Month: April 2017

Interview with Film Director: KarynRose Bruyning

My name is KarynRose Bruyning and I’m the July in Christmas in July 1982 productions. It’s my mission in life to make dope art that makes you feel something.

What inspired you to become a film director?

I fell in love with Spike Lee’s work in the 5th grade. I snuck and watched it (lol). Then Boyz N the Hood and Poetic Justice and there were these conversations about John Singleton and the more I heard the more I wanted to know. This idea that I could be the one that made movies stayed with me as I started  directing theater in high school.

How did you learn the craft of directing? What skills are needed to be a great director (in your opinion)?

My mentor was a theater director. When I was 13/14 she would let me sit next to her in rehearsals, ask questions, and make suggestions. I learned that a great director has vision and the ability to bring out the best in their cast.

Do you think it’s necessary that a director know the basics of the camera in order to be a successful/well rounded director?

Knowing the camera makes your life easier as a film director. When I first started,  I relied far too much on my partner/ director of photography,  Artemus Jenkins, to know what I wanted. I was obnoxious and he was gracious though he inevitably made me start shooting every once in a while.

How do you earn a living and sustain a career doing what you love?

I count myself as lucky to be able to make my living as an artist. Whether it’s work for hire or teaching classes with a nonprofit organization, I live my life as an artist.

What do you look for when looking for a project?

I most recently directed a piece written by Ebony Blanding and it was smart with so much style! I guess that’s what I look for.

How would you describe your process working with the actors?

I study people and have learned how to get the best from the people that I work with. That may be a byproduct of teaching.

Can you describe the process casting and working with your actors?

I always know what I’m looking for when it comes to casting. I also work with a lot of the same people because the vibe on set is important to me.

How has your style evolved?

The art is the place where I’ve always been most honest and most confident. The art is the place where I’ve always spoken from the soul. In this way, my style has been consistent.

What’s next for you?

I have a few shorts and another Web series I’m working in the new year.

How can we keep in touch with you?

Christmasinjuly1982.com @thekarynrose on twitter/Instagram 

Shivawn Hill, is a writer, director and a storyteller at heart. She’s currently in production with her short documentary film. She believes that one day soon she’ll form the ultimate group of Storytellers who will travel the world to share the stories of creative peculiar people. Come hang out with her on Instagram.

Interview with Filmmaker: LaKesha Lorene

What’s up family! It’s LaKesha Lorene actress, director, and CEO of Loving Life Productions LLC. Thanks for coming on this journey with me!

 

 

What inspired you to become a film director?

I really love the creative process of bringing a script to life. Whether it’s directing my own films or working with a client on commercial ideas to promote their product, bringing stories to life in ways that are creative and true to the vision of the creator never gets old to me.

 

How did you learn the craft of directing? What skills are needed to be a great director (in your opinion)?

I began directing as an actor/director. I’ve acted professionally since a child at 8 years old, (I’m now 28) and still working and growing. As an actor, I’ve worked with and sat under a lot of great directors who I’ve learned from along with doing my own independent study of the craft. So, for many years I was on the other side of the camera (I still am) so it’s cool to see projects from both aspects. I learned a lot while directing my first film Earth Cry that went on to win an Award of Merit at the Gary International Black Film Festival and was an official selection for five other prominent film festivals. To be a good director you need to have a good understanding of first the message of a script, the end goal of the film, and what is needed to bring out the poignant moments from the actors that carry the storyline.

 

Do you think it’s necessary that a director know the basics of the camera in order to be a successful/well rounded director?

I think it is important for directors to know the craft. Communicating with the set crew quickly and efficiently is key. It’s important for directors to know the types of shots, names of camera transitions/angles, as well as basic camera movement terminology.

 

How do you earn a living and sustain a career doing what you love?

I’m actively working towards doing what I love full time. With my company and corporate work currently it feels like I have three full time jobs! But It’s exciting because entertainment is a constant grind so I’m constantly learning and growing on the way to the destiny that God has for me.

 

What do you look for when looking for a project?

