiere at the Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival last month.

 

I'm currently raising funds for my new short film "Barbie Boy" on Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/470649909/barbie-boy-short-film-project)

It's about a little boy named Bobby who plays with Barbie dolls.  One day his father tells him that dolls are for girls and this really forces Bobby to put things in perspective.

To me it's a movie about the first time any of us really come of age.  It's about throwing away your favorite blanket...but it's on a grander level that I don't think Bobby is even aware of.  It's about killing that special little part of our selves to conform.

For most gay men I think there's a moment, in our youth, when we decide to start hiding.  We start to throw away the things that make us different.  We start covering up our differences out of fear.  To fit in.  And that's what "Barbie Boy" is about.

 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/470649909/barbie-boy-short-film-project

What is the casting process like?

Casting is one of my favorite parts of the process.  Firstly because it’s actually my day job. In between projects, I work as a casting producer for a production company in L.A.

Two, I love it because it’s the first time you get to hear people breathe life into your words.  I sit and toil on a script for months and months and when I start hearing people say my words – it’s a rewarding experience. It’s also very sobering. Things you write and think are great fall dead on the ground. And things you think could never work do. And that’s a tribute to actors. I love working with actors.

How do you measure success?

Hard to say, really.  I try not to think of things like that.  I try to see things as “Ok, this works, let’s keep on this path and keep on it.”  So I guess I measure success on just being able to keep moving, keep doing what I love.

 

How do you handle rejection?

Learning how to handle rejection is the greatest lesson anyone will ever learn in this industry. And in L.A.  Any actor, writer, director who is still around will tell you this.  It’s a tough pill to swallow.  More people will tell you “No” in this line of work than they will tell you “Yes.” It’s a matter of finding the people who say “Yes” and not taking “No” for an answer.  Find those people and hold on to them.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

I’ve wanted to be two things in my life.  Superman and a filmmaker.  Around seven or eight-years-old, I figured the Superman thing wouldn’t work out, so I wanted to be a filmmaker.  I made lots of movies with my dad’s video camera.  In high school the closest I could get to filmmaking was theatre, so I did lots of that and learned a lot of skills that have actually helped me become a better director.

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

My parents, both of whom are actors. I grew up in a very wonderful, open, playful environment that just fed into the creativity that goes into filmmaking.  My dad’s love of all things movies, too. He would take my brother and me to movies once a week in the summers.

What is the best thing about being one?

I’ve always been a kid who plays with toys. And this is playing with toys on a grand scale. Also, I think moving people emotionally is very satisfying.  I love going to screenings and hearing audiences laugh at the exact same line every time. Or gasping at a revelation. Or crying.

What is the worst thing about being one?

Well there are hundreds of thousands of me running around with cameras, making movies.  Which is wonderful, but awfully competitive.  Everyone has a camera, or a script, or a story.  And I think that’s jaded a lot of people in the industry.  “Oh you’re a filmmaker” – insert eye roll here, you know?  People don’t take you as seriously any more.

 

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

Two high profile shorts that have played in 40+ film festivals, a fun viral video (T & A: The Musical), and have written a few features.

Who is is your favorite filmmaker?

I love old school Tim Burton.  Wong Kar Wai blows my mind.  Christopher Nolan, though really is tremendous in how he applies low-budget indie sensibilities to huge blockbusters.

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

I don’t have answer for that, because I don’t think I’ve made it in this business yet. Check back with me in a few years.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

I eat, breathe, and sleep movies, so that’s hard to answer.  But I like traveling a lot.  Spending time with family, friends.  I’ll have kids some day.

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

Yes, in between undergrad and grad, I worked for an insurance company.  It was truly OFFICE SPACE.

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

American films:  ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS mind is my favorite love story of all time...because I dig how it's a sci-fi love story.  AMERICAN BEAUTY because of its critique on suburbia.  THE DARK KNIGHT because it's fucking THE DARK KNIGHT!  ALIENS, PULP FICTION and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.  I like EMPIRE the best because it's the first movie where I realized the bad guys could win.  So after that I've had a bit of a dark streak.

