I start most interview publications with an expression of ‘what it felt like’ with my interviewing personality. This time I was intimidated. Epic DC Coles is one of the most experienced directors in the northern hemisphere. And yes, it did feel good.
Oladapo: Give A Concise Biography Of Yourself
DC Coles: I’m a 2 time Award Nominated Director, Writer, Producer, Acting Coach “DC” Coles. I have been on the scene for 23 years. I have directed, produced, written Over 90 music videos and 7 films to date.
Oladapo: How Would You Describe Your Acting?
DC Coles: I’ m extremely passionate and have what many call a very Signature style-I would contribute this too my visual style-based on me from childhood wanting to be a photographer-so imagery is very key to what I do-not to forget to mention that I have studied acting intensely from age of 13 years old-and it was my second major in college (my first being Psychology-which I also contribute to my ability to work with actors).
Oladapo: How Did You Get Into Directing?
DC Coles: I’ve always been interested in the behind-the-scenes part of a production- even as I pursued a career as an actor I found the work behind the scenes as interesting-what made things go further in that direction was -I was an actor on an indie music video for a friend of mine-and I was so impressed with this new art-form (this was back in the mid 80s) it was at that exact point I decided to enter film school and realized this is where I could marry my love for photography, storytelling, as an actor and utilize music as well (which i also was involved with from an early age)-so to me this satisfies all my personal desires-as well as the ability to entertain, move, inspire ,encourage and to say how I feel about anything; I love it. Lol.
Oladapo: Did you study Directing?
DC Coles: I studied directing on a University level (theatre directing) and when I went to TV/film school.
Oladapo: Do You Operate On Instincts When Directing?
DC Coles: I choose my projects based on the elements-to be specific does the project have any substance-for me; I’m a former sport fanatic (Lol) with that in mind I enjoy challenges, I welcome work that helps me grow and creates the foundation in which I could experiment-I have so many ideas I want to try and certain projects speak to me that way-I also welcome the opportunity to do things I haven’t done or that its not typical-I hate typical projects that we’ve seen way too many times-that doesn’t attract me at all- and sometimes I take on a project because of the purpose of the project; all and all I enjoy project that will have some type of impact once released.
Oladapo: Briefly Describe A Few Wrong Impressions About Directing?
DC Coles: Some think its easy, some think its just as simple as saying action and cut, and some don’t understand that the director has the responsibility to bring all the elements together to make it work (i.e., actors, crew, editing, lighting, the score, etc.) many visit my sets and leave thinking I could do what he does its easy – well in my defense as a film-making associate said to another up-coming filmmaker-…well it took 20 years for “DC” to make it look easy……Lol
Oladapo: Do You Often Take Courses In Directing To Increase Your Craft?
DC Coles: I should…Lol…but I’m a student of film-making so I’m constantly ready, watching, and listening to the greats; I’m one of those who once I have the foundation I jump into the pool and learn how to swim that way, Lol.
Oladapo: What Books Do You Read?
DC Coles: ‘Respect for Acting by Uta Hagens
Oladapo: How Do You Keep in Shape as an Director?
DC Coles: I’ m a gym rat and personal trainer of sorts. Lol.
Oladapo: Why Would You Choose an Actor, Writer or Producer? What Do You Look For?
DC Coles: Well I’ m a vibe personality first and foremost. I like speaking to and/or meeting in person possible talent to feel them out first and then move forward to what they have to bring to the project at hand because being involved in these projects are like a marriage to me, while we’re in it we both have to get along well and be invested in giving our all into the goal at hand by any means.
Oladapo: When You Are Offered a Project, What Things Do You Put in Place to Deliver a Good Job?
DC Coles: My team and who’s on the team is crucial from the co-producers, the DP, the gaffer, sound person, 1st AD and of course the talent. Production can be very trying and if you don’t have the team in place to deal with any/all issues that may come up than you’re setting yourself up for sabotage. Lol.
Oladapo: Briefly Explain Your Latest Work?
