A.L. Jobrail - Interview

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Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse?

When I think of a film that truly touched my heart, "Where The Red Fern Grows" (1974) immediately comes to mind. The emotional journey of the bond between a boy and his two hunting dogs was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. The deep connection and love portrayed in the film left a lasting impact on me, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. 

On the other end of the spectrum, "The Greatest Showman" (2018) was a film that not only captured my imagination but also left me feeling inspired and uplifted. The movie's powerful message of unity and the triumph of the human spirit resonated deeply with me. This was a story that showed how, when individuals come together and work towards a common goal, they can achieve incredible success beyond their wildest dreams.

What do you think about filmmaking schools? 

I strongly believe that individuals should not be confined to one specific path or labeled as fitting into a certain category. Take film school for example - while it could be incredibly beneficial and instrumental for one person in pursuing a career in the film industry, it may not be necessary for another.

An example that perfectly illustrates this point is the actress from the popular series "Killing Eve". Despite not having a background in or attending film school, her portrayal of her character is nothing short of captivating. Her ability to convey a story through her subtle nuances, such as her eyes and body movements, speaks volumes and adds depth to her character, often more than the actual words she speaks. This serves as a powerful reminder that there are countless ways to attain success in the film industry, and that traditional paths are not the only route to take.

Have you ever hated your ambition?

Ambition has always been a driving force in my life. I have never shied away from dreaming big and working tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. However, what I have come to despise over time are the inevitable roadblocks that always seem to come along with the pursuit of ambition.

In essence, it is not my ambition that I hate, but rather the interruptions that threaten to impede my progress. Despite this, I am determined to persevere and continue pushing forward, knowing that each interruption only serves to make me stronger and more determined in the pursuit of my dreams.

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people” … was he right?

I strongly disagree – I’ll explain: Francois Truffaut was not only a critically acclaimed filmmaker, but also a respected film critic. With his background in film criticism, it is understandable that he may have had a penchant for being a bit pessimistic at times. However, it is important to remember that as a multi-talented individual in the film industry, Truffaut's perspective was likely shaped by the critical eye that is common among those who work in the field.

Ultimately, as with any form of criticism, it is important to approach Truffaut's words with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism. Always take the time to study the subject matter at hand before accepting any individual's perspective as the definitive truth.

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?

When I think about the word "cinema," a wave of excitement washes over me, transporting me to my favorite place in Manhattan. The hustle and bustle of the city, the vibrant lights, and the anticipation of what cinematic masterpieces await me at the theater. The days we spontaneously decide to catch a movie, without any prior knowledge of what was playing. We would walk in without a plan, our excitement palpable as we awaited the surprise of whatever was on the screen. I do it every chance I can get. The Paris Theater, located in Manhattan, is an iconic and historic landmark of the New York City cultural scene. Nestled in the heart of the city, this beautiful theater has been a hub for film enthusiasts and cinephiles for decades. Originally opened in 1948, the theater has continuously showcased a diverse range of films, from art-house and independent productions to foreign and classic cinema. The Paris Theater's grand appearance and elegance make it a standout in the bustling city, with its beautiful marquee and striking architecture. Walking through its doors feels like stepping back in time, as the theater has retained much of its original charm and allure. The plush red velvet seating and ornate décor add to the old-world ambiance, allowing for a truly immersive and memorable cinema experience.

Who’s the director/producer/writer that has taught you the most?

I am incredibly grateful for having such a talented and generous friend who took the time to teach me the ins and outs of film making. From editing to directing to capturing the perfect scene, they imparted their extensive knowledge and expertise on me. I hung onto their every word, absorbing everything they taught me with a fervor and determination to excel in this craft. After months of dedication and hard work, my friend eventually turned to me one day and uttered the words that I will never forget - "You have surpassed me at this point." Those words were music to my ears and the ultimate validation of my efforts. To know that I had reached a level of skill and understanding that even my mentor acknowledged, was the greatest compliment I could have ever received.

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare.

My ultimate aspiration in life is to see my three literary works come to life on the big screen. "Through Her Eyes: The Victoria Napolitano Story," "Castle Mysteries on the French Riviera," and "The Detail" series hold a special place in my heart, and I have always envisioned them being adapted into visual masterpieces. I am currently in talks for "The Detail" series to be picked up by streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, although I cannot disclose any further details at this time. While this endeavor may seem ambitious, it is the culmination of my lifelong dream, and I am determined to see it through.

How important is to have a good Cinematographic culture?

Cinematography is the art of capturing and shaping the visual elements of a film, and it plays a crucial role in setting the tone and overall aesthetic of the story being told. A skilled cinematographer can use lighting, camera angles, and framing to create stunning visuals that enhance the emotional impact of the film. Whether it's a sweeping panoramic shot of a beautiful landscape or a tense, intimate close-up of a character's face, the cinematography is essential in bringing the audience into the world of the film.

What would you like to improve as a filmmaker\writer?

As a writer, my ultimate goal is to master the art of character development. I strive to create characters that are so well-described and fleshed out that readers and viewers feel as though they truly know them on a personal level. I want my audience to become invested in these characters, to feel their emotions and understand their motivations. This, to me, is the true essence of storytelling.

A big producer gives you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white movie(s) (if you have one) … what film do you choose?

When it comes to classic black and white movies, 'High Society' (1956) is definitely at the top of my list for a remake. Starring the iconic Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong, this film has all the elements of a timeless classic. If I were to remake this film, I would certainly pay homage to the original by maintaining its charm and elegance, while also infusing my own personal touch. Furthermore, if I were to continue my journey in recreating classic films, the next on my list would be 'To Catch A Thief' (1955), starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Much like 'High Society', this film is a true gem and holds a special place in the hearts of many classic film enthusiasts. The original set designs were already quite breathtaking, but with the advancements in technology and filmmaking, the potential to elevate the visuals and bring the locations to life in a whole new way would truly be exciting.