Foreign:  HAPPY TOGETHER and IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE are just wonderful poems on celluloid.  AMELIE, THE BICYCLE THIEVES, RUN LOLA RUN.

TV Shows: LOST because it's about redemption.  SIX FEET UNDER because it's about death...what a finale.  THE WEST WING for its writing, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and currently BREAKING BAD, which I think is the best show on TV right now.


How would you describe your film education?

 

I studied Media, Journalism and Film at Missouri State University and got my masters at Chapman University where I studied under John Badham (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER) and Gil Bettman (KNIGHT RIDER).  I would describe it as expensive, but fulfilling.

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

Exciting.  The good news is that we have HD and we can make movies so easily.  The bad news is that we have HD and everybody can make movies so easily.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

I'm not a huge expert on this, but it does beg the question  - does your film exist if there isn't a Facebook page? Or if nobody's tweeting about it?

The fun part of Kickstarter for me was getting some celebrity attention.  God bless Jane Lynch (“GLEE”) for accidentally (I think) adding me on Facebook. I sent her the link and she posted it!

And then the one and only Sir Ian McKellen did the same thing. That was truly an honor because I admire him so much.  His support of LGBT projects is truly wonderful and for him to choose "Barbie Boy" to support was really touching.  He called it "a project worth supporting," because I think the LGBT ideas spoke to him.


What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

I’m currently crowdfunding “Barbie Boy” and it’s been a really nice experience. I didn’t think it would work but it is, to my surprise.  So I’m all for it, I think it’s a great resource.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

Money and resources, of course.  But it’s interesting how the indie mentality is vastly influencing studio filmmaking now.  I love how indie directors like Chris Nolan and Jon Favreau are doing all the tent pole movies now.  But again, the bad part is – everyone is making movies and it’s much more competitive than it was in the past.

 

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

I’d have to say THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, which is my favorite movie.  How fun would it be to see them figure out how to shoot Yoda?  Or watch James Earl Jones deliver his voice over for Darth Vader?

What's your favorite movie quote and why?
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Jedi Master Yoda

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

 

Sequels – I actually love.  My favorite movie of all time is THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK because it raised the material to something bigger, better. Same with THE DARK KNIGHT, GODFATHER II, etc.

 

Remakes – BARF. I’m glad that they’re all starting to flop and audiences are realizing how much they suck.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

Love ‘em.  My favorite is THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.  My personal ambition in my hopefully long career is to adapt Stephen King’s THE DARK TOWER book series into a movie or TV series.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just please support BARBIE BOY on Kickstarter if you can!

Filmmaker Ben Proulx

What is the current project you are working on?

“Visionary”www.thevisionaryfilm.com

How do you measure success?

I think if you ever have a dream in your head, and you find yourself living that dream, you are successful in that moment.  The more you have had to work for that dream, the greater your success is.

How do you handle rejection?

If you are trying to do something even slightly out of the ordinary, rejection happens very often.  Being aware that rejection is a normal part of the experience of “doing” has been an important part of achieving my goals up to this point.  Cynics are everywhere, and sometimes you get caught up with the idea that they might have a point.  But with life being so short and full of opportunities, the only way to see the world is with an open mind.  Cynics are close-minded people; they have not seen the world.  Never let anyone who hasn’t seen the world prevent you from seeing the world.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

I’ve always wanted to do something creative, and I’ve always wanted to work with people.  I really started to focus on film in high school, when I realized that film was a way to do both.

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

I think it was Mr. Rogers who had this great quote about your imagination being something that you can exercise, like a muscle.  When I was a little kid, the first thing I ever said I wanted to do was act.  I would play with my action figures and create scenes in my head all of the time.  I had a close friend who owned a bunch of plastic battle gear, and we would go into the woods and play out all kinds of elaborate imaginary battles.  I think when a lot of people grow up, they are taught to stop using their imaginations and focus on the “real world”.  My parents taught me the opposite.  I was constantly encouraged to never lose my “childhood imagination”.  In following this rule, I found my self making friends and surrounding myself with similar-minded people- creative people.  Every close friend I’ve had growing up has been my partner in creativity, and that’s what was always fun: making music, taking photos, building websites, and of course, making movies.  I have been surrounded by amazing, talented people my entire life.  They have all inspired me in some way.  I recently handed Steven Spielberg a note, in which I thanked him for inspiring me.  But really, my close friends and family deserve to know that they have all inspired me, really, more than he has.

