Exclusive Interview with Director Marishka Phillips on making her film, Melinda

Marishka Phillips is a good friend of indieactivtiy, and very much part of our advisory board. So, we took her PR agency (SPMG Media’s) offer to do an exclusive interview about her work and her upcoming film Melinda. If you are a reader of indieactivity,and a fan of Marishka’s work, SUPPORT MELINDA, by donating towards the film.

indieactivity: Your work improves people (artists). It is you giving again & again, which is WORK. Tell us more!
Marishka: It true, while the WORK I do with artists improves them, it is a collaborative effort. There is no magic formula. I always say, I am only as good as you are! That means you have to give your 210%, if you really want to grow, learn and enhance your innate gifts as a storyteller. I believe that anyone who comes to me has a burning desire to become the best they can be.

indieactivity: What have you discovered doing this, that keeps you going? What does this work you do to you?
Marishka: The work and the process in which I work with each artist is different. The reward for me is seeing the eyes light up when they get it! From actors, singers, musician even stand-up comedians benefit from the brand of work we do together. What keeps me going is a clear knowing that I Am In Service! This is my Assignment. This is what I am put here to do! I approach my tasks with humility.

indieactivity: You’ve evolved through many stages in your career. You’ve been a dancer, actor, coach, casting director, director & filmmaker. Tell us about this evolution process?
Marishka: I wear many hats as they say. I began as a singer/dancer. I knew I wanted to be on Broadway, so that’s what I set out to do until I achieved just that. Then, I got the acting bug, was introduced to Susan Batson. Studied with her for 9 years, started teaching for her, 5 years, then branched out on my own.

The Marishka Phillips Theatrical Preparatory. My students started asking me to direct their projects to which I was and still am happy to do. Not to mention while I was on the last two seasons of “A Different World:, watching Debbie Allen inspired me to go to school for directing. I knew that was something I would do one day.

As the directing and teaching/coaching started getting married, the next logical step for me was to begin casting projects. I love casting because my dream was to be able to bring me students and my New York theater family together in various projects. And that is truly happening! Especially with “MELINDA” the movie!!! The producer in me is still a learning baby. Still crawling with this one.

indieactivity: You do stand up comedy, what attracted you to it?
Marishka: I became interested in stand up when I was living in Los Angeles. My roommate was a waitress at the Laugh Factory and they had open mic nights. I never worked up the nerve to go up. Once I moved back to New York, I took a 6 week workshop for foundation. Then, Ms. Batson assigned that I study Whoopi Goldberg as a character. Well, that was it. I knew I had to get up there. The workshop culminated in a 5 minute act at Caroline’s on Broadway. For four years I worked the comedy club circuit. You can find a clip on YouTube. Lol

indieactivity: Talk to us about Melinda? Are we going to see it in theatres, or Netflix or both?
Marishka: MELINDA is a project of love, I began writing in 2011. 2011 was a life changing year. I left Susan Batson Studios, my dad passed away, my cousin passed and soon after my mom was hospitalized. My world was upside down. The only thing that kept me somewhat sane was creating MELINDA and teaching. MELINDA was inspired by the Greek tragedy MEDEA by Euripides.

I did the stage play here in New York and the story haunted me. I knew I had to bring it to the world. We just finished a short version of it. The goal is to get into festivals, get exposure and receive funding for feature. You will see the short in various film festivals! Very excited. We are now in post-production. We will begin marketing this month as we edit. Odessa Nikole Graham is a marketing genius and I am lucky to have her!

indieactivity: Did you start writing with a cast (You or any) in mind?
Marishka: When I began writing a few actors can to mind. One being Terri J. Vaughn as Stacia LeBeau, Melinda’s best friend since childhood. She flew in from Atlanta to be a part of this film. What a blessing!

indieactivity: During production, what scene (that made the cut) was the hardest to shoot?
Marishka: There is a scene in “The Spirit Room” that I would say was the most challenging. The scene is with Melinda, her dad, Jerome Preston Bates and her Mom, Rosalyn Coleman Williams. I don’t want to give to much away. But we got it !!

indieactivity: You produced, and directed the film, what measure of input did it take to don these hats?
Marishka: Being the producer and director of a film is serious business. To keep your eye on the budget and the creativity was very challenging for me. I am more right brain. I can create and coach my actors all day. Worrying about the funds wore me out! I have much to learn with these two hats that I am sure I will wear again and again.

indieactivity: Is there anything about the independent filmmaking business you still struggle with?
Marishka: The struggle in independent filmmaking for me are the finances and find the right supportive team. Creating great art is like a mini-war. It’s when you get hostile fire from your own camp is when you have to keep your composure and stay professional. Focus on what we are here to do. We all want an excellent product, so let’s continuously move forward and work with that in mind.

indieactivity: Where do you think your strengths line as a director?
Marishka: My strengths as director lies in getting the absolute best performance out of the actors! My second greatest strength is finding that camera angle that complements what’s going on!

The Official Poster for Melinda

indieactivity: Let’s talk finance, How did you finance the film?
Marishka: Let’s talk about Leah Randolph. She financed the film. She read my full script and loved the journey. She said it was a page turner and couldn’t put it down. Plus, she is in the mental health field and she feels this story is a preventative tools in perhaps a decline in mental health. There are many lessons in MELINDA. I also, put up a Gofundme crowdfunding site. Which also, help us get through pre-production and production. We are still in need of financial support for post production. The site is still active – SUPPORT MELINDA

indieactivity: How important is marketing? Do you think a project can make any dent without it these days?
Marishka: We are just beginning to market, however, I like “The Lessons of Melinda”! We’ll see how that works very soon!

indieactivity: What do you hope audiences get from Melinda?
Marishka: As stated, there are many Lessons of Melinda, I am curious to see what each individual walks away with instead of suggestions. This is a story that everyone will be able to relate to. Trust me.