A chat with writer/director Jason Michael Brescia about his new indie feature “Bridge and Tunnel”

The Crew Scene had an opportunity to catch up with filmmaker Jason Michael Brescia as he just wrapped his second feature "Bridge and Tunnel" - a cynical comedy that follows a group of friends in their twenties transitioning into various aspects of adulthood.

Congrats on wrapping your second feature! How was the creative and production process different for “Bridge and Tunnel” than it was for “The Newest Pledge”, seeing as “Bridge and Tunnel” is a comedy with more serious undertones?

Thank you. I think the biggest difference between the creative processes that went into the making of “The Newest Pledge” and “Bridge and Tunnel” came from age and experience. I began writing “The Newest Pledge” as a college senior, and I was only twenty three years old when the film wrapped. Looking back on it I was just a college kid who wrote about when he knew and had no “real world” experience. In the period in between wrapping “The Newest Pledge” and going into production on “Bridge and Tunnel” I spent two years gaining some really unique life experiences that I feel carried the project through its creative development. 

You’ve talked about how you came home from California - I’m sure high off of the success of your first film and it struck you how much the people and town changed. For most of us who have moved away, come back to changes and we usually write it off as a sucky part of adulthood. What was it about this homecoming that inspired you to write “Bridge and Tunnel”?

Actually, when I came home from California there was little success to be “high off of.” I moved back to Long Island in February 2011 but “The Newest Pledge” didn’t get a distribution deal until February 2012. The period of time in between my move and the sale of the film was an incredibly difficult one for not only me, but for the entire team that helped put “The Newest Pledge” together. The difficulties and dilemmas of self-worth that I was going through helped me to empathize with my peers who were going through their own, slightly more common twenty-something problems. I didn’t return home and look down on my friends with financial issues, debt, relationship problems, unemployment, and a general feeling of being lost; I was one of them.

The man himself - writer/director Jason Brescia

During the writing process, you mentioned that there were certain issues that you didn’t realize affected our generation until you were doing research for the film. What were those issues and how did they affect how you developed your characters?

I think my generation was given a road map to success at a young age. Graduate high school, don’t join a gang, don’t do drugs, go to college, practice safe sex, perhaps enroll in some sort of graduate, legal, or medical program, and a shiny six figure job would be waiting for you at the end of the rainbow. But over the course of our young lives so many things have changed; we were teenagers on September 11^th, 2001 and had to cope with that while also coping with other unrestrained teenage emotions. Many of us graduated high school and went off to fight in foreign wars we understood little about. Many of those not fighting overseas worked their butts off to get a college degree, and even took on mounds of student debt to get an education fit for our society, only to have the entire global economy go into a tailspin in late 2008, when many of us were either young professionals, or just graduating college. It’s been a unique life for those of us born in the 1980’s, and Bridge and Tunnel isn't the sort of film that’s going to cry or complain about it, it’s simply going to show you what life is like for some of us.

                   

Which character do you connect with the most? Did you draw on your own experiences for that particular character?

All of the characters in the script come from some part of me. I love and hate all of them equally.

The cast on set

How will audiences connect with the characters and their struggles while trying to settle into adulthood?

There are certain moments for all of the characters that I believe many, if not most audiences will be able to identify with. These characters won’t be up for beatification anytime soon, but many of their struggles, temptations, and vices are entirely human and there’s something striking about that, even when it’s presented as a comedy.

One situation you couldn't escape while filming on Long Island was Superstorm Sandy. Were you able to incorporate the effects of Sandy into the film?

“Bridge and Tunnel” takes place over the year 2012, so naturally Sandy plays a pivotal role in the story. We shot a scene in Long Beach, New York amidst some of the wreckage, and it was a very sobering experience for the cast, crew, and me. As a Long Island native I’m still getting used to some of the effects the storm had on our home. It was weird this past Spring, watching as the trees bloomed and noticing a little less shade in certain places than there was the year before, or heading down to some of our favorite summer communities like Long Beach, Island Park, or Freeport, and noticing some of our favorite establishments have been destroyed. At some point we’ll plant new trees, open new restaurants, and build new boardwalks, but psychologically I’ll never forget those weeks.