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

You can do anything.  Anything you want.  All you have to do is do it.  It’s very simple, actually.  Do it.  My friend and business partner has wanted to make friends with Richard Branson his whole life- it has always been a dream of his.  Recently, he started telling everyone about his dream.  He put it into the universe.  Since then (over the past month), he’s set up 3 meetings with people who personally know Richard Branson.  His dream is all of a sudden reachable.  There’s a reason for that: he’s doing.

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

I’ve worked a few retail jobs, and I’ve had the experience of working in a warehouse.  I think it has been important for me to work a couple jobs that I absolutely hated.  Working in non-creative atmospheres has given me some extra motivation to work hard at doing the things I love to do.

How would you describe your film education?

I did study film in college, and I think all my professors would agree with me when I say that film school is what you do with it.  The only way to really learn how to make a movie is to make a movie.  I never really listened to the lectures until they applied to something I was actually doing.  The best thing about film school is the unlimited access to all kinds of equipment.

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

Well, I live in LA.  I used to live in Boston.  In my experience, people in Boston spend more time and less money making films than they do in LA. The film scene in LA is literally in a world spotlight.  I think that in Boston the film scene’s dream is to be in a similar spotlight.  It is very unfortunate to me that money controls the industry.

Conservative filmmaking is boring to me, but it is also a formula that makes billions of dollars.  If you show and tell someone who has lived in LA all of their lives that you made a decent-looking feature-length film for a few thousand dollars, they will not believe you.  It’s similar to going back in time and telling someone from 50 years ago about the Internet.   I will also say first hand that LA is not the glamorous city that many people may imagine.  It’s just a city.  You won’t run into A-List actors strolling in the park.  You will, however, run into countless people who work in movies, and if you have something to say, you can work efficiently through the grapevine and get in front of anyone you want to.

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

If they are motivated by the story itself, and not by money, I find them (in my opinion) to be better movies, because there is more heart behind them.  The people making them for money are most likely thinking with a “pass or fail” mindset, which makes it a waste of time, in my opinion.  Regardless, sequels are a staple in film history and they are a part of our world in entertainment.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

I had the wonderful opportunity to have dinner with author, Lois Lowry (The Giver, Number the Stars).  Lois is widely known as an author, obviously, but she said very clearly to me that if she could go back and start all over again, she would have made films.  I also learned that she took the photos that appear on the cover of her books.  She is an extremely talented photographer.  Talking more, I learned that one of her dreams has always been to make The Giver into a movie.  She explained that there had been three scripts written for it, one of which she liked, but Hollywood has been holding back on executing the film for over TEN years.  Recently, she sent me an email explaining that the movie was finally going into production with Jeff Bridges as the lead.  She is thrilled about it.  It’s all over her personal website.  Knowing that she is going to accomplish her dream gives me a good feeling.   …I know that doesn’t really answer the question directly, but it’s definitely food for thought.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ve been recently working on a few 3D projects.  My opinion on 3D has shifted since being directly involved with it.  For the first time in my life I am feeling confident that everything will be in 3D before long.  More food for thought.  

Greg Sommer AKA Skull Man

Greg Sommer is the founder of Skull Man’s Box Wars and CEO of Variety Store TV Inc.  Running his own production company in Toronto Greg shoots and edits client work from web video, promotional video, interviews to wedding DVDs. He is a one stop shop. Greg started the Canada Chapter of Box Wars after the Boxwars council in Australia granted him permission in 2004.  Besides organising the battle events, Greg also edits, produces and co-writes the stories for each battle.

There is also a full feature documentary on Greg’s life, entitled Skull  World, currently in post-production Produced by Unstable Ground Inc., www.skullworldmovie.com

What is the current project you are working on?

