Make the best film you can, you never know the attention it will receive when you share it with the world.
I am an international award winning filmmaker who works as a television news director as well. I grew up in Queens, New York where I currently live. I’ve wanted to make films since I was eight years old. When I went to the movies as a young child, those images and sound showed me that I can create a whole world on film through manipulation. What a privilege to affect and entertain people. I made my first short in my senior year of high school entitled “Runaway Wallet.” It won the Grand Prize out of thousands of students citywide, premiered on Showtime and was featured at the Museum of Television & Radio. Winning this award and having my first film shown on national television really gave me the confidence to say to myself “not only do I love making movies but I am actually kind of good at it….”
I attended Adelphi University as a Communications Production major where I was awarded with Best Creativity in Film & Video. I really started to learn my craft through making shorts, music videos, and commercials-some good; some horrible but that’s the learning curve. When I graduated, I made my award winning film “White Knuckle” which has been in sixteen film festivals and won eight awards. My new ‘supernatural Holocaust film “If The Trees Could Talk” has been in twenty five festivals and won 22 awards. It’s amazing for me to see how each film has evolved as far as production value and storytelling.
indieactivity: How would you describe your work as a director?
Michael Weinstein: You certainly learn a lot every time you make a film. I’ve definitely seen myself improve with every film I’ve made. I look back at my older work and I usually cringe and ask myself “Why did I ever do that?” (laughs). As far as themes, I really like to analyze human nature in my films: they way we react in certain situations and the result of our behavior.
indieactivity: How did you get into directing?
Michael Weinstein: Originally, I wanted to focus on special effects makeup but I also really enjoyed all the other aspects of filmmaking. After I met several students already in film school while I was only in middle school, I determined that directing would give me total creative control over a film. I can constantly learn about all the trades of the film world and tell great stories that touch people
indieactivity: How do you choose a project to direct?
Michael Weinstein: I think that writing is crucial in order to become a storyteller for film. So far, I have written all my films but I would love to direct a movie written by someone else. I look for a story that is original, character driven, touching, and that will leave an impact on others. These stories can be difficult to find or even write. I have to love the story especially if it’s going to be “my baby.” I have to ask myself, “am I willing to sweat and bleed for a year on this project? Is it worth the endless devotion, stress, and time?” Every filmmaker asks themselves these questions because once you start a film it becomes a part of your being. Always be true to yourself.
indieactivity: Briefly describe in a few words wrong impressions actors, writers,and directors have about directing?
Michael Weinstein: A lot people think that being “the director” is glamorous but it really isn’t. It is definitely the most stressful position on and off a film set. Don’t be fooled by seeing pictures of a director’s chair and trailer. The film you’re working on is in your mind twenty four, seven; even after a day has wrapped. Actors and writers move on after a film is shot, but the director will be still working on the film for another year for post and marketing. This is really difficult to answer because a lot of writers, actors, and directors I work with understand this and are very supportive.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to increase your craft?
Michael Weinstein: I’ve taken technical courses especially for learning about editing software. I really wanted to on Avid and After Effects. I’ve always used Final Cut Pro and now Adobe Premiere. As far as directing and writing, it something you really learn more about by doing! I was thinking about going back to school to get an MFA but then I thought “why spend money on high tuition when that money can go towards my next film?” I think I’ve learned more on a set in a few days than a whole semester in school..not because we had a bad program but it’s all about the experience.
indieactivity: What books do you read?
Michael Weinstein: Since I was young, I’ve always read books containing interviews with legendary filmmakers; others about lighting, cameras, writing, and technique. The most valuable film book I’ve ever read is entitled “Cinematography for Directors.” It not only discusses the theories behind lighting but also introduces all the kinds of lights: what purpose each serves, the effects, etc. It’s s important to to understand all these facets as a filmmaker. After all, film survives through light. As far as narratives are concerned, I really enjoy reading mysteries and trying to solve them. Such great stories really make you not only the reader but an investigator as well.
indieactivity: Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for?
Michael Weinstein: I know a lot of filmmakers work with a particular actor in most of their films (especially in Hollywood) but just because I have a rapport with an actor doesn’t mean they are right for the part unless it’s Leonardo Dicaprio. The film is your baby! You have to do what’s best for your child. However, it is extremely difficult finding a writer and a producer. It’s like finding a lover..You must find someone you can completely trust and work closely with for years on end.
As far as finding the writer, it’s really important to find someone who can collaborate, shares the same goal of making a great film come to life, and at the end of the day, it’s about whether or not his/her story touches my heart. The most difficult find is a GREAT producer. There are producers who can really organize your project but can’t raise funds and vise versa. That’s why it’s important to work with several different producers who offer their specific talents and abilities. It’s really a marriage when it comes to finding a head producer: it’s a HUGE TRUST ISSUE: they are helping you “raise” your baby, managing the finances, and supporting you every way possible.
indieactiivty: Briefly explain your latest work?
Michael Weinstein: My latest film is a ‘supernatural’ Holocaust film entitled “If The Trees Could Talk”. It tells the tale of a young Jewish girl and her family who escape the ghetto and seek refuge in the forest. Struggling to survive, their horror is compounded by what may be the girl’s ultimate demise. I needed this film to be different than other Holocaust films so I added a fictional, ‘supernatural’ aspect that still tells a powerful message. Can she be saved by a spiritual force more powerful than we can imagine? “If The Trees Could Talk” has now won twenty two awards and was in the 2015 Cannes Short Corner
indieactivity: What thing/situation helps you during production?
Michael Weinstein: Working with people who are more talented than I am is the best situation. It’s an amazing journey when people with specific, endless talents can help bring your vision to life.
indieactivity: Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production?