You and your team were able to partially fund the film with a successful Indiegogo campaign with some pretty cool perks, I must say. What were your tactics in promoting the campaign in order to reach your goal?

I think the tactic that works best is to annoy everyone you know constantly until they’re eventually nice enough to give you some of their hard earned money. Then it’s your job to make sure whatever it is you’re trying to do doesn't suck, so that you can look these people in the eyes the rest of your life and not feel ashamed of some piece of crap you wasted their money on in exchange for a T-Shirt.

Now that you are in post, what are your next steps? What is your distribution strategy? Do you intend to screen theatrically?

Post production should be complete in late Fall 2013. I hope that the film is distributed in 2014, and a theatrical run, however small, would be something that I could never take for granted.

Another congrats on being the “Official Selection” of the 2013 Workers Unite Film Festival! What other festivals are you considering?

I haven’t thought too much about a festival strategy yet, though some of the other producers have been working on that for some time. I submitted our script to the 2013 Workers Unite Film Festival because I believed in what the festival stood for, and felt as though the characters in “Bridge and Tunnel” could relate to the foundation that the Workers Unite Film Festival was built on.

You have already had some success in indie film making. Your very first feature was screened at several festivals and distributed by Lionsgate. What do you say to other indie film makers trying to achieve even modest success?

If you want to go anywhere in the realm of indie film making you must first learn to love work and loathe sleep. Work hard. If you think you’re working hard then work harder because somewhere out there somebody you’ll probably never meet but might one day hear about is working harder than you to achieve the exact same goal that you’re working towards right now. Work harder than that person or get used to reading about them doing the things you always wished you’d be doing. Sleep less, make your day longer. If you think you’re getting the right amount of sleep then you’re sleeping too much. If you think you’re not sleeping well then don’t sleep at all. Sleep is for the weak. Coffee is your only real friend.

For more on Bridge and Tunnel - 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BridgeandTunnelMovie 
Website: www.bridgeandtunnelfilm.com


To follow filmmaker Jason Michael Brescia 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JasonMichaelBrescia

Bobby V talks to "The Crew Scene" about new EP, Peach Moon

From breaking out into a solo career back in 2005 with his hit single, “Slow Down”, Bobby V became a household name in R&B.  After releasing Dusk Till Dawn last October, Bobby felt like something was missing. In between touring and working on his new EP, Peach Moon, Bobby V made time to dish on details about the recording process, learning to play the piano, and what the “Back to Love” movement is really all about.

Read excerpts of our interview below and listen to it in full.

On using more live instrumentation on his upcoming EP… 

Bobby V: I’ve always had live instruments on my album. It was more or less keys and guitars but that’s it. But now I’m pushing the envelope even farther by having live drums, live horns, live violin, and we’re just really developing a groove for Peach Moon.

On a release date…

BV: We haven’t set one as of yet. I been working on this project since January and it’s so tough because…this kind of music right here is a totally different transition, subject matter, production wise. Because I put so much time, so many blood, sweat, and tears to it, I just don’t want to throw it out there and it get lost in the sauce. I want people to appreciate this music because I put so much into it.

GP: Since we last spoke on my radio show, has the love bug hit you yet?

BV: I get bit by the love bug all the time. You know there’s so many beautiful young ladies in the world and I get bit, I just got to find the right catch.

Contributor Georgette Pierre is an on-air personality, writer, and Executive Producer of her own radio show "Off the Record with Georgette Pierre". 

Check out her website www.georgettepierre.com 
Twitter: @GeorgettePierre

A Sit Down with the Ultimate Indie Artist: Minoti Vaishnav

When we heard about triple threat (singer, writer, and film maker), Minoti Vaishnav, making waves within the indie world, we knew we had to snag her while we could. In between promoting her newly released single "So Will You", writing for web series 3 Orbs of Light, and filming her directorial debut Being Independent, we had the opportunity to have a chat with this indie darling and find out what makes her tick. 