DC Coles: One of my most recent project was a short film called “Product of My Environment”; I was called upon to write, direct and produce this short film which is based on a true story/book; take place in the 1980s, it’s a drama and coming of age story (later to turn into a Feature film).
Oladapo: What ‘thing/situation’ Helps You During a Production?
DC Coles: What works best for me is when my above the line team is all in sync and I can focus 200% on the work. I’m such a multi-takser and can be so hands-on that I feel so good when I don’t have to micro-manage. Lol. The team I have right now, which has Daniela Sanchez – (We interview Daniel Sanchez next week), as Head of Production, Bonnie Dennis as co-producer and at times my 1st AD and Miki Holiday and Music Supervision Mark Millions Mangum.
Oladapo: Explain a Creative Choice You Took On Set of A Recent Production?
DC Coles: Made a choice on-set that I wanted to go a different direction in the look/feel of certain scenes in the short film “Product Of My Environment”. I am the guy that sits in front of the monitor and at the last minute an idea may come or I will want to experiment and do something different. Many find me crazy for working that way, lol. But that’s the only way I can work. I like to have the freedom to add/subtract and create on the spot, because at the end of the day I have to push myself, because I get bored very easily so if I’m not creating (even on set) its boring to me, which to me means it’ll be boring to the viewers.
Oladapo: How Do You Advice Directors to Find Projects?
DC Coles: Well, my advice is always the same, work! Even if you have to create your own work, do it so you can showcase your abilities and promote promote your self, you’re your best brand. Lol
Oladapo: How Can Filmmakers Finance Their Projects?
DC Coles: Some find grants, some just simply ask around for money or get a team that has the same mind and everyone puts together the Dollars to bring it to reality. I have been doing this recently and many have called me the Citizen Kane of indie films, but I call myself ‘Black Scorsese’ (Lol)!
Oladapo: What Do You Want From an Actor During A Production?
DC Coles: I want talent to give their all plus more (Lol) and stay focused on what we’re trying to do with the project; I hate when a talent comes to the set unprepared and not ready to dive into the pool head first.
Oladapo: How Do You Prefer To Work with a Producer during a Production?
DC Coles: I always prefer to work with a producer during production, especially one that doesn’t know what “NO” means. Lol. Again I am very hands-on and I micro-manage often but having a producer right there really makes my job that much easier.
Oladapo: Do you get offers from film industries? Hollywood, Bollywood or Nollywood?
DC Coles: Not as of yet, unless you include projects that were just spoken about and not done (Lol). I get those often from so-called Hollywood folk (Lol).
Oladapo: What Do You Think a Director Can Do to Get Into the Film Industry?
DC Coles: The answer is the same, work and promote your work.
Oladapo: Who Is Your Favorite Director?
DC Coles: Martin Scorsese, and Micheal Mann
Oladapo: Why is this Director your favorite?
DC Coles: I ’m a student of Martin Scorsese’s way of storytelling and visual style, whereas Michael Mann visuals are sick to me (remember I’m a fan of Interesting Visuals, Lol)
Oladapo: What Advice Would You Give Amateur Directors around the World?
DC Coles: Study the greats then go out there even if you have no money (yes I said no money) and do the work, your best way to learn is to do it, and welcome mistakes and failures- that’s how you grow and become better- trust the mistakes and failures as learning tools.
A selected catalog of DC Coles work is below
- Syler – All For Leyna – Music Video
- D. ELLIS -Move Your Body Like A Stripper – Music Video
- Destiny’s Child – No, No, No Part 1 – Music Vide0
- Ericka June- Work The Middle – Music Video
- J.T. Money – Who Dat Feat. Sole’ – Music Video
- Lady Of Rage – Get With Da Wickedness – Music Video
- Snoop Dogg – Midnight Love – Music Video
- Naughty By Nature – Klickow-Klickow feat. Rottin Razkals, Cruddy Click & Road Dawgs – Music Video
- “A Tortured Life” 5.2 Films Trailer
- “The Wax Seal” Trailer
