Anne Welles - Interview

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Has anyone ever told you weren't good enough?

In your career you can meet toxic people, especially in the earlier stages of your career. As I writer/script writer I was told not to be so important, but I won lots of important literary contests in Italy.  

How do you stay focused on your goal?  

You mustn’t think about anything negative standing between you and a goal, but you must isolate yourself and concentrate on the work you're doing at that moment. it takes mental and psychological structures.  

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?   

No, I haven’t but my multifaceted personality and the desire to succeed in different fields and situations wasn’t easy to manage…..  

Is Talent  a blessing or a curse?

 it’s certainly a curse.  

What would you like to improve about yourself as a director? 

I would like to improve in time and people management, aspects which I think we should always try to improve  

What's the worst critic you have received?

 I accept criticism especially if it is constructive, but the question is that in the long run facts replace value judgments and worst critics.  

If you weren't a director/screen-player what would you like to be?  

An orchestra director  

If Cinema were a color what color would it be? 

Orange. Orange is undoubtedly a bright colour and, not surprisingly, it is associated with vitality, energy, fertility and even the sun itself. Tigers are orange, too… with black stripes….(laugh)  

A day without a movie is...

A day without air  

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despise  but that for sure would make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?  

If I were to die, I would like it to be said: he died because his wallet exploded. So no problem ! (he laughs)  

What's your greatest ambition? 

My greatest ambition is not to have any more ambition.  

What's your biggest fear? 

My biggest fear  is not to have any more fears  

Does music help you to play/direct, write?

 I’m also a composer first of all, so… yes, it does.

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

audience?

 Silence itself must be filled to become a form of art.  

Share your speech if you won an Oscar.....  

I am not used to discuss topics about the future, especially my future. My work is silent, I love silence (As I told before: Silence itself must be filled to become a form of art) 

Who's your biggest fan?

My mother. And I am sure my father is cheering me on from Heaven.

What brings you inspiration the most?

New York City. Art and powerful energy are all over this city. I love New York!

Which actor or director would you like to work with?

I would like to work with Michelle Yeoh! I liked her even before she won the awards this year. Since I did some action scenes in Outlawz 2 -Kage Ashi-, Michelle Yeoh became my role model as an actress.

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

Hmm… Nothing comes to mind at this moment… Maybe I haven’t seen anything yet?? I want to find one!

What's the movie that taught you the most?

The first foreign movie I remember to watch was West Side Story when I was in high school. My music teacher showed it to us. I had already decided to become a musical actress, so I was so excited. I was a country girl, my world was so small. West Side Story taught me there was a whole world I didn’t know about, with the great music of Leonard Bernstein, the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, and the choreography of Jerome Robbins. My world is still small, I should keep exploring the new things.

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

Never!!

On set what excites you the most?

The energy in the air. It also makes me nervous sometimes, but I still love it.

And what scares you the most?

Luckily, I haven’t had that experience so far, or I was enjoying that moment too much??

What's your next project?

Khem, aka Alix Jean-Francois, the director of Outlawz 2 -Kage Ashi- is making another film, Outlawz 3 -Onna Bugeisha-. I’m playing Takeko again in this one. There is more action, drama and… a bit of comedy.

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

Michelle Yeoh!! But I would prefer building my own career.

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

One part hope, one part fear, one part naked emotion and two parts courage.

For you Cinema is....

My life.

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

I think so. It can take you to the old era, give you a temperature, mood and more.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

Of course! That’s one of my dreams.

Do you think you're gonna win it?

Why not?

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

I think I've mentioned the two movies that marked me the most already - Gone with the Wind (grand, sweeping cinema with an amazing central character and a doomed love) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (adventure, dinosaurs, a cast of characters [some of whom are dispensible as dino victims] and period details.   As I grew older films like Taxi Driver and Midnight Cowboy were impactful because they were so intense and graphic.  



What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

I think acting and filmmaking schools are fine if someone can avoid going into dept to attend.  I do think both can provide practical training and both provide the opportunity to DO the work (which is really how you learn best).

Have you ever hated your ambition?



Yes, when I was younger and felt obligated to make a living for my family, I resented my need to create.  It never dampened.

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



I don't think Film Lovers are sick people - no.  But I do think they are imaginative yearners for adventure and they can end up very dissatisfied with day to day life.

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



"Cinema"...house lights dim, music swells, screen lights up...magic occurs.