I am working on client work right now. I just finished up a promotional apartment rental video and am now editing a wedding I just recently shot.

http://www.varietystoreproductions.com

I am also working on a mini documentary on people who eat sandwiches.

You can also find out about my upcoming Box War activities here.

http://www.boxwars.tv/upc_nextbattle.php

How do you define success?

Success to me is achievement. It can come in the form of recognition or from making a positive change. Success is first how you see yourself and how happy you are living with your endeavors. In the film world your success is judged by the popularity of your successful projects. I think it is important not to become too cynical but to stay on track. Stay positive and back up your projects religiously.

 

How do you handle rejection?

It is disappointing and sometimes makes me a bit sad at times, sometimes there are people in the world that just enjoy being mean for no real reason but to put your work down. I walk it off….. I walk it off! I pick myself up and carry on! You also have to look at where the rejection is coming from and decide how meaningful or significant their input really is. Negative peoples opinions do not have value but I always value and welcome constructive criticism for improvement.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

I have always appreciated the way stories are told. The way stories are told matters to people and stories matter to people. I always really enjoyed telling stories. My first experience with film making was in high school. Now I have developed this into my life’s passion. Even when the going is tough I never let go of the spirit of filming.

I also love a great adventure and a good laugh. I like traveling to different parts of the world and time when watching television, movies or videos. Going to other parts of the world in person is not big on my list, but if I get a chance to travel I really enjoy traveling into Toronto for adventures! If I did get the opportunity I would definitely really like to travel to other planets.

Speaking of other planets I also wanted to become a space alien ambassador, and I Still DO! If anyone hears of any openings anywhere then please let me know.

 

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

My Mom bought me my first video camera in 1993. I used it to video tape my adventures and comedic science experiments growing up. Then in high school my media teacher Mr. Anderson introduced me to multi media and I have never looked back. It’s a tough road with many people undercutting on bidding for contracts. I go the extra mile to do a good job and am always available 24/7. In looking back, I would change nothing. This is where I want to be in life. The accomplishments that are made make it all worth while.

 

What is the best thing about being one?

You have the control of telling stories.

I enjoy helping to tell stories and documenting good memories for people to reflect back on or be educated from or to help sell a product. Whether it is shooting a wedding, lecture, promotional video to documenting something special in one’s life. I enjoy it all. The way stories are told matters to people. Telling stories and making people laugh is also what I really enjoy doing a lot! I enjoy laughing, sharing laughs and seeing people laugh the most. I sometimes have a dry sense of humour most of the time and sometimes I do not mean to be funny but things just come out funny (sometimes). That is when comedy magic happens. My early forms of comedy started off here http://www.varietystoretv.com/main1.html

 

Who is is your favorite filmmaker?

George Lucas,  Steven Spielberg & James Cameron

 

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

I have become more digital, I also really like how technology has advanced over time to improve the process of storytelling. It is a very challenging and creative field. Your mind can run a-muck. It can be grueling and demanding but also very rewarding. It takes everything you’ve got to stay on track, but gives back many times over. Maybe one day we will see robots walk amongst us that look just like humans.

 

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

Never give up, keep trying, keep learning. Learn how to shoot and edit. I strongly suggest you pick up a MacBookPro, buy Final Cut Pro, Motion and compressor then learn the programs. Also, find out who the good people are that you can trust. Stay away from anything greasy and never turn greasy with your work. Also stay away from people that are negative downers. Downers just bring negative energy into your life.

 

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

I enjoy building cardboard armour and weapons for Skull Man’s Box Wars to battle against the forces of evil. Box Wars is my second commitment.
http://www.boxwars.tv

I enjoy making and eating sandwiches.

I enjoy dreaming up ideas for comedy skits.

 

I also have a real interest in spirituality and aliens. I believe aliens where the first beings on our glorious planet we live on. I think we have benefited from alien technology over the years that our governments have slowly trickled down to us through deals and treaties made with the aliens that are interacting with us.