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you motivated? 

am incredibly fortunate to have a solid and dependable core group of family and friends who I can always count on to keep me grounded. They are my rock, my support system, and my source of strength. Their unwavering love, guidance, and encouragement have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am endlessly grateful for their presence in my life. One of the ways I find solace and balance in my life is through my second love, music. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me, and I am constantly amazed by its ability to uplift my spirits and soothe my soul.

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script". Do you agree with him?

I absolutely agree with Alfred Hitchcock's statement. The script serves as the foundation for any great film, providing the framework upon which all other elements are built. It is the backbone of the entire creative process, guiding the direction of the storytelling and shaping the characters and dialogue that bring the film to life.

What’s your most ambitious project for the future? 

My most ambitious project for the future is the completion and release of my 5-part series, 'THE DETAIL'. This project is a massive undertaking that involves filming and producing each episode in a different country. The series aims to showcase unique and diverse storytelling from around the world, with each episode presenting a different cultural and geographical backdrop. 

The reason why this project is so ambitious is because it involves coordinating and managing production teams, cast, and crew in different locations, as well as navigating different languages, cultures, and logistical challenges in each country. Each episode will not only tell a captivating and engaging story, but also serve as a cultural exchange and exploration of each country's distinct characteristics.

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy makes you more creative?

As an artist, I've discovered a complex relationship between the emotions I experience and my creative process. While some artists find inspiration in sadness and melancholy, these emotions can sometimes hinder my ability to explore the full spectrum of human experience in my work. It's like my emotional palette is limited to a single shade of gray, restricting the richness and depth I can express. I believe that creativity thrives on a diverse range of emotions, not just those associated with negativity. By relying solely on sadness and melancholy, I run the risk of creating work that is one-dimensional and emotionally unfulfilling.

What do you wish to yourself as a filmmaker\writer?

My passion for travel and meeting incredible people from all corners of the globe has inspired me to continue exploring and drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures and experiences that I encounter. Through these interactions, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it, and this has fueled my desire to create work that goes beyond my own individual experiences. I am committed to using the stories and wisdom of the remarkable individuals I meet during my travels as a catalyst for creating impactful and meaningful work that will resonate with others for years to come. By incorporating the perspectives and insights of these inspiring people into my creations, I hope to provide a timeless source of enjoyment and inspiration for others, while also honoring the incredible individuals who have shared their lives with me.

For you a Film is...

A film is a revelation, a way for its author to share with the audience an idea or feelings that excite him. And he would be the happiest man in the world if with his work he could take the viewer away from his everyday life and problems and send him, even for just a few minutes, to the wonderful world created by author's thoughts, pencil and brush.

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?

When I work on a script and storyboard for a new film, I feel that by creating some new characters that will live in a world I’ve created, I seem to find in the universe some unknown star or, like the alchemists, discover a new precious stone... At the same time, I feel obligated to make these characters, their world, and their story convincing enough and as interesting as possible for the wide audience.

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/scriptwriter that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna watch it?


The film I would choose would be Jean-Luc Godard's À bout de souffle (1960) and I would watch it in the company of the lovely Jean Seberg. After the end of the film, in order to calm her down due to the death of Jean-Paul Belmondo's character, I would invite her to a candlelit dinner at the Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?

This thought applies with full force to animated cinema, where the author's possibilities are de facto unlimited. An animator is able to create the idea and story of the film, its characters, backgrounds, color palette, atmosphere and mood... And in this sense I remember a thought of the great Federico Fellini, who says: Cinema is the only means by which we can compete with God...

Can you live just of your passion?

It would be nice to live only with our passion for filmmaking. In this way, we 

would seem to inhabit some parallel world created by ourselves, in which

everything would happen according to the directions of our creative intentions and perspectives. Unfortunately, real life excludes our existence solely and only in such a poetic and ephemeral universe, which is why it is sometimes necessary to make compromises in order to survive in the prose of our everyday life.

What's more important talent or luck?

Undoubtedly, the most important thing is the talent, which, however, must be constantly developed. As Milton Glaser said "art is work". It is inappropriate not to work hard enough on ourselves and rely solely on luck to succeed.

You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...

And it will be "Death in Venice" (1971) by Luchino Visconti, based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Mann. In this remarkable Italian film, which I have seen more than ten times, almost everything is said about fame and vanity, about youth and old age, about the constant search for true love and unattainable perfection, about beauty and ugliness, about meaning of art and life, about life and death…In this film there is a perfect synchronicity between the great music of Gustav Mahler and the dramaturgy of the narrative. The camera of Pasqualino de Santis "paints" wonderful images similar to the landscapes of Francesco Guardi.

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?

Never. It's like trying to fall in love with a woman you don't like. Basically, the idea of ​​an animated film appears in our consciousness like some touch from above, as a result of some divine whisper... Then this idea becomes our complete obsession and we begin to follow it until the moment, when we see it realized on the movie screen.

What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

I have received various compliments for my films, but there are some, that stand out from the rest. For example, Taiwanese animator Joe Hsieh, author of the remarkable Night Bus (2019) told me, that my cartoon Roses in the Night (2019) is the best animated film he has ever seen. Also when I was once showing my film to my friends, after the screening I noticed tears glistening in their eyes...something that cannot be compared to any compliment or even festival award. 

Are you satisfied about your career?


