Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘V.A.L.U’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
‘V.A.L.U’ is my first major project which I directed and wrote. Previously, most of my experience revolved around the organizational aspects of filmmaking as a 1st AD and line producer. I also dabbled in screenwriting, as that was what ultimately led me to the art of film. I loved putting ideas down onto a page, ideas that challenged me in my abilities as a writer, but more importantly as a storyteller.
Tell us about ‘V.A.L.U’. How do you describe it?
‘V.A.L.U’ is a question. It’s a question that I still ask myself, and it’s a question I hope my audience will find as practical as they would insightful. Do we understand the value of those around us? While many of us may hope to respond affirmatively to such a question, I believe ‘V.A.L.U’ helps us take a deeper look into ourselves and realize the impact that even our smallest actions can have on those we neighbors, or, even more likely, strangers.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
Where to begin? While there are countless individuals I could name whose works have influenced me for the better, the two I will share are Marc Forster and Jason Sudeikis. Marc Forster, for his work on A Man Called Otto (2022), which I believe explored the loneliness that has seemingly become so relevant within our society. Sudeikis for his work on the television series Ted Lasso, a show which I believe does the greatest thing a story could ever do; make you a better person for having experienced it. Both of these individuals I believe have a passion for stories that promote connection, understanding, and listening. These values I believe are critical to understanding the importance that each of us has in the lives of those with whom we share this world.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
I would love to work on a musical. I have an extensive background in music as a longtime player of both the violin and piano. I have a couple of connections with brilliant composers, and I believe that mixed with my skills of storytelling, we could create something very special.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
As someone who has had experience working as a producer and technical director, I understand the importance of preproduction, planning, and organization. Spending time planning the smallest things, from organizing rehearsal days to securing parking for cast and crew on location, each detail matters and can often save thousands if not millions of dollars. The second most important part of keeping a production of professional quality but efficient is when all the crew members have a passion for the project. This passion comes from helping each crew member see and understand the value of their position and how it adds to the product as a whole.
What was the hardest part of making ‘V.A.L.U?’
Due to the size of our budget, as well as the distance between actors and the filming locations, we had to finish all principal photography within two shooting days. This led to excruciatingly specific and detailed preproduction plans. From lighting diagrams for every single shot, to multiple previsualizations being produced to help secure the vision of what we wanted before actual filming, we practiced and planned every minor detail. After filming, we also had a short window to complete the film in postproduction to qualify for the certain festivals to which we wanted to submit. Despite the challenges these obstacles presented, the work that we put in to overcome them led to a greater sense of accomplishment for the product we produced.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
I recently finished a screenplay for a child’s animated show titled “Daisy and the Road that Leads Somewhere.” I am currently in the process of finding focus groups to review the screenplay as well as concept art for the project to give me feedback. I hope to find and collaborate with like-minded artists, animators, and voiceover artists to help me bring this project to life.
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