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Quiet on the set..........because VCF is returning! TBA soon!

Has moved offices to Los Angeles, California....

We have moved our main offices to Los Angeles, California. The Festival will be held both in Las Vegas & Pre events in Los Angeles. Stay tuned as we get organized. Thank you for your patience. Awards Ceremony will be held in Las Vegas. Thank you.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A with VCF Filmmakers Jesus Galindo & Jose Mendoza Jr.....!

SPOTLIGHT Q&A VCF Alumni Filmmakers Jose Galindo & Jose Mendoza Jr. ~

VCF: How long have you 2 been working together?

JESUS:
Officially, Jose and I have been working together as a
team starting with the film idea Jose came up with in 2010. I liked
the idea and told him that if he wrote the script, I would produce
and direct it.

JOSE:
I have been working with Jesus and Galindo Productions for
Three years now.

VCF: Who or what inspired you to become Filmmakers?

JESUS:
Growing up in a agricultural town in central California,
there wasn’t anything there that challenged me creatively. My family was a migrant farm working family and I helped them pick seasonal crops. I was told picking fruit builds character, and I guess it did, as I knew I did not want to do that all my life. At an early age, I felt the need to tell stories and saw that film was a great way to express myself. I was fortunate enough to get into a private art college, California College of Arts and Crafts, in Oakland, CA right after high school. And the rest, as they say, is history.

JOSE:
I shared an idea with Jesus and he liked it so he had me
write a script. We started talking about shooting it and that was the first time I really worked on a set. I even starred in it so I would have to say Jesus was the one who inspired and encouraged me.

VCF: What was your very 1st Project?

JESUS:
My very first project is a Super 8 mmm short film I did
while at California College of Arts and Crafts. It was so bad, that I’m actually proud of it. It is called The Scooter and has never been released. After that I’ve made quite a few films ranging in 16mm to digital filming. Other than The Scooter short film, the rest of my short films have in one way or another been screened publicly and in film festivals throughout the country and worldwide.

JOSE:
My first project was a short I wrote called Addicted and was
so proud when it even got accepted to several film festivals and even won an award.

VCF: What motivated you to shoot your latest project?

JESUS:
My latest project, SAVE THE PLANET, was inspired by
taking public transportation in San Francisco, CA. I was in a dirty bus on my way to go eat lunch. I observed my surroundings and got inspired to write the ideas down on my smart phone. When I got home I wrote the script and it all came together. I wanted to show how living in an oppressive urban environment can change and make someone snap almost overnight.

JOSE:
I really liked the idea of SAVE THE PLANET so I took
a really active role in project learning so many new things and working with some great people.

VCF: Why did you enter VCF?

JESUS:
Before I submitted to VCF, I saw the previous year’s
VCF’s festival website to get a feel of what VCF is all about. I
decided then that Vegas Cine Fest would be good fit for my films, so I submitted my short films with the hopes of them being chosen. Fortunately, the festival organizers, Maria and Philip Marcus, saw something in my current short films and were accepted as Official Selections- ADDICTED was screened in 2011 and SAVE THE PLANET in 2012.

JOSE:
I had heard many good things about VCF and the founders
Maria and Phillip Marcus. After being accepted and attending I found the good words about them and the festival to be true and made some really good connections and also good friends.

VCF: Is there a specific type of Projects you life working on?

JESUS:
Up until now, I’ve been comfortable making dramatic
stories. All of my short films and my feature film are drama based. The only exception is my short film, ADDICTED, which is a dark comedy made of a character with an unusual addiction.

JOSE:
I would say I like working on comedies. I have always
enjoyed making people laugh and try to find humor in everything so why not share it with others.

VCF: What kind of Films should we expect from you in the future?

JESUS:
At the moment, drama and comedy films are lined up for
the near future. My next two projects is a follow up to Addicted, a comedy, and my second feature film, Four Crows, which is a drama with mystery and folklore. I would eventually like to work on other genres of film, such as horror and sci-fi.

JOSE:
Since I’ve had good luck with comedies I will be doing
more of them including the follow up to my first short addicted.

VCF: Any words of wisdom to aspiring Writers or
Filmmakers?

JESUS:
If you are serious about filmmaking, my common response
is to don’t give up. It’s easier said then done. As an independent filmmaker, it is very difficult to make films on a NO BUDGET budget. When you do make that film you are passionate about, get used to hearing the word “NO”. Don’t get discouraged. Keep knocking on those doors, and when you least expect it, someone will open that door and offer you an opportunity. If you want to make a name for yourself and use it as a sort of calling card, make short films. Submit them to film festivals. Put your films up on the internet. Use all the social media available. There are sites that you can upload your short films on the internet. Share it with your
friends. And my last final bit of advice is: BE PERSISTENT.
Don’t let anyone bring you down, as just the fact you made a film is a great accomplishment and no one can take that away from you!