Minoti, Thanks for taking the time out of your crazy busy schedule to sit down with us! Let's start from the very beginning - your roots. You were creatively mature as a child- writing a novelette at 9, your own songs at 11, did music demo at 13, and wrote a sitcom at 14. What inspired you at such a young age?


"I think I just watched alot of TV and listened to a lot of music! I was actually quite a loner as a child. I loved to read (still do) and loved to watch shows like Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My family has always been very musical and almost everyone in my family can play or instrument or sing. I was a huge Spice Girls fan growing up and The Beatles have also influenced my entire musical life and career. I think my creative energy flowed fromall the pop culture that I grew up with, and "you can do anything you set your mind to" motto of my family. That's what inspired me to create my own stuff."

You went to college and after graduating, and got into documentary film making. How was that experience for you, seeing as your roots were in writing and music? How did your earlier experience prepare you for your start in the industry?

Minoti and Katelyn Stark at the Directors Guild of America during production of the 28th Annual IDA Awards in 2012

"Getting into documentary film was never something that I had planned on doing. It just sort-of happened. I studied screenwriting in college and my ultimate goal is to write and produce for television. But then, I got my first internship out of college at IDA (International Documentary Association) and I never looked back.

IDA has been a great place to work and I am now officially employed with the organization, producing and coordinating their documentary film events. Learning about the documentary film industry also inspired me to make my own documentary film Being Independent. The film, which is about unsigned artists and bands and their struggles in the music industry, is shot in three countries (U.K, U.S and Germany), and is currently in production. University actually prepared me more for the producing aspects of my job, and there's definitely some creative writing involved when it comes to preparing outreach for documentary films."

As a well rounded artist, you are in a unique position, being deeply involved in several aspects of the entertainment industry. What are some of the challenges you have had to overcome? What is your advice to other indie artists facing similar challenges?


"There have been a lot of challenges, one of them being not conforming to what society expects from you. I grew up in India and people expect me to write Indian characters in my scripts. Or to write Hindi music or "Fusion" music. But that's not me! I was always influenced by music from the UK and the US, as well as TV and films from the UK and the US. People don't expect to hear the kind of music I make coming from me, and I think that is a huge problem because people already have preconceived notions about someone before they even take the time to find out more about them. I think I've been very true to myself this whole time and not conformed to societies expectations of what an "Indian artist" should be. And I think everyone should just be true to themselves and make the kind of music they want to make.


Another challenge has been financial. I financed my albums on my own (my second album was funded through Kickstarter thanks to 58 amazing backers). But as far as the work done on the albums, I produced and sound engineered, as well as wrote and performed all the songs on my album because I couldn't afford to pay for studio and engineering time. Sometimes when you don't have help with something, you gotta just do it on your own, no matter how hard it is, and I think that would be my advice to other artists out there. You're either in it to win it, and you have to put everything you have into getting your music out there."


You are a very busy woman, Ms. Minoti with several projects in the pipeline! Let's start with the release of "So Will You" the first single off of your second album The Secret Garden. The video was released on YouTube and has already hit over 110,000 views since April of this year. Such an amazing feat for an indie musician. How did you promote yourself as an indie musician to achieve such an accomplishment?

"Before I shot the video for 'So Will You', I knew that I had to find a way to get people to actually watch the video. People don't really watch video's from independent artists, so I knew I had to find a way to get people interested. I decided to put my love for television and my love for music together. I placed references to three of my favorite television shows, Supernatural, Doctor Who and Sherlock into the music video. Many people don't know this, but those three shows are somewhat of a trifecta, and chances are that someone who likes one, likes the other two as well. Together, the three shows are known as 'Superwholock'.

I started a 'Superwholock' campaign to get people to watch the video and find all the references. People were immediately interested, looking for all the references and trying to get them all. In the process, they heard my music and liked it, and that was the plan all along. You reel people in with something they already like and in the process, they discover that they also like you and your music!"


Your next project is a sci-fi webseries called 3 Orbs of Light - where you were brought on to rewrite the series while maintaining the original concept. Can you tell us a little more about this project and how as a writer is that process for you? Where can we watch the series?