I'm glad I chose animation. Of course, no one can be absolutely satisfied with his career, as there are always things that he has not been able to achieve. Everyone dreams of making his ultimate MOVIE, but probably not everyone succeeds. John Lennon had said that life is the time during which we make plans for the future.

Do you have a good luck charm?


I had read somewhere that when Charlie Chaplin traveled somewhere, he always put Max Ernst's collage book La femme 100 têtes in his suitcase. I, in turn, always travel with a small book containing interviews of Françoise Jaunin with Balthus, as well as a small album by the Quay Brothers.


Which is the worst moment on the set ? 


When, due to some unpleasant, peculiar and unexpected events in your life, you lose the desire to continue your work on the film.

How do you feel when a job you've been part of it is ending?

When I finish my work on a film, I feel as if I am parting with a loved one, that I am leaving a world in which I had a good time, that an important stage of my life is coming to an end... 

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?


This has never happened to me. I think that if I lied, the result of my work would seem to me undeserved and defiled. Moreover, such an act would be extremely unfair in relation to my colleagues.

If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…

 To my beloved and long-deceased parents, whom I remember with immense gratitude, and who always live in my wonderful memories...and of course to my most beloved being.

Who's your biggest fan?

My Mom. Ever since I was a little kid, my Mom used to say, “we should pack up and move to Hollywood.” I took the “long way” but we did, and here we are. 



What brings you inspiration the most?

Real life. My life. Also, whenever I’m out, I’m listening to conversations all around me. Yes, eavesdropping. Sometimes, I see and hear things that I just couldn’t make up and other times, I just need to add a little twist or answer differently than the real person did to make it funny. In my mind, I play the dialog and laugh to myself. Onlookers probably think I’m crazy. That may be true, but in a matter of 60 seconds, I’ve written the scene, added in the actors, directed it and heard the studio audience’s reaction run through my mind. Huge laughs of course. Ha. Ha. Then I run the movie through my head and into the script it goes.



Which actor or director would you like to work with?

Actors: Of course, I’d love to work with all of the best. However, there’s an actor who I so desperately want for a role in my half-hour sitcom, “Lizzy’s Plan.” He’s perfect. His name is Austin Pendleton (the stuttering attorney in My Cousin Vinny). Call me Austin. ;) Since I write with the intention of bringing the script to film, I usually write my characters with actors I already know in mind, because I know their strengths, their requests, their BUDGET.

If price and availability weren’t a barrier, for the comedic roles I am working on, of course I’d love to work with Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, Polly Holliday, Diane Keaton, Vicki Lawrence, Wanda Sykes, Vince Vaughn, Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Morgan Freeman, Ben Stiller, Reese Witherspoon, John Turturro, Marisa Tomei, Joe Pesci and JACK... Jack Nicholson..

Directors: Nancy Meyers, Greta Gerwig, Martin Scorsese. As an actress, I did have the pleasure to work with Michael Spiller, Modern Family, and I would love to have the experience again.


What's the movie that taught you the most?

Movies that make me feel something, i.e., cry, laugh, think, inspire or just escape are the ones that I like as an audience member and therefore, I aspire to do in my writing, producing. I watch my favorite movies over and over again. Some of my favorites are: The Wizard of Oz, Four Christmases, Wedding Crashers, Something’s Gotta Give, She-Devil, Goodfellas, Casino, Saturday Night Fever, Urban Cowboy, Grease, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Under the Tuscan Sun, Duplex, Anger Management, Seven, Basic Instinct, The Notebook, and Crazy, Stupid Love. If I was limited to these movies for the rest of my life, I’d be okay. 



About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

Desire to quit, no. Has the thought crossed my mind? Sure. Every rejection hurts. Every rejection is like a punch in a boxing match… Some make me fight back harder; some make me pause, shake it off; and some knock me down for a bit, but it’s not about how many times I get knocked down, it’s about how many times I get back up, and so far, my record shows that I’ve gotten back up every time. A record of 100% is pretty good, I think.

Life has thrown me a lot of challenges, so I’m used to the odds being against me. I’ve never let that stop me.



On set what excites you the most?

I just love being on set. When I’m on set, watching how many people are pooling their talents toward one common goal, I’m thrilled. 



And what scares you the most?

As a Creator/Writer/Producer/Lead Actress/Songwriter and all of the multitude of duties, schedules, budgeting, acting, paperwork, etc. that go with that, I’m always worried that any one of the balls I’m juggling will fall. As a writer, I’m always hoping that every joke will work. As an actor, I’m always hoping to give my best performance in as few takes as possible. Even when I’m not the producer, I know the concerns of a director or producer, so I always have those thoughts in the back of my mind. Time is money, so get it right ASAP.

As an audience member, I love watching Blooper Reels, but even then, the producer in me is thinking, “all right all ready, get it together, let’s get this shot.”

 

What's your next project?

Ultimately, I’d like to make Lizzy’s Plan into a half-hour comedy series, a sitcom. So, with that project, I’d like to film the next episode. In the meantime, I’m still working on over 30 episodes, so far. I also have a comedic short script that’s been doing well in the Film and Screenwriting Festival circuit, Take This Faux Turkey And Shove It. I’m also looking forward to filming that.



You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

I would never want to steal anything from anyone, but I have to admire Issa Rae as she created her own show, starred in it and was the Co-Showrunner of Insecure. Woo Hoo... You Rock Issa.... I’d like to follow in her footsteps by creating my own show, starring in it and being the Showrunner or Co-Showrunner of my half-hour sitcom, Lizzy’s Plan. Are you listening Universe? Just putting it out there.

 

An actor/producer/screenplay writer is made of....

Wonder, curiosity, make believe and really hard work.