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?



I had a director in Summer Stock who freed me to play more than I ever had up to that point.  I had good roles in 5 plays that summer and I enjoyed myself more than I ever had before.   I had an acting "coach" who really helped me get out of my own way and celebrate who I am and accept who I'm not.   I had a wonderful writing mentor who encouraged me to tell the stories I wanted to tell.  

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



Biggest dream is to win an Oscar.  (I know, but I started at a very young age and for a boy from Ohio that was the pinnacle of success.)  My immediate dream is to get a film I wrote produced with me playing a role in it.   Worst nightmare is that I never work again in any capacity.

How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?



Cinematographic Culture?  Interesting term.   I see that it is a "French" term.   All art needs exploration, examination, reflection and discussion.   The wider the scope of these things the better the art can grow.   I believe that the world of film is THE cultural influencer in the modern world (assuming we include all cinematic forms).

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?



Good grief.  I want to improve in every way as a writer, actor and director.  I want to do each and all of these things as often as possible so I can learn and grow.  I most sincerely hope to get the opportunity to work with quality artists who, through their works, improve and inspire mine.   What actor doesn't want to work with a good director?  I mean...wouldn't that be heaven?

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


So many of my favorite black & white films seem perfect as they are.  But I think I'd love the opportunity to direct Streetcar Named Desire (not that the original isn't excellent).   But I would love to explore those characters and that setting using modern techniques and sensibilities.

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

There is no outside person who keeps me motivated anymore.  I motivate myself.   My mind and my belief in my talent keeps me going.

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



ABSOLUTELY.   The script is key to everything.   The story.   The characters.   The action.   The universality in the specifics.   The drive.

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

As a director, I keep imagining an epic, period love story with overt sexuality.  Could be tricky.  Lol

I have a script in mind about fantasy vs reality which is the most challenging project for me as both a writer and actor.



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

No, I don't believe sadness and melancholy helps people be more creative.  I do think creative people endure more sadness and melancholy because reality can often dampen dreams.



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

I wish I could work and work and work as a filmmaker, actor and writer.

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

I was very lucky to have grown up in a supportive family and have been surrounded by people who respected me my whole life. When I was 13 or 14 years of age, I read the Musashi Saga novels by Eiji Yoshikawa, and it had such an impact on me as person. I decided from that point on I would live a life of skill acquisition, to constantly try to understand and improve upon everything I did, and through that self improvement, define for myself a life well lived. I know what I am capable of, and what I need to improve on. I know I still have a lot of room for growth in this life!

How can you stay focused on your goal?

This is one of the biggest challenges of being an animator who does almost all the work myself. How to keep motivated, how to let go of something and move on to the next step, and how to finish something I started? For me it comes down to experience and planning. Experience allows me to look ahead of what I’m doing so I know how important each step is and when I should move on. Planning allows me to structure a production so I can realistically achieve it in the time that I set for myself. The other trick I use it just to start. It’s the hardest thing to do sometimes, but once I do, I tend to lose myself in the work. So set a plan, start, and do it over and over and over again until you get where you need to be.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

I am not the type to ever have a breakdown, but I did get a bit burnt out about earlier in my career. I was working in the visual effects industry in Vancouver, and we were working sixteen hours a day, six or seven days a week for years and years and years. We drove ourselves, because we loved doing the work, we learned so much every day, and we received many honours and awards for doing what we did. But after ten years of that I just felt tired, so I took a few years off and travelled to see more of the world. When I came back, I knew I needed to make a change and put more time and effort into creating my own works and develop myself into the artist I wanted to be. After all these years I am still making my way towards that goal!

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

I believe true talent comes from practice and can be fostered and developed over time. I would generally consider this a blessing, as it gives purpose to life, and it allows us to accomplish many wonderful things. I can see how some could consider it a curse though. I have had friends who shown talent and achieved early success, and people respected them for it. But they got to a point where they were afraid of doing anything new in fear of failure, afraid people would think less of them, and thus stopped doing what they were doing. They would rather be remembered as great than allow themselves to grow and develop, even if that meant failure in the eyes of others. I think this is a bit sad, as the only way to truly fail is to not try.

What would you like to improve about yourself as a director? 

I have so much I need to improve about myself, haha! Everything I do can be done better. I need to be a better storyteller, a better visual artist, a better creator, and a better director. I know that the only way to improve myself is just to work, and to struggle, and to finish, and to move on to the next project. And over time I will get better. I will try to continue to improve in this way until the very last of my days.