Michael Weinstein: I had to come up with a way that blood could disappear off of a girl’s gown when brought back to life. I realized this would work if we have blood flood the dress through a small tube and then I can reverse the shot in the editor, hence, making it appear as if the blood is withdrawing. All practical effects!
indieactivity: How do you advice directors to find projects?
Michael Weinstein: Filmmakers always need to be true to themselves. Everyone has a story they want to tell. Tell the story that moves you and something you feel the world needs to know about. Don’t think about whether or not it’s doable because of budget reasons or anything else. Don’t let these obstacles stop you from telling your story. You’ll regret it.
indieactivity: How can filmmakers finance projects?
Michael Weinstein: And yet, the most difficult part of making a film. It’s like trying to find the meaning of life! Social media has been a sanctuary for filmmakers in promoting projects worldly. Campaign sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are resourceful as well, but here’s the problem…every person in the world is using these sites to raise money for something…anything. That being said, it is very competitive and hard to stand out among the crowd.
At the end of the day, it’s really who you know? Who are contributing, your friends, family, believers in your project….I was more successful approaching people face to face and asking for money. It’s something that takes a lot of guts to do but you have to if you want to make your film! In many cases, I invested in my own films (last resort) because when it comes to shorts especially people don’t want to gift thousand of dollars but you gotta do what you gotta do to make the film happen..sacrifices!!
indieactivity: What do you want from an actor in production?
Michael Weinstein: I really like when the actors are still in character even when the cameras stop rolling. During a film shoot, I always call the actors by their character names to keep them in that mode. Being on time is always a plus too! (laughs).
indieactivity: How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
Michael Weinstein: I rely on the producers heavily during a production because I solely want to focus on the creating the film without being interfered by miscellaneous issues. When I used to produce everything myself (huge mistake) I was worried about everything and it polluted my vision and ability to tell the story I wanted to.
indieactivity: What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry?
Michael Weinstein: You really have to get yourself out there and work not only on your own projects but others’ as well. Everyone needs to start somewhere especially as an Intern or as a Production Assistant. Working on others’ projects demonstrates your hard work and passion. Not only that but you are now networking among those working in the industry. If all goes well, you will be recommended for other projects. As you all know, most of these positions pay little or nothing, so take advantage of learning as much as you can! Then you will start to meet talented people who are interested in YOUR projects! Stand out from others in your position!
indieactivity: Who is your favorite director?
Michael Weinstein: I know it’s cliche but my favorite director is Steven Spielberg. Firstly, he has mastered every genre. Secondly, my favorite films growing up happened to be directed by this amazing man (Jurassic Park, Jaws, E.T, Hook). He is the reason I wanted to make films!
If The Trees Could Talk screens at Long Island International Film Expo!! pic.twitter.com/elKqdYEQQA
— Michael Weinstein (@runaway_prods) July 17, 2015
indieactivity: Why this director?
Firstly, he has mastered every genre. Secondly, my favorite films growing up happened to be directed by this amazing man (Jurassic Park, Jaws, E.T, Hook). He is the reason I wanted to make films!
indieactivity: What advice would you give to directors around the world?
Michael Weinstein: When successful filmmakers offer advice, they always say “just make your film…..” This would always frustrate me and I would say “what the hell does that have to do with me getting into Hollywood!?” Once I started making my own films I truly understood what they all meant. Make a film! Make the best film you can possibly make because you never know the attention it will receive especially when you’re able to share it with the world nowadays. You also need the experience!
Make shorts first, a lot of them!! You need something to show before you make a feature and you need to learn from the mistakes you will DEFINITELY make! Everyone has to crawl before they walk in order to master their craft. Learn what everyone does-you might find a particular department where your talent lies. Secondly, you need to write even if you don’t want to write your own movies. Writing is so crucial in helping you become an avid storyteller for film. Even if you don’t want to write your own movies, writing stimulates your creativity, pacing, and character development.
My biggest mistake as a director was being a control freak…You must learn to delegate and let others, who are more talented than you, make your vision come to life. Your job is to direct! If you do everything yourself (usually because you cant afford to hire these people) then you’re NOT directing! You need to be around great talent who have the same goals as you do-to make a great film!!! Most importantly, you get to learn from others! Plus, NETWORK!! You never know if you’re talking to someone who can make you dream come true! You can make a great film but if you don’t market yourself, no one will know you exist.
indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Michael Weinstein: When I was a senior in high school, I entered a city-wide contest to make a short film. When I made my first movie ever, I submitted it to the Showtime Youth Video Contest and it won Grand Prize. This was the happiest day in my life because not only did I want to make films but I was actually good at it. The film was also featured at the Museum of Television & Radio. While attending film school, I was able to shoot on film which is truly an honor.
I made several films, some which I hate to look at now (laughs) but I learned a lot since then. I really wanted to get my work out there instead of just showing my family and friends so I started submitting to film festivals across the world. My slapstick comedy “White Knuckle” was in sixteen film festivals across the world and won awards. Thankfully, you can distribute independent short by yourself through several forums. “White Knuckle” is on Amazon, Roku, the XBOX, indieflix.com, and HolaTV. Through the success of this film, I was able to show my work to important people and raise some money for the latest film…it’s all building blocks!
My new film “If The Trees Could Talk” has had a very successful premiere and has won awards in every festival that it’s been accepted to (U.S and other countries). The film was promoted in two newspapers and I was interviewed on WNBF Radio. Since the film has been released, it has been receiving great buzz on social media. I do hope that I will make my first feature film happen in the next year or so. The point is, success doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, passion, persistence, patience, dedication, sacrifice, and love. A lot of this was possible because of the amazing people in my life who I will cherish forever. There is so much talent out there and it can be discouraging but you can’t give up!!
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