For you Cinema is....


An interconnected series of entertaining moments. Every scene is a opportunity for a water-cooler moment. I want people to be talking about every scene the next day at work. 



Have you ever dreamed of winning an Emmy or an Oscar?



Sure. Don’t forget a Grammy while you’re at it….  In fact, I have a bottle of Cristal that my songwriting idol Diane Warren messengered over to me eons ago, and it’s patiently waiting to be opened. Winning an Emmy, Oscar or Grammy would warrant opening it. In the meantime, I just set slightly smaller goals (LOL) and celebrate those victories as they come. Each victory leads to taking the next step, a little higher, a little bigger, a little harder, a lot more work to achieve and the sweeter the victory when it comes.

Who’s the first Artist that let you understand you wanted to be an Actor/director/screenwriter?

When I was a little girl, I saw recurring dreams, which always had end credits. I think those dreams were mimicking cartoons I watched on TV. I couldn’t tell you if my name was in the credits, it was not important. Dmitri Polonsky was my father’s friend. He was a Russian documentary filmmaker, a stylish gentleman in his forties, a talented accomplished screenwriter who frequently collaborated with foreign film productions. He dressed like a dandy and was married to a brilliantly talented young girl fifteen years his junior. He showed an album page with three photos of her different moods, and said that he was married to three different women. He was strangely casual while simultaneously regarding me as a respected equal. I craved to have his poise and erudition, and loved them both with abandon. Dmitri corrected me that although they were married, it was OK to regard them as two separate individuals.

What really excites you artistically or emotionally?

As you probably know, and I’m just guessing, it is the same mechanism that stimulates artistic and emotional responses. I’m very impressionable. There’s a mechanism in my perception that separates the incoming data into two streams— the everyday mundane that is recorded as inconsequential black and white and deleted within 24 hours, and the vivid color. When my barometer perceives an event in color, it is recorded for posterity. I will recall the event in detail that includes the sense, the vibe, the bigger picture meaning, and how it is woven into the blueprint of my life. In the case of creating Anything You Lose, I had that strong sense of a vivid timing, that this particular time in my life was going to be of paramount importance, but I didn’t know how or why, and simply followed the instructions, whatever my intuition told me.  This sense of vivid timing came from one particular moment. At three years old, I woke up in the middle of the night to find myself alone. I got out of bed, searched our empty studio apartment in the moonlight, and found the front door in the corridor ajar. I stepped out on the landing. My grandma’s front door next to ours was also open. I walked into the silent dark corridor, so far away from home, and saw the distant blue shimmer coming from the living room at the end of the hallway. There, in front of the TV, I found my entire family. They stared like zombies at the shimmering screen. A handsome mustached caballero pulled a knife, and then the image cut to a coffin in the ground. 


Marlon Brando said “Never confuse the size of your Paycheck with the size of your talent”. Do you agree?

Absolutely. Some talents work in an established system where paychecks are a reflection of one’s recognition. There are others who push the envelope of boundaries. These talents are by definition discovering new grounds, before the masses may get acclimated. These are imaginers of new frontiers. Sometimes it happens when the original spark is transferred instantaneously into a mass recognition. 

Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life/career choices? 

The story of creation of Anything You Lose is the epiphany of being discouraged. The project was in development for fourteen years, an indie film production with ambitions of a serious documentary. My first film, Miss GULAG, premiered in 2007 at the Berlinale 57, so I imagined that my second film would follow in the similar footsteps. I was surprised to see that there was little interest in women’s issues, and that the funder’s interest was easily bumped by any other newsworthy content. Since it was my life recorded in the footage, I had no choice but to figure out a way to persevere and bring at least the film project portion of this timeline to a successful fruition. I had to take many breaks, but each time I picked up and kept on going. I heard that I was not respecting the conventions of the documentary film genre, that I would never get objective about the story and my character. That it could be shown only if someone really-really loved it. Perhaps the COVID-19 time of isolation helped to move the needle and shift perception closer towards empathy as a counterpoint to current stressors.  After an early screening at the 2019 Fertility Fest in London, I received unanimous rejections after applying to major festivals, at which point I stopped mentioning that I am a filmmaker.  But four years later, in summer of 2023, my intuition guided me to release the project. My plan was to upload it to YouTube and let it sink. Before uploading, I decided to take a final look, and in four days cleaned up the edit, and thus the final version was created. My journalist friend Kasia begged me to wait and try just one more festival. I didn’t want humiliation, but my habit of doing due diligence for the project made me enter the IndieFilm Awards. Shockingly, Anything You Lose was awarded with three wins in three categories.  Since then, the film has gone viral on the Indie Film Festival Circuit.


Do you think is harder for a woman being a Filmmaker? 

I am a woman in this incarnation so I can’t tell you personally if for a man the path would have been less difficult. Both sexes come with challenges. This film had to be done by a woman who feels the intimacy of the moment. That was the only way to tell the story while bypassing gridlock of established notions. Anything You Lose is a very special film in my career because it feels more like a mission that I was trusted with to accomplish. Such missions are deeply personal and are equally challenging for men and women. 

Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own Vision as a Filmmaker/actor/screenwriter?

No, it wouldn’t. It would certainly make my life more comfortable and enjoyable, but it would not change the place I occupy in the world according to myself. I tend to value people based on the level of emotional intelligence, and money doesn’t change that.  

Who’s the Movie star that made you dream for the first time? 

I have a 5-pack of all-time favorite films, and they are Cabaret with Liza Minelli, All That Jazz by Bob Fosse, Midnight Cowboy with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight, Days of Heaven by Terrence Malick, and Sound and Fury, a cinema verité documentary by Josh Aronson. Each of these films is uniquely different, but each illustrates a peak performance of the human spirit in dire circumstances. 

