Exclusive Interview with Actor, Playwright & Director Tina Batten

As a producer of ‘Faith-Based’ films it was truly under the promptings and guidance of the holy spirit that lead me to the filmmaking business. All I did was simply feed the desire that burns in my belly. The rest is history. If you would have told me years ago I would be making movies, I most likely wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve always been heavily involved in sports and performing arts growing up but honestly dancing was my first love. I’ve always enjoyed writing as a hobby but it wasn’t until I turned my life over to the Lord when the gift of visual storytelling was unleashed then magnified within me. I’ve been writing ever since.

indieactivity: You’re a PlayWright & Producer; so your work on the entire film process back to back. You never stop working?
Tina: True. It really feels as if I never stop working for sure. I move from one project to the next with no hesitation. There are times when two or more projects will overlap. That is when I will jot down notes careful not to lose inspiration for future projects while finishing the current project. When the characters in my head start talking, I must get it out. I have to if I want to get some sleep. LOL!

indieactivity: How do you combine these two hectic roles? What has been your experience?
Tina: My experience as a playwright/producer/director is that it truly takes a village. The work may start with me initially as the writer of course, but in order to meet deadlines, and time restraints of production demands, you must surround yourself with a great team of talented people who are superior at their job! Once I articulate the vision and everyone on the team grasp the vision, we are all on our unified way! It’s a beautiful thing to experience.

indieactivity: If you have a work process, you can share it with young writers and producers?
Tina: I would love to share with the young writers and producers that inspiration can come from and anywhere and/or everywhere. Be open to it. Be ready to capture it when you receive it. I write long hand first then transfer thoughts to computer software where I will work on until it’s ready for the next process in the production cycle.

indieactivity: You have worked on Second Chance, If Not For The Lord, Where Would I be, Encourage Yourself in The Lord, She Never Lost Her Praise, It Ain’t Over Til GOD Say It’s Over!, The Portraits of Life, and Walking in the Spirit. After all these plays and films what can you say working on stage & on set is about?
Tina: I enjoy my transition from stage to film. I love occupying both spaces. Both stage and film projects require months of preparation and lots of hard work. With stage, you get immediate response from audience which I truly love. With stage, if you mess up during a live performance you must keep going. But in film, if you mess up, director yells “cut” and actor gets to do scene over and over again until it meets the level of satisfaction from director.

Tina Batten Group

indieactivity: Should filmmakers start early?
Tina: Start early in life or start late in life, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you start!

indieactivity: Is this based on talent or skill?
Tina: Based on a little bit of both talent and skill in my opinion mixed with passion and desire to get your story told the best way achievable.

indieactivity: Why do film, with all the investment loss, gain and pain? Why do it?
Tina: Filmmaking is unpredictable as you say with chances of investment losses, gains and pains, but as I mentioned earlier, as a producer of faith based films, I will keep making films, stage productions and anything else until the Lord tells me otherwise. Until that day comes, I will keep doing what I’m doing till my season is up letting passion and desire guide me, strengthen me with GRACE to run this RACE.

indieactivity: How does your work on the play Second Chance help you in making the film Second Chance? Does your previous work experience feedback into a future project? How does it?
Tina: Absolutely previous work on projects helps. The wonderful thing about bringing my stage plays to film is knowing the story works by the response of the audience. Some characters tend to stand out more than others where I know deep in my heart I need to develop more of the back story. Then, I’m able to really expand the storyline for film and tell the complete story.

indieactivity: Let’s take ‘If Not For The Lord, Where Would I be’, how did you prepare for the project: the cast, marketing, audience, finance, and the demands of the production?
Tina: With every project comes many fundraising techniques while exhausting my own personal funds as well. I’m deeply involved with every aspect of the filmmaking process from conception to completion to distribution. Without a doubt having a great team in place is essential to the success of the project while meeting production demands.

indieactivity: When you shot ‘Walking in the Spirit’, why choose that type of project? Which risk did you take?
Tina: I like to say that filmmaking is my pulpit to address life issues that may not be appropriate to address during a typical Sunday morning church service. I talked about having that burning desire to create something special and that is what prompted me to turn my stage play into a film. Walking in the spirit was my first film project. Took a risk because up until then (2012) I was known for my dramatic stage plays, dinner shows and special events. I noticed that my supporters, family, church family and all people who knew of my work trusted me and supported me throughout the journey. They still do till this day. A good story is a good story regardless if it’s stage, film, book or otherwise.

indieactivity: What is your role in taking a film to the audience? How do you get it out there?
Tina: I have a direct role in taking my films to the audience. Most recently I’ve traveled the film fest circuit around the world to really draw a lot of buzz about the quality of my work. That’s one way to get your project in front of a lot of people. That along with PR promotions, hosting film screenings and using social network to my advantage lead me to many film screenings and booked speaking engagements throughout this journey.

Tina Batten wrap photograph of cast and crew on Delicious Film

indieactivity: Are you going to become an investor on indie films in the future?
Tina: I would love the opportunity to become an investor of more indie films in the future, not just my own. To do this, the Lord has to bless me with great partners and financial overflow.

indieactivity: Do you write a play or film with a cast in mind?
Tina: I can, but not too often. Normally when developing characters in a project, the LORD will send me just who I need to portray what I need, when I need that particular cast person or persons at the exact right time. It will seem as though I wrote the role just for them. This has happened on many occasions.

indieactivity: What basic principle drives your choice of an actor, producer, director, production designer etc.?
Tina: Anyone working on my team must first understand the vision, run with the vision, supply ample creativity, positivity and stay professional at all times. You meet those expectations, you and I will be working together for a long time.

indieactivity: What advice do you give filmmakers reading this interview?
Tina: Follow your Heart! Follow your passion of storytelling or whatever your passion may be! Step out on faith and do what you desire to do! Be who you desire to be! For everyone has a story.

indieactivity: Would you be willing to address a group of filmmakers to share you experience?
Tina: I would love the opportunity to address groups of new filmmakers sharing my experience. Absolutely!

indieactivity: Would you be willing to take part in short filmmaking workshops?
Tina: Yes. I would love to have the opportunity to take part in short filmmaking workshops for beginners. Absolutely! Just say when 😉

indieactivity: Briefly describe your career in short words?
Tina: Unexpected! Exciting! Out the box! I am a visual storyteller, via stage, film, monologues, concerts, special events and the more…telling stories visually is what I will continue to do. To God Be The Glory!