Will we see aliens walk amongst us in our lifetime? I strongly believe yes! Am I going to go crazy over it? No, I am going to be cool and keep my dignity….. other people may piss themselves when this happens. When the alien beings make themselves known to us I look forward to learning about them and hopefully becoming friends. Anyone of us could be an alien. Who knows how many aliens are here right now. I welcome all benevolent beings to our planet and I look forward to meeting them.

I also think there is some sort of Galactic federation of benevolent beings that protect planets in different solar systems. Who knows maybe Star  Wars was not too far off! I think our planet is being protected by alien beings.

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

I started off working in a Variety Store, then worked for Quest Line, was a garbage man, worked in a warehouse doing shipping and receiving then worked in a cemetery for 7 years. My cemetery job almost killed me! Mainly from all of the cold negative energy I worked in and was exposed to. But, I was meant to be there for a set time. Whether it was from helping with a burial on a weekend to cover for a co-worker to have a day off, or to helping my boss with important jobs on the site. I was there until it was my time to move on.

 

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

Army Of Darkness, Avatar, Beatlejuice, Aliens, Star Wars Trilodgy, Skull World, 300, Braveheart, The Warriors, Band Of The Hand, Breakfast Club

Weird Science, Angel Town, Lost Angels, Lost Boys, Legend, Night Breed

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Ice Pirates, Labrynth, Ghostrider

Monster Brawl, Conan The Barbarian, Lord of the Rings Trilodgy

Grandma’s Boy, Goonies, Gremlins, Demons

Predator, Ghostbusters, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

 

Television shows?

I like Survivor a LOT! I enjoy watching people get through the challenges and seeing how well everyone get along with each other. I also like to see what kind of attitudes in people cause problems in the tribes and how people deal with them. Dealing with difficult people is a life skill. Some people just do not respond to reason.

V from the 80’s and the new version. In my opinion V is the closet interpretation to what the reptilians are like and up too. But I could be totally wrong. Anna, I will NOT be blinded by your Bliss!

 

The Walking Dead is awesome! I like seeing the survivors fighting the evil zombies. A good Zombie is a Dead Zombie! I really enjoy it when the zombies lose in one way or another and seeing the survivors working together to survive. If I was in a situation like that I would run into them blasting metal music yelling “Mosh Pit” then start slam dancing them to the floor. If I get over powered I would yell out “hey look over there, it’s a cow”, When the zombies look away then I would run a way!

I am always rooting for the good guys in television or in film. Even in video games I can never play a bad guy because that would be against my morals.

 

Destination Truth: They never find much but I enjoy the adventure and almost seeing if they find something.

 

How would you describe your film education?

I went to Centennial college for a certificate in Video Production then after that was given a few job finding links like workopolis and sites like that. After college I started to do freelance video production while working at my day job. Now I do this full time.  http://www.varietystoreproductions.com

 

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

Great! There are many talented filmmakers making great films over here in Toronto. One being especially amazing is the talented Mr. Justin McConnell. He knows the craft and produces compelling amazing work! He can also be classified as a modern day Wizard! Why? Because he creates magic! http://www.unstableground.net. Another amazing film maker here in Toronto is Mr Giggles. Why do they call him Mr Giggles? It’s because he is always Giggling at stuff. Right now he is shooting a film called Sneaky Peaky on people who fear clowns & popcorn together or separately. Apparently it is going to be very, Very Scary.

 

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

It has helped a lot! It helps to get the word out a lot more then not having it. Facebook, youtube, twitter tumblr are all good social tools to use and are good examples of people helping people to get the word out about their  projects. Film festivals are another great venue for film exposure. There are so many talented producers creating great work.

 

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

Lost Boys. The set, people and atmosphere must have been amazing!

 

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

“Rockin’ Large” From Skull World. Rockin’ Large is a state of mind, it’s about living your life to the fullest!

“This is my Boom Stick” From Army Of Darkness, I like the comedy, conviction and power behind that quote.

 

Do you believe in life on other planets?