I am enchanted by Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces book, and find the hero’s journey in this multitude of characters, be it a romantic cabaret singer stuck in Nazi Germany, a Broadway director searching for beauty and eternity, a young southern hustler with a heart of gold surviving New York City, a married woman unable to turn down true love, or challenged kids striving to grow and learn everything about this world, regardless of the circumstances. I love when films appeal to the capacity of human spirit to survive, thrive and get enlightened.

Make a wish about your career...

I want to be in demand as a film director and work with the best talent on this Earth.

Talking about cinema/Showbusiness, how hard is to remain completely honest to yourself as an artist?

It’s an excellent question that echoes the opening of this interview. Staying true to yourself is the most complex challenge, but if you master it, also the greatest gift of an artist. It’s very easy, all you have to do is work through the layers of imprints left by upbringing, societal norms, sense of belonging, status quo, and rediscover your own voice and let it run unobstructed for a while, washing away the rust accumulated during years of neglect. And one day, it starts to ring true. At that point there’s no turning back. 


The Film you have loved the most?

9-1/2 weeks


And now, don’t be shy….the one that annoyed you the most?

I don’t retain those.


Your biggest artistic goal is… 

To effect a lasting change by creating awareness of infertility prevalence in our society.


What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I am a jack of many trades. In my time I’ve played/filled/acted the role of Makeup SFX girl, seamstress, costume designer, set decorator, 3D animator, writer, editor, director, producer, and broadcast graphic designer. I’ve also done construction and landscaping. In recent months I’ve taken on public speaking and modeling. I’m open to suggestions.

How important is to be rewarded as an Artist?

I would say that awards are not as important as the feedback from the viewer. Without receiving feedback, the actual resonance created by your work, expression doesn’t feel complete. A film school friend of mine once acknowledged, “…a good film is like a letter from an old friend.”

Financial compensation is important, because we live in a material world, and have bodies to take care of.


Do you have regrets? 

My only regret is that I didn’t travel to Hiroshima Animation festival when my cartoon was showing in competition. I’ve just returned from a vacation and thought that my workplace would frown upon too much time off. I’ve always dreamed of visiting Japan and going to the Zen Gardens in Kyoto.


What’s the message you want to express through your art? 

I work with the renegade female archetype. I dedicate my work to igniting the fire of enlightenment.

What really excites you artistically or emotionally?

So I spoke about this in my other interviews. I love Jazz music performing it is my true joy in life. As for me I work daily on healing myself and feeding my inner child. So I LOVE playing with bubbles and listening to Taylor Swift music with a glass of peace Moscato wine. The talking on the phone for hours with my best friend Jennifer Turpin is the best. She just gets me and I get her and she is my sister for life. 


Marlon Brando said “Never confuse the size of your Paycheck with the size of your talent”. Do you agree?

I spoke about this before artists have big egos. Most artists think they can sit back and do nothing be broke and look broke and people are just going to give them money and that's not the way the world works. You have to present yourself with class you'll have to represent yourself like you have money even if you don't. I work 3 jobs 90 hours a week. I dont need the money I make on gigs from singing or acting. Thw fact that artist who are starting out not assigned to a label or have a name for themselves think they can make a living as an artist by being lazy and using people for money is laughable. You have to work hard and even artists who make it have side gigs. No one likes an artist who begs for money. So as I said before Marlon Brando is wrong. He isn't living in reality. No one is going give a broke artist money that's a fact. Work your side hustles even when you get your dreans work your side hustles then you won't have to worry about money or getting a job as an artist jobs will be just handed to you. 


Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life\career  choices?

Everyday I get discourged as an artist. For example when I was opening up for Macy Gray. My band members quit the show a week before the show. Jack, Andrew and Jarrett demanded more money from me and sais I had to have sex with them or they would not do the show. They quit on me 6 days before the show. I hired a new Band worked my ass off to get the show ready then the venues Antone's in Austin Texas and Houstons House of Blues found out I was a survivor of domestic violence and fired me. Macy and her manager Larry are working on a new show for me to open for Macy again in 2024. But my point is even people that claim to be your friends can stab you in the back get jealous of your success and bring you down. Doing this career in the artist you have to be strong enough to tell people who are hating on you to fuck off and keep doing you. Don't change for no one. 

Do you think is harder for a woman being a Filmmaker?


No I don't, I spoke about this a little bit before my other interview. Being a filmmaker regardless of your gender is fucking hard. Regardless of your gender you have to put up with so much bullshit from other people and smile and just take it while doing your job with dignity and being perfect. When you're dealing with Fame and making films and acting in them you're going to get people who only look at you as a sex object a new treat you as such. Male or female it happens to all of us. What you need to do as a professional is shut that shit down. The way to get people to respect you is putting up your boundaries instantly. Anytime I'm disrespected on set or anywhere as an artist I call them out on it and I make it very clear that they are to treat me with respect or to not talk to me at all. My point is being a filmmaker regardless of your gender is hard. You have to be vulnerable and strong and perfect at the same time. It's exhausting. There will be people on your film set that you're acting in or producing or making that will try to destroy you and you have to constantly know what you're doing but everything regarding camera sound like acting etc so that way you can know if something is at a place and someone is trying to screw with you. I know we all like to think that the people we work with will do their jobs if we're paying them but that's not the case with being involved in the fame industry. People are messed up and no matter what your gender is as a filmmaker you have to deal with that and you have to find a way to deal with those people while getting your film finished and maintaining your boundaries. For example the actress Meredith I hired on my film the stalker she had no boundaries she would text me at all hours of the night asking for money for drugs. She was a pathological liar to get attention and constantly tried to exploit me for money. The three months that I worked with her were extremely stressful. However as we can all see from my film The Stalker it turned out to be a marvelous success and that's my point is sometimes you have to just suck it up and do your job and ignore people who are trying to suck the life out of you. 

Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own Vision as a Filmmaker\actor\screenplaye?

I'm famous in my own way and because I work three jobs I have my own money.  The only thing about myself that is changed is I love myself more and I'm able to help more survivors of trauma and crimes with my work in the performing arts with Fame and money. That's the only thing that's changed about me is I'm able to help more people and love myself more.

Who’s the Movie star that made you dream for the first time?

Macy Gray

Make a wish about your career...

Tony Award acting on Broadway, win an Oscar for my film The Stalker, and Grammy award for my music album voices natter. 


Talking about cinema\Showbusiness, how hard is to remain completely honest to yourself as an artist?

Since I have my own money I don't look at Cinema as show Business I look at as when I'm doing my art I'm an artist regardless of how much I'm getting paid. 

The Film you have loved the most?


I spoke before about this but I really loved Elizabeth Smart documentary because she won in the end. I also really love the movie Safe Haven, as someone who has been a survivor of domestic violence and being stalked for 10 years across country I long for a happy ending in my own life. One day I hope I'll have that. 

And now, don’t be shy….the one that annoyed you the most?


American Pie

Your biggest artistic goal is…

Have millions of dollars invested into my company so I can help more victims of trauma and abuse through my performing arts projects. 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?                    

















I would really like to get into real estate one day. The idea of being able to help someone find the perfect home because I've been homeless before gives me so much joy to be able to give someone a home. 

How important is to be rewarded as an Artist?

I already talked about this before and the other interview I don't think that we need to be rewarded to be on set to do our jobs. The only reward that I lost is saying that I helped another trauma survivor with my art. 


Do you have regrets?


The moments that I want my best self. 

What’s the messagge you wanna express through your art?
 

That despite your trauma and abuse you too can have a good life and  that you are not your abuse. 

For you a Film is... 

Storytelling and art which is one of the key ways, in the modern world, for us to understand ourselves, our cultures, and existence in general.

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing? 

I usually feel pleasure. I enjoy the process.

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna whatch it? 

I would go to an animation festival with an Independent Animation Director and watch a screening of short films.

 Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it? 

It’s a partial truth of course, but encouraging words. Obviously, some things are impossible, but there are certainly dreams within one's reach.

 Can you live just of your passion? 

I can at this point. Although It took years before I could.

 What's more important talent or luck? 

Talent.  

 You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie... 

Stalker, by Tarkovsky.  A person can watch that film endlessly and still find new ideas, perspectives, and insights to chew on.

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project? 

I’ve done stuff I didn’t really want to do, but never anything I’ve hated or had moral issues with.

What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

When people say they are touched, moved, or provoked to thought by my films.

 Are you satisfied about your career? 

Yes. But a person can always work towards more.

Do you have a good luck charm? 

No

How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending? 

I’m already gearing up for the next project and pretty much ready to move on.

Have you ever lied to get a part/job? 

No.

If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to… 

If I ever win an Oscar it will be years from now, and I will be in enough of a different head space that I have no idea.

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

I grew up with low self-esteem, being teased about my hair, large feet, being tall, and love of reading, but not when it comes to my writing including my ability to make up a story in the moment. When I was in k-12 ‘all’ of my teachers acknowledged that I was a good writer and while pursuing my B.A., M.A. with an emphasis on Creative Writing and Ph.D. in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Education, this was repeatedly reinforced. Writing is and has been my passion since I was thirteen years-old, always coupled with reading and later teaching and performing. I had occasions during my M.A. journey when professors would tell me a poem or essay I’d written was not-good, but while I always listened to and applied useful feedback, when I knew it wasn’t true, I didn’t believe them.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

Writing is my passion, the majority of my work including Socks is created about social issues (in this case Human Trafficking), and my goal is to educate while entertaining in hope of sharing something about the issue which will prompt people to think more critically and ultimately to act. My desire to positively affect the world helps me stay focused.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

Never. And I’ve had a few jobs, including twelve years and eleven months in a car manufacturer’s Zone Sales Office as a secretary then clerk, professor positions in the academy, working for a private Black law practice and the local Air Show—my favorite jobs being the brief years I spent as a Page in my local library from 16 to 18 and my first full time job in another branch as a Desk Clerk. In all cases though I’ve always worked to live, never lived to work. I started my own business “Bringing Words to Life,” right after I earned my Masters’ Degree.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

Talent is always a blessing. The distinction being whether the person with it recognizes it as talent and decides to do something productive and positive with it. I’ve lived long enough to understand that it takes more than talent to use it—you have to put in the work, be open to help and critique ‘and’ be lucky.

What would you like to improve about yourself as an

actor/director/screenwriter?

While I am a performer and have been for years, I have no interest in earning my acting chops, I dislike directing because I have no patience for all of things that tend to come up during every production, I’ve ever been part of or heard about. I’d like to and plan to learn how to use Final Draft so I can begin writing new work as screenplays rather than adapting plays I’ve created for the stage.

What's the worst critic you have received?

I sent MEAT, the play I was ultimately Awarded a Cleveland Arts Prize for, to the Artistic Director of a major theater in town at the recommendation of the nationally recognized choreographer who choreographed my play Closure at Karamu, the previous year. He called and asked me to meet him on the first floor of the building the theater was located in to tell me it was a piece of crap and to ask me why I “wasted my time, writing it.” I immediately felt as if he was trying to take me down a peg or two, that he was wrong, told him I didn’t agree and left. But, make no mistake--it hurt.