What's the worst critique you have received?

I have been extremely lucky to get mostly positive critiques of my work so far, or at the very least constructive critiques, which I also consider positive. I can only remember one negative critique I received years and years ago for my short film “A Tiny Tiney”. I can’t remember it perfectly, but I think the person was confused about the film and thought it was stupid. I just shrugged at the time. I generally welcome all critiques, both good and bad, because it gives me insight on how my work is perceived by a spectrum of people. I can use these insights to help me be a better storyteller and engage a wider range of audience. Film is a medium of communication, and it goes both ways. 

If you weren't a director, what would you like to be?

If I did not create animated films, I would spend my time on cinematography or photography, or I would be a novelist. But if I didn’t work as a storyteller, I think I would enjoy being a Consulate General working at an embassy somewhere around the world, helping to bringing people of different cultures together. If not that than a kayak guide or diving instructor, or some type of skill-based instructor would be great!

If cinema was a Color, what would it be?

Sepia tone! Having studied and taught the science of colour theory to many art students over the years this is an interesting question to me. I would change my answer by the decades. Sepia for classic films pre-1940s, red for the 1950s, brown for the 1960s, blue for the 1970s, pink for the 1980s, purple for the 1990s, green for the 2000s, grey for the 2010s and so far, teal for the 2020s. Fun!

A day without a movie is...

Just a day? We live in stories, and films are just one way to experience them. Life happens all around us. Shakespeare has said “All the world is a stage!”, and I take this to heart. Now in saying this, a film a day is a wonderful thing, especially if you are a young filmmaker. I spent my childhood watching two movies a day on weekdays and four movies a day on weekends. After becoming older and having watched hundreds of thousands of films, I don’t watch as many anymore. I tend to re-watch movies that have inspired me over the years. As an animator, I *should* try to keep up with current animation productions but I find a lot of them just hard to watch. So instead, I make my own, haha! 

If someone offered you the chance to direct a movie that you despise, but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

No. I have been alive long enough to know that what we leave behind defines us for generations to come. Money is not always easy to come by, but I don’t really need that much to live a comfortable and modest life, so I don’t feel I have to do anything extreme for it. And fame doesn’t really mean anything to me. I understand that most of the people who contribute to the success of our world are not famous. People like technicians, researchers, construction workers, teachers, and parents are the threads of our societies. If I can add to this tapestry myself in a small way, I will be happy enough.

What's your greatest Ambition?

My greatest ambition to finish all the short films I have in development! My next short film is “Li Sa So”, and I hope to complete it by the end of summer. After that I have three other short films in development. I was also directing a short film that was halfway through production before the global pandemic hit, so I’d like to finish that as well. I would also like to finish and publish my novel at some point in the future. Generally speaking, I would like to continue to write and develop stories, to animate and to be creative until at I’m in my 100s!

What's your biggest Fear?

In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Inaugural speech, he said, “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself!”, and these words have always rung true to me. We all face fears, but there are many ways to deal them in a positive way. I am lucky in the fact that I’m not really a fearful person. I recognize it as a physiological stimulus and try to be analytical about it as possible. As such, I have lived most of my life without to much fear, so it’s something I don’t really think about.

Does Music help you to direct or write?

Not really. I remember when I first found out directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg would script movies while listening to music, then give composers like John Williams the music as reference to create similar feeling music for the scenes. The opening of “Jaws” is so classic. Listen to Dvorak’s Symphony no 9, 4th movement and it’s there. George used the 4th movement for Star Wars as well. Dvorak composed the music during the birth of film in the late 1800s, and his students went on to compose music for many American films during the 20th century. His music became the sound of Hollywood. I was so inspired by this I tried to do the same in my first few shorts, but ultimately, I found it distracting and a little bit limiting. So now, I create my films in total silence. It’s only once the film is finished do I think about music. I then work with my sound designers and composers, and we focus on creating music that fits the film just right. 

You have the chance to make a Silent Movie, what's your message to the audience?