"3 Orbs of Light is an amazing project and I love working on it because it's directly related to what I want to ultimately do in life. Writing, directing and producing for 3 Orbs of Light is extremely fulfilling. The writing and producing process for this is interesting because I am working with someone else's core concept.

Minoti and 3 Orbs of Light producer Cali T. Rossen looking at the script for episode one of 3 Orbs Of Light

I did get to create a rich backstory for the show before writing the first episode, which was a lot of fun. In essence, I am taking the original characters and revamping the concept to reach a wider audience.

The show was created by Phillip Kim Marra (who is also the Director of Photography for the project) and by Rachel Bailit (she also plays the lead character Rue 'Rouge' Jensen). The show is executive produced by Cali T. Rossen (she also plays Terese 'Tres' Ressen in the show). The team is absolutely great and it's been amazing working on this project with everyone.


The show is about three normal women whose lives change when the immortal wizard Kai tells them that they are destined to be the three protectors of the earth. It's set in modern day, but there's time-travel, magic and mythology involved. The show also stars Robert Weiner as Kai and Corinne LeClaire as Alison 'Astrid' Strider. We're currently in production and hope to release the show online in November 2013."


Finally, you are director and producer on the indie film, Being Independent. A film about indie artists trying to support themselves and their careers. Can you tell us more about the film? your role as producer/director?


"Being Independent is a film about the struggles, hardships and the ultimate triumphs of independent artists and bands in the music industry today. Following artists and bands in the UK, in the USA and in Germany, the film is 30 minutes long and aims to educate people about the hard work and passion that goes into independent music, and the struggles these artists go through as they support themselves and their music career."


How did you come up with the concept?

"I came up with the concept along with co-director Erik McCall when we were talking about how indie artists don't receive the recognition they deserve. Erik is the owner of a music publishing company called EDA Music Publishing Limited and he also owns the radio station EDA Music Radio. He's also an independent artist himself. With the two of us knowing first hand how difficult it us for independent artists, we decided to make a documentary to show the world exactly what we go through. We brought on producer Kitty Kalkbrenner from Germany to help us with the project. She has been amazing as well and our film is lucky to have such great people involved with it."


When can your fellow indies (and public) expect to be able to see the film?

"We're still filming Being Independent and collecting interviews with our featured bands and artists and we're hoping to release the film by the end of the year."

Minoti performing at Orange Coast College

Whats next for Minoti Vaishnav? Directing, Producing, promoting the album?


"All of it! I'll be busy producing and writing 3 Orbs of Light, as well as with IDA's screening series and the IDA Awards that are coming up in December. I'm also planning on a second music video coming soon, and am still working on getting Being Independent ready for release. There's a lot going on and I'm ready to keep adding even more to my already full plate!"

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with us, Minoti. We will be sure to continue to keep an eye out for all your work!

For more on Minoti or her her projects, follow here:

Minoti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minoti/131142990252675
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/minotiblee
Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/thatfandomlovingsinger


Being Independent:

Website: http://www.beingindependentfilm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Being-Independent/177936355691053
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/beingindiefilm


3 Orbs of Light:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3OrbsOfLight
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/3OrbsOfLight

Interview with Industry Insider: Actress/Director Celine Wallace

New Zealand born actress Celine Wallace is taking Hollywood by storm - how many actresses in Hollywood are acting AND directing?! 

She began to develop her craft at the young age of 7, and not too soon after she was discovered and asked to join Outloud Theater Company by age 14. 

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview Tinseltown's newest rising star: 


I'd like to start with talking a bit on how you knew at a young age that you wanted to pursue acting. How did you get your start?

Ever since I can remember I have been acting, even before I knew that’s what it was called. I would play-dress ups, act out scenes and put on shows for my parents. My first validation was when I was seven; I auditioned for my school musical and was cast as the lead. From that day I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and since then have never stopped training and auditioning to improve my craft.

You've definitely come to Hollywood prepared with some incredible training. Where did you go?

I have been training for over a decade; so have experienced some amazing tutors and techniques. One of the best training grounds was The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in New York, which was founded by Sanford Meisner who started an Acting method called the Meisner Technique. While I was there, we trained everyday in Acting Technique, Scene Study, Voice Lessons, Dance and Movement. 