JOSE:
I would tell them to get ready for every type of criticism
and don’t take it personal. Appreciate the kind words and learn from the harsh ones and most of all work hard and honest.

VCF: DO you have any Hero's & Why?

JESUS:
I would have to say my parents. My dad gave me sound
work ethics and taught me right from wrong. My mother was
nurturing. She instilled the sense of loyalty and pride into whatever task I took on. She was always supportive of my filmmaking journey. My parents have both passed on, but I share both of their traits, and has shaped me into a better person. And I thank them for that.

JOSE:
My hero’s would be my parents. They have given me
good work ethics and always encouraged me to be creative and accomplish what ever I set my mind to.

VCF: What are your favorite Movies & Why?

JESUS:
Some of my favorite movies are movies that make me
think about it long after I’ve seen it. Some are psychological
classics, such as Psycho and current ones, such as Argo. I like these films for some or all of the reasons such as the script/story, cinematography, acting, and directing. The key bond these films all have is that they have a psychological aspects to them. I guess that means I like psychological type films.

JOSE:
I would say I have a special place for westerns. They
remind me of the weekends I would spend with my grandparents and how I grew up.

Spotlight Q&A with Filmmaker & 2012 VCF Winner Benjamin Wlodawer...

SPOTLIGHT Q&A with VCF 2012 Winner Benjamin Wlodawer:


VCF ~  Did you go to Film School & where?

Ben: Yes, Vancouver Film School.

VCF ~ What motivated you to write this script?

Ben:
This amazing script comes from my great friend and writer Mark Shea Price. I developed the idea after I was traveling in Poland, and I really saw examples of how man can eradicate each other in this beautiful world. We can see the same examples in Africa today, and no one does anything to help. The film industry helps us show the world a reality that everyone is hiding.

VCF ~ How did you choose your cast?

Ben:
We made auditions on four different days. Once Rowland, Max, and Niko came in, it only took me a second to know that I wanted to see these guys working together in callbacks. Rowland can change from an eccentric performance to a really kind and emotional one. Max is natural actor; he felt the script, and he just made something wonderful in the character with his eyes. Niko could portray a man in constant fear, while never losing hope.

VCF ~ How long did it take you to finish this film?

Ben:
1 month pre-production, 5 days shooting, and 1 month post-production.

VCF ~ Is this based on a true story?

Ben:
No

VCF ~ Do you have any advice for a New Filmmaker?

Ben:
As the film shows: Never lose hope, everything is possible, follow your dreams and transfer that to the screen.

VCF ~ Do you have any words of wisdom?

Ben:

You can only see others as clearly as you see yourself. Any relationship between actor and character has to be inspired by this, and that will help him understand the life he has to bring to the film.

VCF ~ What is your next project?

Ben:
Mark and I are working together on the script for Numbers the feature. We are bringing inspiration from the short and mixing it with a lot of different feelings and genres.

VCF ~ Do you consider this project one of your best work & why?


Ben:
It is my best, as it is the one we want to not just be a short. We have had the opportunity to show this to audiences in places like Vancouver, Las Vegas, New York, California, and Mexico.

VCF ~ What is your favorite Movie of all time & why?

Ben:

Hmm, how can I answer something so broad, so ambiguous? There are too many to choose from; every movie has marked something in the history and changed the way to make and see the film industry. I am sorry but I can't answer that question. I can only tell you some movies that I love, like Citizen Kane, Inglourious Basterds, Pan's Labyrinth, The Shawshank Redemption, Schindler’s List, etc.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A ~ VCF Winner Gabriel Schmidt....

SPOTLIGHT FILMMAKER PROFILE Q&A ~ VCF Winner ~ Music Video: The Hardest Day ~ GABRIEL SCHMIDT

VCF: How did you get started in the Industry?

Gabriel: 

I was looking to start a business. I knew several celebrities and people working in the industry. But it was when I befriended actor Tom Arnold, that 2 things happened: a) I was able to watch how people work on the filming set and business. b) I had an idea for an script, talked to Tom Arnold and it snowballed to a film project we have in Pre Production called 'SPYchosis", written and Produced by Tom Arnold, Gene Loveland and myself. I discovered my passion for producing, directing and writing. I eduvated myself ad trained with Dov Simmons in NYC. I love what do. I'm very passionate about it, therefore, very dedicated and persistent.

VCF: Who inspired you and why?