Strangely enough, my latest short film “Meet Cute” is a silent film! And my message to the world is one of love and respect. Actually, all my films are silent films, with no dialogue, as I never really feel a need for it. My films deal with what I like to describe as “the commonality of humanity”, or simply put, experiences we all can share and can relate too. I try to make them all internationally appealing. “Meet Cute”, for example, is the first time I tried my hand at something romantic. I was inspired by the silent films of the 1920s, especially the works of Buster Keaton. I was so influenced by his ability to express through motion, and the kindness inherent in his films. I think there is something beautiful about being able to express a story well without words. It’s the power of film.

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

I honestly do not think I’d ever win an Oscar, or even be nominated for one. It’s not something that I aspire to do. If by chance I happen to find myself one day upon that stage, or any other stage that celebrates the art and creativity of filmmakers, and they are kind enough to honor and celebrate my work, I will count myself lucky and thank all the wonderful people in my life that supported me in my creative journey. And I would end by saying something truthful, like “Life is long, and full of wonder!”

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

Great question and YES! Before the film community awarded me with 17 awards and recognitions years ago, I was told by the people around me and representing me that I didn't know enough about screenwriting, or what would be required to be a successful screenwriter. My own mother told me to rethink the idea, I had no experience with screenplays .....I was optioned 6 months later.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

My goal is to promote Jonathan's music and Tania's talent as a filmmaker. I stay focused by continually promoting their combined talents to make entertaining musical travel videos .... but they can take on any project they want obviously....they are young, skilled, polished - and trailblazing their own musical micro doc category! This is their first project as newlyweds and we are all so thrilled, grateful and proud of the interest and reception we've received in the film community so far! 

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

Not a breakdown, but the stress of getting a finished product to a waiting party before a deadline can be challenging at times.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

Talent is a blessing when you have it and a curse when you don't, especially when there are people who are expecting a perfectly finished product! You have to start with talent and move on from there- experimenting, having fun, expressing yourself through your art. 

What would you like to improve about yourself as an

actor/director/screenplayer?

I am having a fabulous time producing my nephew's first musical micro documentary. Eventually we will incorporate only Jonathan's music, but for this project Tania was the bride and we all enjoyed watching her have free rein to do as she liked. Her skill with filmmaking was immediately apparent so I kept encouraging her to keep doing what she was doing because it was working - in 1 month we became "Most Popular Film" on the California Film Foundation website. That was our first recognition which let us know we had a great project to share! We were off to a good start...we are now being invited into many film festivals in many countries, so it is my opinion we are on the right path! I actually wouldn't change a thing right now.

What's the worst critic you have received?

My first screenplay "She Was Left Alone" was extremely successful as a memoir/script, so it was entirely frustrating to hear at times my story was unbelievable. Maybe unbelievable, like many things in life, but when I came home from adopting my daughter in northern Siberia, throwing up that story on paper was totally cathartic - and unfortunately for me, every word was true.

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

I was a saxophone player in NYC, which is what I always wanted to do. So, I did what I wanted to do long before I wrote my first screenplay! I enjoy writing screenplays, so I'll always choose that going forward. Writing is a great artform, working on a film can be an incredible experience.

If Cinema was a color, what would it be?

It would be a rainbow, because of the diversity the industry offers - which almost answers that question...otherwise, my first thought was gold!

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?

That's a great eternal question, I love it! I do realize the statement I'm making about myself, but I would probably do it. We never know what lies ahead....and as beautiful our planet is, at this point we are living in turmoil, uncertainty - we live with chaos in too many places. I'm not Prince Harry who can afford to just quit any job he doesn't like. I'd most likely take the job and be grateful it was offered to me. I'd manage to put my spin on it and make it work for me.

A day without a movie is...

Untenable!

What's your greatest ambition?

To see my children grow up healthy, happy and to admire what good people they've become. The ultimate goal.

What's your biggest fear?

Losing someone I love.

Does music help you to play/direct, write?

Another fun question! I do all of my screenwriting and production work while listening to 70's and 80's rock and roll music. It keeps me in the mood to have a good time while creating.

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

audience?

It is absolutely possible to have fun, laughter and success in your field while maintaining morality, being a person with standards, ethics, principles - and helping others in need when you can. 

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

Yes! "I'd like to thank everyone who voted for our fun musical film. I'd like to thank my children and my family for their support. I hear the music playing, so that's my cue to say I love you all - and I'm getting off the stage!"  (I am considerate of other people's time 😀)

Who's your biggest fan?

My great friend, the artist Stephanie Weitekamp. Everyone should check out her artwork on her IG @sweetbaphomet.



What brings you inspiration the most?