If you weren't an actor/director/screenplayer what would you like to be?

I am blessed to be everything I would like to be. A poet, playwright, artist-scholar, performer, educator, author—lover of people.

If Cinema was a color what would it be?

Red! For Passion, fire, the red of living and what it means to be human.

A day without a movie is...

A day without an addition to my visual creative library.

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despise

but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

No. Not for any amount of money. My character and integrity mean a lot to me and it’s not and never has been for sale. I’ve always worked to have enough and sought and cherished spiritual wealth, and I have that.

What's your greatest ambition?

For my creative work to be remembered long after I’m dead and to see former students exceed my degree of success, to see them become even better writers, etc.

What's your biggest fear?

Not seeing and being with my daughter (Michelle E. Weems, 3-4-83 to 1-3-2017) after I die.

Does music helps you to play/direct, write?

Absolutely. Specifically, I’ve written more work listening to Miles Davis’s “My Funny Valentine,” than any other song.

You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the

audience?

STOP hurting and hating and killing each other. Like James Brown once sang Please, Please, Please give peace, respect and love a chance and help each other when you can.

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar.....

Would somebody please come up here and wake me up?!

Who's your biggest fan?

I am my own biggest fan. All the time I have this acknowledgement that I am the only one who gets me throughout my entire universe of mind, which is not a fully true statement, of course, because sometimes we simply realize that we don’t understand ourselves as we have thought all the time. It’s a reaction of mine to the outside world’s perception of me and my work. 

I have some weird or uncommon streaks in my creativity, and they are usually going away from the mainstream standards. So, I am more appreciated by fewer audience. It’s much like myself as being a person who’s not appealing to everyone, rather, a group of bosom friends.  



What brings you inspiration the most?

When I close tight my eyes (not in sleep) and place myself in a meditative state (not meditation in the sense of Chan), I incur some best inspirations in my head. This psychodelia not only relaxes my body so that it can float, but also anchors my boat of ideas so that I can settle down where I am supposed to be to exceed cliché or whatever would be anti-creative.

In terms of “the most”, it’s hard for me to provide an immediate answer, but generally speaking, I can get powerful inspirations by a flower by the roadside, a sad or sentimental song, or an underprivileged immigrant facing language barriers. More of matters or persons in that vein. I am inclined to side with the lesser-fortunate whether it be of societal, economic, political, or even artistic status. For example, I have been enjoying YouTubers uploading so many unknown to lesser-known albums by so many unheard of or lesser-known musicians who certainly deserve better status.   



Which actor or director would you like to work with?

First of all, I would like to work with myself as a director for a screenplay I write. Once a big studio in Taiwan offered to buy my screenplay for a director, whom they did not let me know, or perhaps they had not hired anyone yet, nevertheless, it was a good temptation for me as an establishing director, but I ended up not selling my screenplay without me directing it. Not surprisingly, the deal wasn’t made. I think I am the type of writer/director, all the more so now after four decades in the profession. 

Actor-wise, I have been working with many of the top talents who were celebrities in Taiwan or Hong Kong, so I have this background to work with heavy-weights. As for “Signed, Baba”, I plan to use more non-actors or lesser-known ones, not excluding one or two international stars as long as my budget allows. 



Have you ever seen a film that was better than the book?

I can hardly think of any. In fact, in recent decades, I am a strong critic of the “book to film” concept and practice which has lasted as long as people can remember. I think that cinema should no longer rely on literature since it has existed for over one hundred years. Having said that, the real problem lies with the content creators who, for whatever reason, adopt adaptations as a taking-it-for-granted tool. Lots of well-known, successful, and imitable directors take this path repetitively as it seems an obsession, or even worse, they are not as original, creative as they present themselves. I do not need to name them because their names and their list of work can easily tell anyone concerning  that what I say is proved. I don’t mind an emerging director using an adapted screenplay, or even an established one using adaptation once or twice; however, if one established director keeps using the same formula without being able to write their own scripts, or without a mind to write the script which later they will direct, and then having other screenwriters’ work in place as the solution for their creativity, I must deny their glorious titles such as master director, auteur director, or even award-winning director.  I truly doubt that this taken-for-granted practice will continue to benefit cinema art at large to become truly an independent art form.   



What's the movie that taught you the most?

It's a question, and its variations, you get asked a lot being a director. I honestly don’t have a convenient answer to “the most”. I can say that I have learned a lot from a lot of excellent movies, even bad ones, produced by lots of different cultures. I like international, or foreign films, not just Chinese-speaking or English-speaking counterparts. 

Recently, a Facebook friend inquired of my interest in making a film in his country, India. His passion was obvious, and his rationale was that it’s much more affordable to make films there today. He got so far as to telling me to meet and talk with Aamir Khan, one of the biggest movie star in today’s India movie scene, with whom he had a direct connection, about a film project. I almost wanted to give it a try because I thought that would be an opportunity to craft my directorial skills through working with Indian filmmakers in India. By telling this tale, I mean to say that even though there’s no “the most” for me, I can learn and absorb lessons from more than “the most”.  



About your artistic career, have you ever had the desire to quit everything?