Indeed I do! I strongly believe in Aliens. Just like we have many cultures of people on earth there are many cultures of alien beings out in the universe. But there is Sooooooo much disinformation out in the world it is really tough sometimes to discern who is telling the truth and who is not. Here are a couple of great meetup groups to check out about aliens in Toronto if anyone is interested.
http://www.meetup.com/Alien-UFOs-in-Outer-Inner-Space

http://www.meetup.com/UFORIA

There has to be more than just earth with intelligent life forms. We seem to be making quite a mess of things on our planet. I hope that one day we can clean it up and live in a world of peace.

 

Do you ever wish you had a super power? If so, what would it be and why?

I wish I had the strength of the Incredible Hulk with a green Skull for a head. If I did I would go to the greasy trouble parts in the world to clean them up. Then I would go and wipe out all terrorist activity and corruption in the world and help keep our planet in peace. After I clean up the greasy parts of the world I would put the people that created the grease into degreasing programs that I would personally host.

My programs would consist of giving back to the communities of the world through planting gardens and community service. I would also mandate a healthy amount of Rock and Metal music with strong values of peace, harmony and respect to one another and our planet. Everyone would also get a teddy bear with a skull head and a small bag of potato chips. TV therapy would be mandatory with healthy doses of V, Survivor, The Walking Dead, Destination Truth, Trailer Park Boys, GI Joe and Transformers. I would also introduce healthy eating by classes in how to make and eat sandwiches.

I would then top it off by implementing spiritual programs and meditations to help people evolve for the better of themselves and the world so we can all live in harmony.

 

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

Some are good, but there is nothing like an original idea.

 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Do what you can to keep on evolving in a positive light, the way you speak to people matters and doing the right thing is important. Life is an amazing adventure, you never know who you can meet that can help to take you from the shit house to the light house or the light house to the shit house. So chose the people you associate with wisely and use your discernment on who is telling you the truth and who you can trust.

I look forward to Skull Worlds release. It is quite the honour. But I want everyone to remember when watching, I, am a Self proclaimed Comedic scientist. I have rules when conducting my comedy experiments! Some will make you laugh others may not, but all of my comedy is experimental and that is what makes me a Comedic Scientist. Some of my comedy is thought provoking other times it is just jokes but I try to keep it light hearted with good intentions. I am also grateful for all of the people who have stuck by me and have helped me a long the way. I am thankful to have so many good people in my life.

I also look forward to when the aliens make themselves known to the world, I know some are already here, others are watching from a distance. I hope they are benevolent. Who knows, maybe I will find myself an alien girlfriend or a space friend or many space friends one day.
Long Live Rock & Metal music, good beings doing good things, Justice, Honour, Loyalty, Buell Motorcycles, Buell Riders, Apple Computers, Final Cut Pro, Sandwiches and people that make movies. Spend time and do things with good people in life. Spending good time in life with people when they are alive is what matters, not when they die and just showing up to their funeral. I believe it is a good thing to create good memories.

Words of Advice: Be an honorable person, promote feelings of love and compassion to others and the world we live on, think positive thoughts, stay away from greasiness & people that lie & take advantage of you, make good choices and get yourselves into some Good Rock and Metal music. I strongly suggest you get into Clutch, Tool, Fear Factory, Rob Zombie & Danzig then go from there.

5 words to describe me:

Rockin’ Enthusiastic, Exciting, Silly, Noble, Courageous
DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR & READ FROM PEOPLE. SEE BETWEEN THE LINES.  USE YOUR DISCERNMENT TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH FOR YOURSELF AND DO NOT BELIEVE THE LIES.

My name is Greg Sommer A.K.A. Skull Man, I fight for the preservation of World Peace and Metal music!


Never Stop Rocking!
Greg Sommer A.K.A. Skull Man

Morgan Evans: Writer/Director/Comedian

Morgan "Dangerish" Evans is a writer/director/comedian living in New York City who has reached mild levels of fame after being the first person to successfully embed a YouTube video into a handwritten letter. In addition to being the Touchscreen Segment Producer at The Onion News Network, he sometimes stares for hours on end at a blank wall, writes stuff for The Huffington Post and eats a lot of food. You can follow his Twitter feed here, and learn more about him life-wise here.

