How did you get inspired to become a filmmaker?
I loved the film noir of the 1950s.
What is your favorite part about the short film form?
A compact way to tell a story.
Who were the people that supported the making of this film?
Larry Costales as DP, Lupe Hernandez a brilliant editor, my son Matthew, leading lady Rosemarie Li and leading man Eliezer Ortiz. Marcy Segura and her husband Joseluis Renteria, artists Susan ‘Susie Cue’ Molina, Deadmundo Duran, Nicole Fornier and Oscar Navarro. Paula Myers and her husband Michael Robinson, Lisa Zion, Ben Ramsey, Kristina Kaluya our ninja, Sweden Aleong, Lori McCarty, Julia Protasova, Kyle Burbank, Megan Ruff, Jeannette Da Duck, Adrian Tafoya, David Luna. Kristen Baum and Joseph DeBeasi
What resources do you use as a filmmaker? Music, locations, props, editing, crew, etc.
We used a lot of original art and the artists themselves. Music was composed the award winning composer Kristen Baum, the Super8 film was developed by Pro8mm in Burbank and edited on a Mac. We shot in Los Angeles and Mammoth Lakes. The lighting was courtesy of Ben Ramsey. I flew the leading lady and DP to Mammoth Lake in a small 4 seater Piper and that was an adventure in itself..
What is your next project?
Developing a comedy-musical with an interesting mix of genres.
The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated? Where do you see the industry going in the future?
The love of the art. If it wasn’t for that I would not be doing it.
Which filmmakers, artists or individuals have most influenced your work?
Jim Jarmusch, John Cassavetes, Hitchcock and Truffaut.
What advice would you give new filmmakers?
Love what you do and never give up.
If there’s any other info you want included, paste that here.
I’ve done just about everything in the industry except hair and make-up.
Check out some of Mike Chinea’s other work.
Visit his IMDB page here.
Watch and vote for his film TheArtPatron competing in the KODAK SUPER 8 POV.
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