A few times. The most significant one was during the period before and after my permanent departure from Taiwan. While I still had some days there, I told my respectful senior director, Hsing Lee, of “Execution in Autumn” fame, that I had to resign from his then several active projects in which I was on the production team for the sake of the soon-to-be-due USA immigration visa. From that point on, I knew I was not going to filmmaking anymore since I had chosen a new direction for my later life. After my settlement in my adopted country thanks to my older sister and her family, I kept reminding myself of no need to rekindle the cinema love because things all had changed around me. So I quit cinema for good, and somehow, I felt content, or even relieved (you know how filmmaking can be a pain), and I started finding a way for my future. Not long after, I started a non-profit organization, Memory Community, (being non-profit was my brother-in-law’s great advice) to film seniors for their memorable life story. 

So you see, I turned around some roundabouts only to return to filmmaking. But this time is different, I do the filmmaking independently. That makes me feel free and gives me joy. 



On set what excites you the most?

It could be anything on set. What would not excite me at all on set is that I lose focus on how to make a scene or a demand work as I originally visualized. That can be triggered also by anything on set, such as an actor is running late, a crew member is not cooperating, or the cameraman assumes the “Camera!” and “Cut!” calls without consulting me. 

Usually you would get excited when the shoot has been complete after a long time of hard work and the fatigue it brings to you. Not really for me, however. I get excited on set the most when all the responsible cast and crew go far and beyond to register anything crucial in my script into the camera, rather than asking me or my assistant director if they can change my plan.   



And what scares you the most ?

So, like I said in the last segment, I do not enjoy it at all when people on set bump their heads to want to change my demands. A little improvisation is what I like, but if it stems from the lack of confidence in executing the original calls from me, it simply will scare me and lose trust in the possibility of making a great work accomplished by all of us on the team.

I have had crew members on set chatting and laughing so loud as I was trying to shoot a shot that we had to raise our voice to tell them to shut up or leave the set right away. That is what I am scared about on set too because it’s a demonstration of unprofessionalism.

I am scared about the most on set when being told that I am behind schedule, which means the producer is losing money every minute I insist on making a shot, a scene to my fullest satisfaction.    



What's your next project?

“Garden Court Guardians”. The concept stems from where I live now in this first incorporated town of Washington State of USA, called Steilacoom, and from my almost thirteen years’ experience with Memory Community and its movie memoir project. The story is an extension of what I have been doing with Memory Community in those years; namely, making movie memoirs for older adults. Today, those who are older, and more frail are still a rarity in fully fledged film narratives, or narrative films, however you want to put it. “Garden Court Guardians” will shed a different light on this unignorable age group. I can’t wait to finish the screenplay.  



You can steal the career of an artist you really admire, who do you choose?

Again, this is an uneasy question. Or it’s not; on the contrary, it is easy to give my answer: probably no one. That means I have my own career as an artist no matter how it goes or what it is like. I might have given out a name or two to this question when I was a young director or a young poet. Now I am older, and I have tasted lots of sweet and sour or bitter fruits that only I can own up, so I won’t be able to choose a certain one or two artists. I see that my long-stretched career in cinema and my other identity in poetry (I write English poems under Zhou Doubt) as a mix bag of this and that, so I have difficulty to single out anyone. 



An actor/director/screenplayer is made of....



They are made of perception, pretension, perseverance, powerfulness, pettiness, playfulness, and perfectionism.

For you Cinema is....

Cinema for me is where I can shine for a long time, even in my own comfortable zone. Cinema for me is a place I can hang out in for a long time, even with myself. Cinema for me is an aroma in sight and sound that can be pungent or subtle, so you can smell it even though you can’t – at least at this stage.   



Do you think Black and white movies have a powerful impact?



It depends. But in general, I think so. “Signed, Baba”, the screenplay, will be made into a B/W film because I want the film to have more impact on the audience and also on the characters in it. 

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?



Not really. I mean, I haven’t taken the Oscars seriously enough to dream about my work winning one of them. 

Do you think you're going to win it?

If the Oscars favor art films in the highest form, and do that consistently, “Signed, Baba” might have a great chance to be appreciated and stand out.  

Two films that have marked my life, for better or worse?

My father in the Australian films: Mad Max 2, and Gallipoli. (Marked me for the batter!).

What do I think of film making schools?

They serve a great purpose to help focus people in a craft, and give them condensed knowledge in a short space of time. And the prestige of the school's name help pave the way.

Have I ever hated ambition?

No.

Francois Truffaut: "Film lovers are sick people"...

No. his story is one of many in the world, not unlike mine. A troubled family life. Film making/writing/acting allows a person to escape reality. And, to watch reactions from people viewing your work-too be accepted in life.

Close my eyes, and say cinema?

Colour/movement, expression, power.

The writer that taught me the most?

Michael Garret. (He edited Stepehen King's first novel)

Acting?

Richard Sarell. (Australian Director & teacher). And. Myself-on stage.

Film?

Watching MANY filmmakers make films, I have been an extra, character, or lead actor in.

Your Biggest dream?

To make a living as an artist in France.

Your Worst nightmare?

Making mistakes wearing all the hats as an independent filmmaker. Many mistakes are made dealing with so many variables-people, and myself. 

How important is good cinematic culture?

It is what people see-your audience. Images can make you gasp with unexpected surprise, or make you cringe with bad results.

What would I improve as a filmmaker?

My dependence on mundane work to support one's passion-FILM/WRITING> And. To produce exceptional work in the future.

Which remake of a black & white film would I like to be involved as a director/actor?

'The Godson'

Who keeps me motivated?

Me.

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him?



Hitchcocks answer to good film making is correct. A crap script is useless.

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

To improve my writing. To make a feature I wrote with an investor/producer.

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?

Sadness or melancholy can add creativity, but it is also dangerously bad to over do it.

What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker\Actor \Writer?

 To be given an investment to make a feature from my writing.

As an actor, to act in Europe.

As a writer, to write for Europe.