When did you realised you wanted to be a Filmmaker\Actor\Writer?

I grew up in the movie business.  With my parents, we traveled to wherever the movie they were working on was shooting.   I knew I wanted to be in this business too!



Do you remember your first time at the Movies?



I'm not sure it's the very first time but I do remember going to the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood and seeing "Dr Doolittle" (The original) - it was a huge screen and magical.

If you should change country where would you like to work?



I'd like to work anywhere in the world, that's the beauty of this business that we get to travel!   In my early years of working, I got to go to Hungary, Austria and Brasil for different movies.

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

Oh, good question - in my career??  Well, the first movie when I got into the DGA was Terminator 2 - was 7 months of filming in some of the most difficult locations and long days.    Also, George of the Jungle was such fun with all the silly things we go to shoot and we had an elephant and got to go to Hawaii!



What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

I don't know about acting schools.   Filmmaking schools are good for the basics of filmmaking but you really don't learn until you are on the set doing the job.   I believe it's best to start at the bottom and work your way up so you can see all the ins and outs of what all the other crew does to get a show done. 

Have you ever hated your ambition?



Well, when there was a time back many years - I was frustrated, not working and just couldn't figure out how to get a job, I did consider trying to find a new career!   But in reality, this is a fantasic business to be able to work together with so many people to create entertainment.

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



I wouldn't say sick.  :)  BUT it is always a mix of quirky, talented people who I'm not sure would fit anywhere else.   Some relate it to the circus!

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



I see my childhood traveling to the Bahamas with my parents while my dad worked on Day of the Dolphin - I went to a 3 room schoolhouse for school.  I see going to Louisiana one hot summer with my Mom while she worked on Mandingo.    We went to the Dominican Republic one summer while my dad worked in the jungles on Sorcerer.    So many adventure.  This is definitely not the film school answer but I didn't go to film school.   I lived the filmmaker life with my folks.

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



Walter Hill, Director/Writer, I spend 4 + movies with.   He was such a force on the set and besides that, was loyal to his crew and trusted people to do their jobs.    And he has done so much in his life.   I'd love to work with him again.  

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



My biggest dream is to produce the movies that I have waiting here in my hand.  I can't think about worst nightmares - but in the past actual nightmares as an assistant directors are wondering if everyone got their call times and is the day going to go well!

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



I would like to become a producer but have a lot to learn.    I am editing my documentary now as producer/director and it is quite a project and I've learned a lot.    

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?



Young Frankenstein?   Whatever Happened to Baby Jane  - Although 2 movies that should probably never be remade!

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

Honestly, it's my mom.   She continually has supported me.   But she has written books and offered them to me to produce, she and I took writing classes together.  I'd love to get my documentary finished and even more so she can see.

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

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

I do have a script that has The Gambia as a location.   I'd love to be able to go to Africa for the movie.   I think I'll need a great writer to do a pass on my script and a studio to love it enough to want to make it!



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

No.  If you are creative, be creative!  Don't put yourself in a box of sadness.  



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

First off, I'm really thrilled that Hey Alexa is so well received.   Although a short film (that I funded myself), it was an original story I wrote myself and somehow pulled off to be what I imagined in my head.   Makes me feel like the other scripts I have, could really be done!   I'd love to get my other work picked up.  My documentary needs funding to do the fine finishing of post production, would be amazing to find a company that would consider it. One step leads to another step, right?