What’s a defining moment that shaped you as an artist?
I was always a creative kid; a musician, I liked to draw, I loved to write stories. I wrote a 180 page teen novel when I was about 14. I loved photography and making “movies”, though I didn’t realize when I was a kid that being a “movie maker” was a path accessible to someone like me, given my background.
The most important moment for me was when I was 19 and I made a silly short horror film with my cousins over the summer while vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard. We were mostly playing around, but I decided to work on it until completion. I edited it, burned the DVD and left a copy for my uncle to view after I left the island.
He was blown away – which is crazy, because it was terrible in hindsight! – and told me that I needed to pursue being a filmmaker; that I should make movies! The next fall at college, I changed my focus to filmmaking. “The rest is history.”
Have you ever considered giving up on the creative industry? If so, what kept you going? If not, what is it that reassures you that you’re on the right path?
One thousand times. It’s like driving at night down a dark road to a destination for which you don’t have the address or directions, with no headlights or street lamps. You’re just hoping that at some point you will pass a gas station or eventually see the city lights on the horizon… But, there is no Plan B.
It’s hard to explain in words what keeps me pursuing this… It’s a feeling. An inclination. A premonition. Jumping and the net appearing is the reassurance. A voice from over the shoulder: “You have something that you’re supposed to do.” Not to mention my love for entertaining people and bringing my ideas and vision to life. I also can’t forget my family’s support and the support of my collaborators who are down for the mission.
What are some goals that you have yet to achieve, if any?
I have many goals, but the main one is producing my first feature. I have not completed my first feature yet, but it is in the works! We have shot 1/4 of it. Also, at some point, I want to work on music again and release an album.
Another big dream of mine is to film a feature or series in Barbados. I have been longing for this for about 10 years now. My first 2 short films that I made as an adult were shot in Barbados. I won the grand prize for the 2016 Barbados 90-second Film Festival and this was the first festival where I ever won an award, which I have never forgotten.
I already have a full treatment finished for a feature that takes place in Bim, it’s a dramedy. I also have another feature, a horror/thriller, that I’m outlining. One day, I hope to make these films come to life!
Of all of the projects you’ve worked on, which one was the most creatively fulfilling?
Filmmaking-wise, my short film “The Taking” very much felt like a ‘weight’ was lifted off of my shoulders. That film allowed me to express the frustrations I was experiencing from life’s growing pains. My next short, “Hunted,” which is a horror film, will be coming out very soon. It was pure fun and games to make—we had a blast!
For my ‘day job,’ I do a ton of food and beverage photography for restaurants and food brands, which I find very enjoyable and fun. We take the work very seriously, but you also have to have fun with it!
How do you stay true to yourself while evolving as a filmmaker?
I lean into my hyperfixations on various random and weird topics so that I can make movies about things I actually care about and am interested in that feel fresh and very me. I’m fully on board with “indie or die.” There is no one above to check me at this juncture, so everything I get to create is all me.
I also watch and study movies constantly so that I can feel confident in the stories I write.
And the most important element: I don’t care what other people think of me—I run a strict program about this. Because not caring what other people think of you has to be the most radical form of self acceptance.
Be weird on purpose. Let them cringe! Let them ____! Whatever it is. If you love what you’re creating, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. If it’s polished and well made, the audience will find it eventually. My work will be for who it’s for.