Walking.



Which actor or director would you like to work with?

Paul Thomas Anderson



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

East of Eden



What's the movie that taught you the most?

Fellini’s 8 1/2



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

Everyday… But in all seriousness, I did once quit all my artistic pursuits. It lasted about a year. It was the kind of creative suicide Enrique Vila-Matas talks about in Bartleby & Co. 



On set what excites you the most?

The anticipation of what will be created that day. 



And what scares you the most ?

Not being able to create.

What's your next project?

2023 is going to involve my continued evolution as a visual artist, a new collection of poetry, and continuing to research my next feature screenplay. 



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

Robert Rauschenberg.


An actor/director/screenplayer is made of.…

Daydreams, self-delusion, and true grit.



For you Cinema is.…

One of the few remaining forms of magic.



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

Absolutely. I worry that as time passes, people will stop watching black-and-white films altogether. I wish more people watched silent films as well. There is incredible artistry and a sense of magic about them. 



Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

I’m sure at some point I’ve had the Oscar acceptance daydream.



Do you think you're gonna win it? 

Most likely not, but you never know.

Which is the best Moment on set?

If the set means the art set assembled in the studio, it is the moment when the shooting is over and it is destroyed. I bow my head saying goodbye and thank you. And this set of my “URBAN CROW” is all images Midjourney dreamed of. Thank you for your wonderful invention.

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

Do not have. Well, I have a feeling that the Rush-edited movie “URBAN CROW,” which we previewed yesterday, is going to be a more scary movie in the future. This is because you can feel the wave that shakes the ethics and common sense of the people living in Japan.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

As the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot.

I made ~URBAN CROW_AI_music_video~ and made various AI-made women sing, and you can see all of this on the website,

I made SNACK URBAN CROW. This is a fictitious website that looks like a bar in Tokyo, Shibuya, Maruyamacho, where the movie "URBAN CROW" is set. 

https://rabbit421.wixsite.com/my-site

From here you can go to the SNACK URBAN CROW gallery You can see all the materials of the URBAN CROW project.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your Job?

What's wrong with getting sick? I think.

This is what happened after 30 years of cerebral infarction, orange juice, chocolate and cigarettes.

Similarly, the AI ​​produces images that don't look pretty, but we got them together and made them sing, this is a chorus group that didn't make it to the festival. It's a cute song called "Face Collapse GANMEN_HOHKAI_sisters", please look for it on SNACK URBAN CROW, you can also see it on TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilintokyo/video/7154551426444741889?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=ja-JP

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

A friend who saw ~URBAN CROW_AI_music_video~ sent me a message requesting me to write a love song, so I wrote the lyrics for my first love song in 40 years since high school. It's a song about a girl who flew into space to meet her lover on the theme of a spaceship. She was showered with the POISON her lover loved and flew off on the Spaceship"URBANCROW", which was refused docking by all stations due to the air quality being exceeded, and it's a love song that keeps wandering in space for years and years while singing the same song. It's a sad story. See, talent is joy!

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor/director/screenplayer?

Health will improve! Without it, none of these would be possible!

And without his ability as a producer, an actor/director/writer is nothing more than a chocolate assortment, right?

What's the worst critic you have received?

I was told by my wife and daughter not to listen to the song that AI for the URBAN CROW series I'm working on at dinner time.

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

Of course you are the original author! 

And I would like to say that she is a beautifully fighting producer like Reyna Hayakawa. On the other side of her, she is active as an artist of the KAWAII_project called “PIYOPIYO_RADIO”.

I will explain it because it is the Japanese version, it is a sad story where this yellow character tells the secret of his birth. I'm sure you can understand without words. Interesting!

If Cinema was a color what would it be?

This is also the third question in the list of nonsensical questions to ask a virgin girl. "Movies are not colors, they are scents"

A day without a movie is…

I don't know who the main character is in the movie "URBAN CROW", I've seen a movie with such a rhythm that the story is driven by a tremendous impatience that makes it feel like it's stuck forever, but the movie still doesn't move. No, it may be the unusual time experience of the movie “URBAN CROW”. It's a made in Japan movie you've never seen before!

If someone offered you to play/direct/write in/a movie that you despice but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept the job?

Of course, thank you! & Thanks!

This URBAN CROW's "EXPERIMENTAL ADVERTISING" may be the case, but the “URBAN CROW” that I made is an event in a different time and space that is not linked to the world view and image of the movie "URBAN CROW". I think there are new hints for advertising activities in this era.