When I’m looking for a project to work in front of the camera (acting), I’m looking for an interesting story, real characters, and something that moves me. What’s great about film is the relatability of the storylines and characters. I’m always looking for the humanity in the characters of the film.

 

How would you describe your process working with the actors?

I’m like the second mom they’ve never had! (laughs). I’m very by-the- book, stern but fun. I have a clear vision of what I want to see in each character but I like to make sure my actors are working to develop the characters with their own spin and backstory. I’m very hands-on with the actors I work with because I want to push them to work on literally becoming the character they are portraying by the time we are on set and they hear “ACTION!” Just like with anything, the more you think about motivation of a movement or look, the intent of a line, and the reason why this character is the way they are, it helps you connect to who you are playing. If it becomes real to the actor, it will translate as real on camera and to the audience. My job while working on the other side of the camera is to get the actor to the point where it becomes REAL.

 

How has your style evolved?

My style is constantly evolving. When I’m working in front of the camera I love playing very layered characters. Behind the camera, I enjoy finding ways to show inspirational content that is totally outside the box.

 

I noticed that you also are the CEO of an entertainment production company, Loving Life Productions LLC. What made you decide to form a production company?

I started my company Loving Life Productions LLC in January of 2015. It’s been such an amazing journey producing, directing, and acting in the film projects produced as well as working with clients to help their visions come to life. I decided to start my company because I wanted the chance to present themes of faith in a way that is relatable and reaches people from all walks of life.

What did that process look like?

The process wasn’t an instantaneous process at all. I have a vision list, actually dating back to 2006 of goals that I would pray on and owning a company was one of them. Once graduating college in 2012, I seriously began pursuing taking the steps to get the proper filings and legal procedures to start my LLC. So, the first step after researching the different business entities and deciding which is the best fit for your company, is contacting your secretary of state and filing your LLC.

 

Did you have people already in mind to be a part of your production company?

You know, initially, I didn’t at all. I reached out to a couple of people I knew of but just prayed for the right people to work with. So, I started my company, went through the proper procedures of filing the paperwork but had no idea who would be a part of my team. My videographer Victor Miller and DP/Editor Chris Fry, literally fell in my lap. Our core and the way we work together just flowed since my first film “Earth Cry.” We’ve been rolling ever since.

 

What advice do you have someone who is thinking about starting their own production company?

The first thing I hope people leave with from me is that “no matter how young you are; don’t think you have to wait to go for your dreams!”

I’m a young woman and just like the corporate world there are some challenges that come with being an owner or director as a female. But living my dream by doing what God has called me to do is so rewarding and worth every sacrifice and challenge that may come along the way.

Additionally, I strongly advise anyone pursuing owning their own company to seek as much information and guidance as possible. I come from a family of entrepreneurs with my mother who has owned her Preschool for over 28 years and uncle who owns a lawn care service, so owning is in our family history. But if you don’t have anyone within your family or immediate contacts who can help you with your business plan, I strongly suggest reading up on creating proposals, take business classes, get a mentor, network in the location you live, and get acquainted first with state laws and certifications needed for the entertainment industry. Some certification requirements are applicable by state only. Think and learn before you leap!

 

What’s next for you?

This May, I’m playing the lead in a musical called “The Wedding Bells” by Nicole Kearney, working on a music video for a single from my latest film “Lost,” writing another film project, and organizing another workshop for the entertainment community of Indianapolis. I feel extremely blessed to be working and creating work in this industry at this level. I’m excited about how God will continue to blow my mind with new opportunities to grow in this crazy beautiful world I love called “entertainment!”

How can we keep in touch with you?

My personal website is lakeshalorene.com

You can stay connected with me on IG @LaKeshaLorene

My company website is lovinglifeproductions.com

You can follow my company on IG @Loving_Life_Productions_LLC

 

Shivawn Hill, is a writer, director and a storyteller at heart. She’s currently in production with her short documentary film. She believes that one day soon she’ll form the ultimate group of Storytellers who will travel the world to share the stories of creative peculiar people. Come hang out with her on Instagram.