What is the current project you are working on?

I’m working on a fifteen (maybe sixteen) episode web series. It’s a very dark/weird depiction of events from my life twisted around and turned into what some people might call comedy. There aren’t any through-lines or overarching plot-points so in that sense it’s quite different from the serialized stuff you see on YouTube or whatever. That being said it’s not like individual sketches or anything either. The best way to describe it is a series of short films that might string together tonally. (http://kck.st/rkbE9V)

Why do you want to have a bunch of different directors direct an episode of the webseries?

The “different directors for each episode” thing was, for me, an attempt at opening up a collaboration with talented individuals who I thought could bring something fresh and interesting to this project. I tried to place an emphasis on female directors for a few different reasons I don’t care to go into, suffice to say this world is a horrible place and more women should be behind the camera.

How do you measure success?

With a success-o-meter. No, I don’t know. I mean, I always have goals, and sometimes, more often than not recently, I will meet those goals but it won’t feel like a “successful” act. It’s amazing how quickly the extraordinary becomes ordinary is how my therapist put it. For example, I was up for two roles on two different TV shows and I got them both. For like two months that was all I wanted, to get those roles, and it was all I thought about, but then when it happened I didn’t really know what to do with myself but like find something else to work towards. I’d measure true success to be when you want something so badly that when you actually get it you can be completely content, but I don’t think that’s really possible. Maybe success is when you get to a point in which you stop caring about “this role or that role or this project or that project” and can just be happy knowing that you’ve done a lot of that shit already. Who knows.

How do you handle rejection?

Poorly.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

Not at first. I’ll elaborate in the next question.

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

I sort of started out as a child actor. I always really wanted to be Jim Carrey. When I found out I couldn’t actually be another person I decided I wanted to do whatever it was that Jim Carrey did. This was when I was five. So I got an agent and started doing commercials and stuff, and then I started getting really nerdy about how they made commercials. That’s when I started using my parents’ video camera and screaming at my little brother to hit his marks a lot.

What is the best thing about being one?

You get to scream at your little brother to hit his marks a lot.


What is the worst thing about being one?

Telling people “no”. The thing I hate most is getting asked by someone you respect or are friends with to direct an episode or sketch or short or whatever for them and having to turn them down because you’re working on your own projects or you’re already booked or whatever. It makes you feel like a dick. Who are you to tell this super talented individual who has big enough balls to be out there shooting something that you can’t do his/her project because you’re doing this short next weekend in which dogs talk?

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

Hundreds. My original sort of two-man comedy project “Tim and Morgan” has over 56 videos on our Vimeo. That’s from when I was like 13-18. New York-wise, I’ve P.A.ed or just dicked around on dozens of stuff made by UCB people, which is great and always fun. I’ve also done two pretty successful shorts “Upload” and “The Rest of Caesar” which were a lot of work and are now circulating film festivals, notably The Friars Club Comedy Film Festival and NewFilmmakers NY, respectively. Professional project-wise, not acting, I’ve done two seasons of The Onion News Network, so that’s about it.

Who is your favorite filmmaker?

Ingmar Bergman.

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

I still watch movies and television but now I call them “research.”

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

Listen to the advice of people more successful than me. Or, just, you know, go do stuff. Make stuff. Get involved with The UCB and schmooze your way into an internship and then do that internship so well that they have to hire you. That’s my advice, that’s what I did.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

I like to eat food, go to restaurants, brunch hard, drink a lot and read. Also stand up. I really enjoy stand up. Improv is on this list as well.

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

My first-ever paid job was when I got hired as a Web Producer at The Onion. I had been an intern on the TV show for a while, as an assistant to one of the directors (JJ Adler), and after Season 1 wrapped she recommended me to the digital guys because I was such a nerd (As an intern I basically managed and produced the “RECONWALL” which is a 56” fully functioning touchscreen device). Then during Season 2 I was hired on the show like a real person and given the credit “Touchscreen Segment Producer.” After Season 2 wrapped I quit The Onion digital team in order to focus on this series and do festival stuff with my short film “Upload.” If there’s a Season 3 I hope I’d be asked back.