You began you're career in theater and now you've transitioned into acting in film. Congratulations are in order because you actually just wrapped your first film role in the movie Helen Keller had a Pitbull as the lead female Kayley. How was it for you to make that transition?

Thank you! Yes I’m so grateful because pursuing a career in film was the main reason I moved to Los Angeles so it was great being given the opportunity to be apart of the production. The transition for me was relatively smooth but I had a few habits that I had to kick. I had the skills from training to perform and create these great characters, but my movements were often big, because I was used to being on stage. I would tend to do hand gestures or move my head, which on camera even a blink of your eye is exaggerated so I had to really tone it down. When I was shooting, I read over old notes from previous acting workshop and one teacher said ‘’if your working on a film transfer all your external movements into a story in your eyes’’. Something resonated for me when I read that, it centered me and everything from then seemed to fall in place.

How did it feel when you found out you booked your first film role? What was the first thing you did?

I was so happy and in shock a bit, so I just poured a glass of wine and reread the script haha. It’s funny because you train all your life to try perfect something, but eventually you get to a point were you become at ease with the work and you just think ‘I’m ready’ and then that’s (for me anyway) when I find the opportunities usually come along (hopefully saying that didn’t jinx it haha).

              On set of Helen Keller had a Pitbull

 Filming the movie, Helen Keller had a Pitbull - What was the experience like for you? What attracted you to this project? How did you relate to Kayley?

Shooting was amazing, I learned so much about myself as a performer and I learned a lot from the production crew about the technical sides of creating a film. It was great because at lunch the crew, actors, director, producers would all get together, talk and hang out. Nobody was off in a  trailer; we were just a 

group of collaborative artists working together to make a project happen. By the end everyone was like family, so it was a great first film production to be involved in. 

What first attracted me to the project was my character Kayley, how beautiful, courageous and multi-faceted she is. She begins the story as an aspiring actress and then gets diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Through the film she remains a gorgeous, confident and inspiring woman, she inspired me and I would aspire to be like her in those circumstances.

Where can we see the film?

The film is currently in post-production and we are hoping to take this film to festivals around the world, while distribution is currently being negotiated with the producers. On my social media sites, (linked at the bottom of the interview), I will have news on the film as it develops. Please do, we would love your support!

When the film premieres we'd love for you to come back and talk to us!

Absolutely, if you’ll have me J

Now one of the themes of The Crew Scene is to always find a way to support each other in this industry. A lot of aspiring actors don't have a full idea of the hard work it takes before they finally get their "big break". To provide some insight on what it really takes, could you tell us about your experiences as an actress.

As artist I’m all about collaborating and helping each and that includes learning from each others mistakes, so if sharing my mistakes can help someone from the same situation I’m all for it!

 

The biggest thing I would have to say, is know what you are marketing, what is the market and where do you fit in. When I first moved to LA I tried to go out for every role; girl next door, biker chick, sweetheart, bitchy girl, young mom, naïve bookworm - you name it. Until one day I tried my hand at casting and this came from a big Hollywood Casting Directors mouth – that whenever I went to see casting directors I would confuse them, because they knew I was a great Actress they would bring me in, but they would see me in roles that I wasn’t suitable before and then that would deter them from the roles I was suitable for. Now, that doesn’t mean don’t have diversity, but in the beginning of your career be your best, establish that and then build on that until you gain the trust and reputation to try new and exciting roles that you might not originally be cast for. Once you gain the trust of those you work with and know the market you are suitable for and where you fit in, you’ll be set.

What difficulties did you face trying to come along in this industry, especially for you, coming from another country?

The most difficult obstacle was definitely my visa to work as an actress in the States. You have to prove to the American government why you are the best at what you do and deserve to be given a shot in America. I had to get four film contracts, agency contracts, 20 pieces of press and 20 references from industry heavy weights.

 

What are the positives?

Waking up everyday and not knowing where you are going to be or who you are going to meet. I’ve been so grateful to meet so many amazing creative’s who are out in LA working in the industry and collaborating with them to make-work and tell stories. The opportunities are endless and everyday is a new, exciting chapter.

