MATRIX FILM FEST

Did you study in any film school or private course? Or did you learn to make movies on your own? 

I was actually educated in law. That’s closer to bad theater than film. In all seriousness, I have no film education, but I have certainly been a student and lover of film for many years. As Quentin Tarantino said (it may be apocryphal), the best film school is to make a movie with no money. So that’s how I learned. 

 

How many years have you been making movies and how did you get started in movies? 

I made a short Stephen King adaptation in late December of 2022 into early January of 2023. That was my first project. I enjoyed it and it went well, but I knew I could do better. So I shot two feature films in 2023, “Group” and “Immersion”, and wrote some additional screenplays as well. 

 

So I began filming my very first project, which will remain unreleased, about thirteen months ago. 

 

One of the problems that we filmmakers have is that we are not like the actors or the technical team, who work with many different productions and can learn different ways of doing things. Normally we only attend our own shoots. Have you had the opportunity to assist in the shooting of other people or are you usually only in your own shoots? If yes, is there anything that caught your attention? 

 

No, I have never had the experience of seeing another shoot. But I insist upon collaboration. I listen to the thoughts and suggestions of others. My goal is to make the best film possible, not to be a dictator on set. Everyone is trying to make my vision reality. If they think there is a better idea or suggestion than mine, we’ll try it and see if it gets the result I’m looking for.  

 

What budget did you have for your project? 

Less than $75,000.00 (USD) 

 

Is it self financed? 

I obtained some financing, but I funded the rest. 

 

Any anecdote that you can tell us about the filming? 

During the middle of Renata’s take, a small fire started in the catering área. With the help of some friends (who happen to be successful podcasters) we were able to stop the fire without stopping the take or causing any damage. It was hectic but good. 

 

What are you most proud of about this project? 

The performances of the actors. They astounded me. Every time I watch the film, I am mesmerized all over again. 

 

And what less? What would you change if you could go backwards? 

More time, I suppose. I think we made the best movie possible with the incredibly difficult schedule we had, with the WGA and SAG strikes staring us in the face. Shooting chronologically. Weather considerations. I can always see things I wish had been better, but I can never be completely satisfied with my work. 

 

Did you comply with the shooting plan or did it take longer than expected? 

We were precisely on schedule. The planning and execution were phenomenal. It’s a minor miracle, honestly.  

 

Fincher says that if a director can translate into a film 70% of what he had in mind, he can be more than satisfied. What % do you think you have achieved in this project? 

I think it is 90% what I dreamed, but better than I realistically hoped. 

 

If you had unlimited budget. Which actor and actress would you like to work with? 

I love the actors I work with and have worked with them again (and will continue to!) But on a future film, with an unlimited Budget, I would want to work with Isabelle Huppert and Michael Keaton. They’re spectacular actors and they can play any role with genuine conviction and power. 

 

Your favorite movie? 

The Godfather (a basic answer but it’s a perfect film). 

 

And filmmaker? 

David Lynch and Michael Haneke (I cannot choose). 

 

What is the scene that has impacted you the most? 

The opening scene from Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and the gas station scene from the Coen Brother’s “No Country For Old Men”. Both are absolute perfection. 

 

If you could do a remake of a movie, what would it be? 

“Halloween 2”. I think “Halloween” is nearly perfect, but the sequel is weak by comparison. I would like a chance to do a genuine sequel that honors the original. 

 

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Do you think you will continue making movies? 

All I want to do is keep making films. Being a father and making films are the two most enjoyable and rewarding things I have experienced in life.