Gabriel:

My children are my inspiration to create new opportunities. I have role models I follow in the industry: Clooney, Tarantino, Clint Eastwood, Weinstein, to name a few. I want to set a mark on efficient filmmaking: fast, good, profitable. I have a lot of work to do.

VCF: What motivated you to Produce the Music Video?

Gabriel:

The Hardest Day was my first full time film project. I like the music of Helirounds, I love Malibu's view and I drive daily on Pacific Coast Highway. So I had the idea, spoke to Helirounds Jon Crisp, he agreed. Then I spoke to Actress Alexandra Bard, she liked it. Then I hired Gilbert Orozco. I wrote the script, created the story and we shoot it.

VCF: Are you working on any features?

Gabriel:

I have multiple projects. Really. I'm multitasking on 18 scripts/film projects, in addition to the 6 shorts, 1 features and 1 Documentary that I have in Post Production now. Out of those, we have 7 film projects in our primary task and goals: Spychosis, Mission SOP, SWAP, Roadside Stars, VIK, Throat and The Last Game.

VCF: How do you choose your Projects?

Gabriel:

I choose the projects by the story, the people involved in it, and what I envision on it.

VCF: Do you also write?

Gabriel:

I'm writer. I co-wrote Spychosis. I wrote The Hardest Day, The Last Game, Mission SOP and The Last game.

VCF: What is your favorite Movie & why?

Gabriel:

My favorite movies: Up, Zero Dark Thirty, The Elf, Black Rain, The Silence of the lambs, Ronin, Taken.

VCF: Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Gabriel:

My vision is to build my production company by having 3 feature films per year filmed, in addition to shorts, music videos, and other business ralated tasks.

VCF: How do you choose your Cast?

Gabriel:

I 'picture' the cast while I'm reading the script. I follow several things depending on how the film is (independent or union). I', very proud with the cast I have worked with in my 11 films so far. They are awesome!

SPOTLIGHT Q&A with VCF Winner, Narmar Hanna

SPOTLIGHT Q&A Interview VCF 2012 Short Film Winner, Narmar Hanna " The Diner's Club" :

VCF ~ How did you get started in the Industry?

Narmar ~ I always loved my drama classes while I was in school, so after college and doing some traveling, I ultimately decided to take the plunge and move to Los Angeles. I started taking acting classes, and then started doing television and film work. And just recently,writing for film.

VCF ~ Did you go to Film School?

Narmar ~ No, I did not attend film school. Shooting my film turned into an accelerated version of it - I learned a lot about Budgets, Storyboards, finding locations etc ..
But I have taken a couple of writing classes in the past.

The Director, Ricky Lloyd George helped immensely with pre-production and hiring of the crew. He also worked with the D.P Matthias Schubert many times before. I am so glad we hired Matthias because he really captured the look and feel I was imagining when I wrote and envisioned the script. The entire cast and crew had plenty of experience. I am thankful to all them, for each part they played into making 'The Diner's Club' such a success!

VCF ~ What inspired you to become a Filmmaker?

Narmar ~ Film festivals. I started going to them years ago, and I always enjoyed watching the short films. And every time I left a festival I was inspired to write my own project!

VCF ~ What other projects are you working on?

Narmar ~ I'm currently creating a web series out of the short I made, we are currently in pre-production. I'm also writing a script for a feature film.

VCF ~ What does your family think of your winning film?

Narmar ~ They loved my film and They were completely thrilled! One of my secret goals when making this short, was to win Best Short Film at one of the festivals. I still can't believe It came true! I lost my dad about a month before the 2012 Vegas Cine Fest, but I know he was there with me in the room when they called my name.

VCF ~ What is your favorite Movie of all time & why?

Narmar ~ There are so many that come to mind, but one of my all time favorites is Legends of The Fall. I just thought it was so well done, and you really fall in love with the characters right off the bat. It's a great piece of story telling. The score is also fantastic and really moved the story so well.

VCF ~ Any words of wisdom for future filmmakers?

Narmar ~ Yes, create your own projects! It will be very fulfilling!

VCF ~ Has winning a award changed your life?

Narmar ~ It has, in the sense that now, I officially believe that dreams do come true!

VCF ~ Do you write your own projects?

Narmar ~ Yes, I absolutely love writing and creating stories !

VCF ~ What do you see for yourself in 3 years?

Narmar ~ I see myself doing a lot of directing, and also acting in a really well written series ( doesn't have to be written by me ). I also see myself creating a lot more projects. I would also love to be a part of an academy award winning film!


Trailer Link:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=RYQIq-UTTvk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRYQIq-UTTvk