Interview with Screenwriter: Thais Duarte 

My name is Thais Duarte and I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in Brazil and currently live in Dubai for the past 3 years, working as an international flight attendant. I’ve been aiming to make it in the screenwriting industry for a few years, but my passion for films and telling stories about women, dates back from as far as I was a 14-year-old. My radical feminist beliefs go hand-in-hand with my storytelling and I wanna share the point-of-view of non-white females who are often overlooked by the media, yet still face the patriarchy head on.

What was the moment that defined you choosing screenwriting?

I would have to say it took me a while to realize that this could be a real career path for me. Growing up, it was difficult to see myself as someone sharing my stories in the big or small screen due to the fact that I believed it to be impossible, if you are not in Hollywood, or even in the US and the chances of ever breaking in were close to zero. After I left Brazil, it became clear to me that there really is no borders that could get in the way of a passionate, dedicated filmmaker. I decided to pursue my goals while having my day-job because I knew I needed to see people like me and my friends represented and didn’t want to wait for someone else to speak for me. 
What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?

Be the most YOU that you can be when writing your words. You might have to tone down your corky and weird side on your day-to-day life, but your characters need to come alive and the only way to do that, is letting it all out. Usually when writing my first drafts I try to be as crazy as possible and that’s where the personality of my protagonists come from. I do a lot of people watching as well, something that never fails to provide good bits of dialogue. Your friends can have amazing one-liners without even being aware of it, so take advantage of the interesting people in your life. 
What questions should a writer ask herself prior to crafting her story? Take us through your script writing process.

Ask yourself “do I love this enough that I am willing to commit a big chunk of my days to this story?” If the answer is yes, then go for it. You need to feel overwhelmed every time someone asks you what is your script about, because it’s just so important to you that you need to hold back from going on and on about it for hours. That’s when you know your story is worth telling. 


I tend to watch some films or series that are related to the script I want to write before I get started, to give myself the right boost. I always write extensive character bios and try to know them as much as possible, asking myself questions like “What would they be listening to on this Sunday morning?” or “How would they react to this real life breaking news I just heard?” and go from there. After my first draft, I back away from my script for about a month, before continuing with the next drafts, which gives me a good perspective (and usually makes me go “what was I thinking when I wrote this?” haha)
What movies or stories inspire your creativity?

Movies like “I Shot Andy Warhol”, “Go Fish” and “Born In Flames” are some that come to mind. I love how unapologetically radical they are. As far as screenwriting goes, Tarantino takes the cake, for me and “Death Proof” is an excellent example of an exploitation b-movie done right.
As a writer you have the choice of writing for films, television or web series. Out of the three do you have a preference and if so why? Also is there a major difference in any of the three when trying to convey a story?

I started out focusing on film, but have found that two of my most beloved stories are best told as television material, so writing for TV has become my main goal. I particularly like to dive in the world that I am creating in details and lately TV has been THE place for female writers and directors who want to introduce less mainstream characters and topics. Viewers become more involved with episodic content and there is more room for character growth, as well.


What organizations are you apart of as a screenwriter?

I recently joined ASA – American Screenwriters Association and have my eyes on Writers Guild of America and POWER UP films for 2017.
How do you deal with writers block?

It always helps me, when I am having a bad case of writers block, to just write the most absurd outcome to that scene that I can possibly think of. After I get a good laugh out of it, there is the chance of some of the craziness turning out to be useful somehow, maybe even later in the script. Not writing at all and waiting for inspiration to magically show up never works for me. It has the risk of putting you in that comfortable position of avoiding your writing while you feel like you are giving yourself a perfectly good excuse. Don’t fall for it.
What’s next for you?

My big project for the next 2 years is bringing the pilot of my series to life. I want to get together with a team and shoot a low-budget pilot for this project that has been my biggest priority for the past 3 years. I want to keep on improving my craft and also have a couple more ideas waiting to be outlined, so busy days are ahead!

How can we keep in touch? 

You can contact me via my instagram account @girldressedinnoir where I am most active.
Shivawn Hill, is a writer, director and a storyteller at heart. She’s currently in production with her short documentary film. She believes that one day soon she’ll form the ultimate group of Storytellers who will travel the world to share the stories of creative peculiar people. Come hang out with her on Instagram.