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

American Films:

Every Woody Allen movie. “Real Life” by Albert Brooks. “Terms of Endearment” by James L. Brooks. “Network” by Sydney Lumet. “Woman On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown” by Cassavettes. “Duck Soup” by Leo McCarey. “His Girl Friday” by Howard Hawks. Harold Lloyd stuff. “Vertigo” by Hitchcock. “The Apartment” by Billy Wilder. “A New Leaf” by Elaine May.

Foreign Films:

“Fanny and Alexander” by Ingmar Bergman. “The Antoine Doinel Series” by Truffaut (specifically “Stolen Kisses”). “Juliet of The Spirits” by Fellini. “The Orpheus Trilogy” by Cocteau. All that pretentious shit. Oh also “The Rules of The Game” because of course.

Television:

Louie, The Larry Sanders Show, Murphy Brown, The Sopranos, Lost, The West Wing, Peep Show, Seinfeld, Arrested Development. Basically I like your friend’s whole Tumblr account.

Web Series:

Broad City and Duder.

How would you describe your film education?

I’m a screenwriting major at SVA. It’s fine. It forces you to write on a deadline, which you might not be doing otherwise. Career-wise I can say this; every job or industry thing I’ve booked has in no way shape or form been related to my experience at SVA. All The Onion stuff, my work for Huffington Post, any interview I’ve had with Daily Show, Fallon, or IFC has been a direct extension of what’s going on at The UCB theatre here in New York. Film school won’t get you jobs, UCB will. I promise.

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

I’m involved with two very disparate scenes here in New York. There’s the comedy scene in which everyone is shooting their own stuff, sketch-wise, series-wise, whatever-wise and putting it online or showing it at Channel 101 or whatever, and there’s the Toby Talbot Walter Reade Theater scene in which you go see a print of “Seventh Seal” at four in the afternoon and are the youngest person in the theater by forty years. Both are AMAZING.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

It’s either killed it, helped it, or turned it into something new. I’m not sure. On one hand people might be less inclined to do a feature film or something because they can go make a FlipCam video that satisfies that impulse and put it up on YouTube. On the other hand maybe those people are using YouTube to post a trailer to their feature length movie they shot on a FlipCam. God, I don’t know. I imagine Twitter helps. I follow a lot of movies on there. I follow the Weinstein Company. It’s changing something I guess.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

I’m for it. I back stuff all the time. I’m more inclined to back physical projects like “We’re trying to fix up this basement so we can turn it into a stage!” or “We’re trying to fix up this stage so we can turn it into a basement!” than I am films and stuff. Actually that’s not true. I love both.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

I don’t know. They both need each other and I think they both take turns setting the standards of where film is headed. ‘Breathless’ wouldn’t have existed had American-mainstream-pulpy-thriller-movies not been a thing, and the ‘Breathless’ remake with Richard Gere wouldn’t have been a thing had ‘Breathless’ not existed. I love bullshit Natalie Portman rom-coms just as much as the next totally immasculated guy, but I also really like those movies where people wonder around a desert for two hours talking about Proust. Both have a place.

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

Probably “Animal Crackers” because it was filmed right up the block from my house. If I’m already traveling through time why bother with space?

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

The awful thing about life is this: Everybody has their reasons. – Octave, The Rules of The Game

Why? It's true.

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

Make ‘em if you got ‘em.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

I am for them. I don’t think they “ruin the books” and I don’t get mad when “it isn’t true to the book” because if it was really “true to the book” then they would have just made the movie a book, which they didn’t.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. If you’re a creative person and terrible at scheduling, calling people, or getting meetings put together production-wise, find someone who wants to be a producer and start working together. The best thing you could do is get someone who is going to hound you about your own project and stop you from getting all “mehhhh” half-way down the line when the ship is full steam ahead, or warp speed ahead, or whatever, I don’t know what kind of ship you’re on. Mine is Matthew Hobby, and he's a genius.

Thank you Morgan for doing the interview. I wish you the best of luck with your webseries. I'll do what i can to spread the word about it.