Because I have an offer and you are here to call me, I think that becoming a media is a new form of advertising creator. Oh seriously! Lol !

What's your greatest ambition?

To make my daughter say Daddy is amazing!

What's your biggest fear?

Reyna Hayakawa producer doesn't say it's interesting! tears!

Does music helps you to play/direct, write?

Ah, the new song SAYONARA TOKYO / Apocalypse of URBAN CROW has a transposition for each phrase, that's the idea of ​​this song. It is a song to say goodbye to each person's memories of Tokyo.

https://www.tiktok.com/@aprilintokyo/video/7171036197752458497?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

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

Now, Tokyo subway advertising vision is silent, it will be a text-based video. I don't make nostalgic silent movies, but if I have a message, don't watch it! is. However, it makes me want to do a new MONTAGE experiment, an experiment to create new meanings. Experiment with new visual grammar!

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

Rubbish! thank you! You are all idiots! The movie "URBAN CROW" doesn't show any crows, it's a strange movie! And thank you for listening to my nonsense! Thank you so much!

Who's your biggest fan? 

James Franco. As a former student of his acting school, Studio 4, he hopes I do well. He did not participate in the making of my films in any way whatsoever, but he is aware of their progress. Franco brilliantly directed or produced other projects I've been on, such as THE DISASTER ARTIST, TENN, DARK HOURS: ROXANNA and several more. 

What brings you inspiration the most? 

Having a good story to tell and wanting it told in film format. I'm really passionate about this biz and enjoy connecting with other creative types.

Which actor or director would you like to work with?  

It would be an unforgettable experience to act under the guidance of Director Steven Spielberg or be on his crew.  Another Director I respect is Christopher Nolan. I named one of our characters in RINGS OF THE UNPROMISED after him, "Dr. Nolan Lineman," who is portrayed by the extraordinary Sergio Julian De Oliveira. I would like to act alongside Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz someday too. I attended a Broadway play of theirs in Manhattan in 2013, and that impacted me greatly.  

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

Yes, all of them! I'm a visual person. I grew up reading fashion magazines as a teenager. Photography is a game changer. Make images move and we're really rolling!  

What's the movie that taught you the most? 

Making my first movie FATE'S SHADOW. I learned filmmaking is a 3-legged stool -- skill or talent, sales & marketing, and behaviors. I do believe teamwork makes the dream work. 

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

Between 1999 - '02 I was just getting started with Background Artistry. Naysayers discouraged me from acting and I hung it up. The thrill of being on sets never left me though and I returned to Hollywood in 2014. 

On set what excites you the most? 

Wearing a Producer's hat, I am usually worried about logistics -- cast & crew, locations, etc. When I can change hats, and direct us beyond capturing the expected script basics, that's divine! Having the ability to create more visually from a set is very exciting and sometimes happens serendipitously!!  That's when being the Screenwriter, Director, Producer, and Actress all in one is an advantageous blend.  

And what scares you the most?  

Running out of time. Wish I would have started in this biz as that child watching Todd. But there are skills I bring to the table as a former magazine executive so that time wasn't wasted. 

Remembering my meticulous proofreading days of page layouts helped take Jay Scott Nixon's original story of THE WISTERIA MANOR to screen. TWM is a mix of artwork, photography and footage provided by Film Editor/Visual Artist Jeff Vernon with Cinematographer Craig Purdum.

What's your next project? 

RINGS OF THE UNPROMISED. It's in sound editing now with our highly-trained Composer R. Kim Shultz. Should be completed early 2023. 

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

Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman, my ex-husband's father was his Manager. Would be neat to go back in time and be friends with Walter Hyman Sr. He died before I met his son.  

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

Blood, sweat, tears...and big smiles.

For you Cinema is....

Satisfying.

Do you think Black & White movies have a powerful impact? 

Yes artistically and aesthetically.  Although statistics prove color increases sales by 40%. At least that is the logic I used selling advertising space in magazine pages. So would I ever shoot a film in B&W in modern times?  No. 

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar?

Yes.

Do you think you're gonna win it? 

God only knows. 

Your film Sister has a heavy focus on ghosts. What is your personal belief on the subject?