What should aspiring actors prepare themselves for?

Prepare yourself to work, set goals and make a plan. If there are areas you want to improve as an actor - make the moves to improve. You can enroll in classes or practice scenes with fellow actors and get your work critiqued, you can constantly be improving. Most of all, make your own work – 80% of an actors spend time waiting for that phone call or the knock on the door. So don’t wait for it, start making your own work and putting it out there. Just look at HBO’s current show Girls, that was created by Lena Dunham who is the star and was an Actress sick of waiting for the phone to ring so created her own show.

What's next for Celine Wallace? More film roles? Directing? Broadway?

All of the above I hope.

Thank you so much Celine, for taking the time to talk with us. Keep an eye Celine in Helen Keller had a Pitbull and you can follow her social media sites for more information on the movie and her upcoming projects.

For more on Actor/Director Celine Wallace:

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/celine_wallace

                 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celinewallaceFB

                 IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4004028

All photos are courtesy of Celine Wallace's FB page

Interview with Industry Insider: Photographer Sianon Bado

                         

                                

Name : Sianon Bado of Atlanta based Sianon Bado Photography

Industry: Photography

How did this hobby come about?

I started creating art from my reality. I chose not to limit myself to taking a specific group of photos. Meaning I'm not a wedding photographer, or only take pictures of babies. If it catches my eye, and my camera is around (which it is 95% of the time) then I'm going to capture it and present my interpretation of it.

Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

One photographer that comes quickly to mind is Derek Blanks. That guy is so freaking awesome. His creativity in is Alter-Ego photo shoots are just mind-blowing. He visualizes celebrities interpretations of themselves and makes it addictive. The shots, the editing, the background, everything in his photos look flawless. I love them.

City Hall

Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs, and 

how do you actually get your photographs to do that?

I want my photos to say “There’s beauty in everything. You are surrounded by art, you just have to notice it. ” Hence the saying, “Creating Art from my Reality”. Not only to do I take the photo that catches my eye, but play around with the colors and shadows to make certain aspects stand out. I want you to see what I see.

  

Clara

What kind of tools do you use for post processing? Tell us about your work flow.

Unless I'm taking photos for a client, I typically don’t upload my pictures for editing right away. But once I do, I edit them on my laptop and then upload them either on my Facebook page and/or my website. I have been playing around with Photoshop but prefer not to manipulate my photos too much because I want the viewer to see what I saw, not what I created. 

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

I look at a lot of other peoples photos online. I follow a few fan pages on Facebook and there are A LOT of creative photographers out there. I study the shots they took, the angles they chose, and the lighting (artificial or natural) they used. I get ideas from their photos then refer back to my own and think “next time, I’ll change the shutter speed or stand a little bit closer.” I also remember these little notes during future shoots and they usually help.

Spray

Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why? 

My favorite would have to be SPRAY because I love love love the

colors. And when I look at it I see an endless imagination of the

artist who is about to use them. I think true graffiti artists (not vandals) are so talented because they can take a blank wall and turn it into a mural that just makes you go “wow”. That is so awesome to me.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

Nothing in particular, I just wish I had done a little more research on the business side of things. I kind of just jumped in learning things as I go. Hell, I'm still learning. But I don’t want to learn to much at one time because I enjoy what I do I wouldn't want it to begin feeling like a chore or another college course I have to take. I want to make mistakes and I want to learn from them, not books.

What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally?

People. I can say I'm somewhat of a private person. I keep certain things about me hidden from the world. So, when someone I know looks at my photos and can’t believe that I took it, it motivates me. I don’t want people to know my talents all at once, because eventually they become bored with you. First people knew me as a writer, now a photographer. And I'm gonna let everyone get comfortable with the idea of me taking pictures and then BAM! I'mma hit them with something else that’ll make them say, “Damn girl, you not famous yet?”  (laughs) 

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For more about Sianon or to book her for an appointment:

Like her Facebook fan Page: 

www.facebook.com/sianonbphotography

or her website: www.sianonbado.com