Gene Blalock Upping The Ante with His Latest Feature “Seize the Night”

I’ve always loved stories. As a child, I would spend hours alone in my room reading. I remember my sister and I staying up all night writing stories that used our stuffed animals to perform. We would write and illustrate all these ridiculous narratives that we would bring with us and read on car trips. The first film I recall where I thought, “I wish I could do that,” was E.T., but living in rural Virginia, the idea that I could tell a story and affect people like that was not even something to consider.

indieactivity: How did you get into the film business?
Gene Blalock (GB): I sort of fell into it. I’ve always loved movies, but it was never something I thought I could do. As a kid, I was told creativity and art were hobbies, something to do on the weekends or vacations between your real job. It was not a profession. Lucky for me, I was never good with authority, so I never listened to such wisdom. I’ve always tried to live a life of my own making. I went to film school in Chicago but then chose to perform music which took me away from filmmaking for a while. When I took a break from performing, I started making short films and remembered why I had studied film in the first place.

Watch the Official Trailer for Seize The Night (Carpe Noctem) directed by Gene Blalock

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Tell us about the directing work you have done?
Gene Blalock (GB): I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve been able to make a lot of different content; documentaries, short films, web series, and features. The work with various people in the process is even more important to me. Making a film is magical, but it takes a lot of effort by many individuals, any one of whom can either make a film a lot better or a lot worse. I think a lot of my best work has come from the remarkable efforts that I’ve received from actors, DPs, composers, and crew. Really, any success I have belongs in large part to them.

What do you want to change about the film business?
Gene Blalock (GB): I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with “the film business.” Any time you put the word “business” into something, it destroys the art. I hate the business side of things. Luckily, I don’t have to deal with that side of it much these days. There are others around me that are much better at that side of things than I am.

But, I think mostly attitude. There are a lot of people who have this grand sense of worth about themselves and what they do. There is a lot of gatekeeping that happens in this industry. People worry that if you get your film funded or speak with their contact, it means they will miss out. The indie world is better, but it still happens. That’s why I enjoy working with the people I do. We just want to create something, and we love what we do.

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What do you want from an actor during production?
Gene Blalock (GB): Communication and a willingness to try to step outside their comfort zone to try something that may not be as conventional as previous roles. I think there is often a lot more to a character or story than what is written on the page. I want to collaborate with actors to try and find what makes their characters different than the ones they have portrayed in the past

How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
Gene Blalock (GB): It depends on the producer. I prefer not to work with producers during a production. Obviously, they are a necessary part of the production, but they are usually focused more on the business side of things, and that can often wear on the creative side. It’s really important to find a producer to help you create while ensuring the film stays on schedule and budget. When I find someone like that, it all just clicks.

What advice would you give directors around the world?
GB: First, understand that everything I’m saying is likely rubbish. That said, there has never been a better time to get into film. Anyone can acquire a decent camera and start shooting. We all carry 4K cameras in our pockets these days. But that also means there are a lot of people trying to get into the industry without putting in the time necessary to learn their craft. Get out and shoot. Make mistakes. Explore. Experiment. Learn as much as you can about every aspect of filmmaking. The more you understand, the better you will be able to communicate with your team and talent.

Don’t wait around. I often hear, “I can’t make my film because I need five million dollars.” Don’t make that film right now. Find a story you can tell with the resources you have. You can save the expensive story for after you have shown you can make smaller films. If you wait for Hollywood to drop money in your lap to make your film, chances are you will never make a film

Briefly write about our career?
GB: My career is probably best exemplified by the films I’ve done – some better, some not as great. I will share that I have had amazing opportunities to work with incredibly talented people, both in front and behind the camera. Working with good people makes directing exciting and fun and has helped me to explore what we can capture on film.

What is next for you?
GB: I currently have two films in post-production, Alone Time and Keepsake. Alone Time is mostly done, and we will be presenting our first screening next month. Beyond that, I have a lot of ideas for new stories, but I am not sure what’s next. I’ve given up making concrete plans; it’s pointless. Any firm plans I make are a waste of time, so we will just have to see. It makes life more interesting that way.

Make sure to also check out the latest released feature film “Seize the Night” (Carpe Noctem)

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Tell us what you think of the interview with Gene Blalock. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Twitter. http://geneblalock.com/

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