I don’t believe in ghosts in the traditional sense (eg a dead person who roams among the living). However, I believe that there are certain energies within people that can remain after they die creating a ghostly presence, such as the feeling of fear and dread when going to a place where someone had been murdered. For example, when I was scouting locations for the film, I found an old building that used to be a space for terminal AIDS patients in the 1980s, and one of the patients apparently had set himself on fire and died. Going to that exact location in the building had a very eerie presence as if the energy from that moment were still present. Quite frightening!

What are some of the real-life horror events/locations highlighted in the film?

There is a scene where Sister Jowi (played by award-winning actress Vasudha Krishnamoorthy) walks down a sidewalk by a creepy old house that once belonged to murderer H. H. Holmes, who would gas his victims. The scene where she encounters the ghost girl (played by Jada Buehler) was shot at the exact address where teenager Sylvia Likens was tortured and murdered in the 1960s. Jada’s horrific appearance in the film is inspired by the pictures of Sylvia’s body as she was found at the crime scene, so the horror of that scene feels so real. It was haunting just to be there! The church where Sister Jowi hears voices is the same church where mass murderer Jim Jones was a preacher when he lived in Indianapolis, and the audio is from a public domain recording of one of his sermons. It was creepy how when we reviewed footage of the scene, we noticed the curtains in the window seemed to be moving on their own even though there would have been no one inside; a ghostly encounter indeed!

What role do mythology and religion play in the film?

I have had a lifelong interest in the study of religion/spirituality. I went to Catholic school in my early years where learned a lot about church history and theology from my priest Father Tim and nun Sister Lenore. I studied mythology in high school, and in more recent years as a Freemason, I have extensively studied The Bible, The Quran, The Bhagavad Gita, and even The Book of Mormon. I also recently graduated from a theology program which I was studying while I made Sister. Outside of the obvious themes of Catholicism with the nun and priest characters and church setting, the film incorporates gnostic texts such as The Secret Book of John, which explores the origins of the universe, with the opening cosmic scene in Sister being inspired by events depicted in the text and the inclusion of the characters Sophia (played by pop star Anza) and the demon Yaldabaoth. I also include some Easter eggs and minor references that only Freemasons and those who have studied sacred texts will get, so to fully appreciate the film, read your Bible!

Sister star Vasudha Krishnamoorthy recently won awards for best actress at multiple film festivals for her role as Sister Jowi. What was it like to work with her?

Vasudha has been incredible to work with on Sister and other creative projects we have made together. We first met a few years ago when I was developing a comedy pilot called Cup of Joe about a group of workers and patrons at a local coffee shop. The production was constantly delayed and ultimately canceled, but I was enamored by Vasudha’s talents as an actress, so I chose to cast her in the starring role in Sister. Vasudha is a very talented actress and knows exactly how to perfectly evoke the emotions of the character in the scenes. I love how she helps me realize how I can be better as a director and always uplifts the cast and crew on the set. She would make a great Hollywood star if given the opportunity. She is one of the best creative talents to come into my life, and I look forward to seeing what movies and shows we make together as our film careers progress.

Do you have any professors or teachers from film school you are grateful for?

I am most thankful for my high school radio/TV teacher Mr. Randy Brist. He taught me the basics of filmmaking and I made my first film projects in his class. He also inspired a deeper appreciation for classic movies and classic rock music which has continued to now. I also am thankful for my high school English teachers Mr. Chuck Herber and Mrs. Janie Norman who taught me classic works of literature that have had a profound effect on my creative work, such as Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, Dante’s Inferno, and George Orwell’s 1984, and how to write creatively and effectively.

You achieve a lot with such a small budget. How were some of the special effects of the film achieved?

The demon Yaldabaoth was created by Derrick Childers, who works in Hollywood as a creature designer and special effects artist. Derrick and I were high school classmates in our radio/TV class. I was amazed by the level of detail in the design and how cool it is to have a physical creature instead of a CGI creation. When filming the demon scenes, I attached fishing wire to the creature and shot it in front of a green screen to make it look like the demon is floating/moving on its own, similar to the approach George Lucas took with the spaceship and creature shots when filming the original 1977 Star Wars. The opening cosmic sequence was achieved through a combination of the clever manipulation of royalty-free stock footage mixed with digital graphics. For the pool of blood, we mixed several bottles of cranberry juice with instant coffee. I was amazed that Vasudha was so okay with doing multiple takes pretending to drown in the liquids. She showed true dedication to her performance!

