Johnny Severin chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about writing and directing the movie “Talking to Strangers.”
What inspired you to direct “Talking to Strangers”?
Writing the script came first, so what inspired me to write “Talking To Strangers” was my special education background. I’ve always wanted to include a special needs character and this was a perfect opportunity. What was important was that this is not a movie about disability or cerebral palsy, it’s about a romance, a romance between two people struggling with their own pain, vulnerability and complicated realities.
What was it like working with the cast and crew?
The cast and crew were miracle workers, literally. We shot this in 5 scheduled days and 1 pick up day. The only this happens is if every member of the cast and crew are super heroes and everyone was.
I still don’t know how we pulled it off. Everyone was outstanding, but I want to really shout out to the camera crew, Vin, Tatiana, Stephen, Dmitri and Aaron. It was their tireless, hard work and passionate dedication to this movie that made it a reality.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age?
This might be controversial, but I adore the digital age. I think it’s the best thing that has happened to independent filmmaking. I started in film and am so grateful that I never have to work with film ever again.
I understand the romanticized love for it, but it is exponentially more difficult, more expensive and more limiting than working with digital.
Digital allows anyone to be a filmmaker. All you need now is your phone. And you can be far more creative, inventive with digital than with film. It allows the most creative voices to be seen.
What do your plans for the future include?
We just shot our next movie in April and are currently in post production. Will be able to reveal more about it soon.
What is your advice for young and aspiring filmmakers?
My first piece of advice always is… be nice to everyone. It sounds simplistic, but it’s the easiest thing to do, and has the biggest payoff. This town is so interconnected, you want to be friends with as many people as possible. You have no idea who could help you. And it’s also just a good thing to do in general.
In terms of filmmaking, the most important piece of advice I give is to trust yourself, believe in yourself. Don’t try to copy others, don’t chase after what you think people want. Make a movie that is true to you, that you believe in.
If you’re just starting out, focus on storytelling. Don’t get obsessed with production value or the technical side. Tell an honest, compelling story, and no one will care about how the project looks.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
It’s a great question. For me, success is in just doing it. In filmmaking, that’s actually a gigantic accomplishment. It takes great courage to even try. Personally, I just want to make a movie that I’m proud of, that I want people to see. It doesn’t matter how many people see it, or if it makes money.
What would you like to say to our readers about “Talking to Strangers”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
That people with disabilities want to be seen, to be accepted for who they are, and not defined by their disability. That people with disabilities live full, productive, happy lives.