What are the next films you are working on after Sister?

We recently finished filming the sequel to Sister titled Sister II. The film stars Andi E. and Gabrielle Bousum as new nuns at the church who investigate the events of the first film. I am currently editing the film and intend to release it at film festivals at the end of 2022 or early 2023. We also plan to shoot the 3rd film in the series titled Sister III: The Lesser Key starting later this year with both actors from the first and 2nd film and new additions to the cast. I also have outlined ideas for other potential spinoffs for the series.

After Sister III, I would like to move into the genre of comedy as a way to branch out and not be stuck in just the horror realm. There is a script I have developed called Frieda From Attica, which is about a quirky young woman in a small town who dreams of becoming a “Disney” star. Some cast members from Sister may be involved.

Sister is your first feature-length film. What are your aspirations for your film career?

In the short term, I hope the film and its sequels continue to gain momentum at film festivals. It would be nice if the right people see the film, and we get a distribution deal or possibly investors for future bigger-budget projects. It would be nice to go to Hollywood or foreign countries to film movies if that were an option as well, but I also would love to see the film industry continue to grow in Indiana, as the state is more ideal for filmmaking than given credit for. I would be happy to keep Indianapolis as my base for filmmaking!

Ultimately, I hope my films will be among those which transcend cinema and become some of the favorites among film enthusiasts (i.e. The Criterion Collection, The National Film Registry). When I was in college, I got a chance to have dinner with the legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog, and I remember it being such an amazing experience to finally meet one of my favorite filmmakers in person and discuss deeply all things cinema. It would be a full full-circle experience to become the “Werner Herzog” to a “Colin Denhart” in the future!

How did your family react? 

During my childhood every parent in Iran wanted their children to be either doctor or engineer and every child wanted that too. So, when I went to England and studied at the Drama Centre and graduated as an actor and theatre director and when I phoned my parents and told them about my graduation they said: “We don’t understand your education, but we will call you Doctor”

Do you have a Muse or a Role Model?  

Elia Kazan, Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Curtiz. I want to tell you something very eye opening about Michael Curtiz. He would take a script and he would look at parts that could be very artistic from all aspects and when the film was finished you had Casablanca but when you look at the script in the beginning you would never think that script would have a chance to become one of the greatest movies of all time and that is what Michael Curtiz did, finding a stone and cutting it to become a jewel, that is something. When you look at Casablanca and see the way how he has directed and blocked actors in the street or in the club it is as he was directing a group of Ballerina’s. That’s the way they move.

Who's your biggest fan? 

My DAUGHTER

What brings you inspiration the most? 

When I am challenged to create something that is my happiest moment.  I like swimming in a bundle of problems of creating a film or theatre play and come out of it. 

Which actor or director would you like to work with? 

I like to work with actors who have the skill and like to take the risk and build and bring a character that you could never imagine. It is like being a child and being taken to a mobile theatre for the first time which shows fascinating pictures in two dimensions.

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

 I am not going to say better but definitely different because when you read the book you direct it in your head in different ways as long as you read the book first. If you read the book after seeing the movie you need to have a lot of patience to finish the book.

What's the movie that taught you the most? 

Every movie has a different flavour, colour, and stimulation and as you grow older your taste and your priority change. You look at things differently, e.g., you look at everything with deeper angles and that makes you more philosophical, more understanding and more forgiving. As a child if you look at something everything is shallow, and you would not like it anymore when you are older. You learn from all the movies, bad or good. 

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

No, never.

On set what excites you the most? 

Good & believable performances like characters larger than life. Quality acting so you forget where you are and takes you away from reality out of your chair. 

And what scares you the most? 

Flop of the show.

What's your next project?

I hope to find a producer to make a feature film of London Gangstah. I think it would be a great and very funny movie and we can make a successful trilogy of it. Hopefully a producer will come along after this festival. 

And also I have more original scripts I am working on in new genres and unusual beautiful and interesting stories which I am open to share with producers who are interested.

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

I really admire van Gogh. He always amazed me how with one set of colours he showed you the whole world

An actor/director/screen player is made of....

110% feeling and sensitivity

For you Cinema is.... 

LIFE & Creating Magic

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

Absolutely.

Have you ever dreamed of winning an Oscar? 

Since I was a child every minute of my life. 

Do you think you're gonna win it? Yes, I will.

 I am waiting for it. Give me a chance and I make it happen.