award winning director michael matteo rossi talks new film

What inspired you to get into the world of film?

I was shown a lot of classic films growing up and always knew I wanted to tell stories. Through the medium of film is one of my favorite ways to present these stories.

Did you go to school for film?

Yes! I went to San Diego State and had a great time there.

Let’s talk about Chase (2019), your most popular film. What was the inspiration behind it, and what was the overall production experience like?

Chase was my most ambitious film at the time and I attribute it to the cast and the pre-production. We had a great distributor that got the film out there and to this day it’s my most successful film so far.

What’s the hardest thing about being in the creative industry?

Being patient and navigating through some of the fake and flakiness that’s around. There are people who are all talk, so sometimes so you really have to build a team that’s passionate and trustworthy and want to create content as much as you do.

How did COVID-19 affect your work?

Strangely enough it made me even more motivated to work harder and be more creative in terms of making films. Thankfully I've made two feature films since COVID started and no end in sight!

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in filmmaking?

Find ways to create content and promote it to the world; surround yourself by other hungry individuals who feel the same way too. Network!

If you had the opportunity to remake a classic, which one would you go for?

I wouldn't because the classics don't need to be remade; we have enough of that already.

Your new movie Shadows, what’s it about?

It's about a teenager who gets into drug dealing and his estranged mom tries to connect with him again. Some of the past comes up to haunt them both, but it shows the power of family and protection.

What was the casting process like?

I usually cast the films myself and make sure and vet each actor to ensure that they are perfect for the role.

Shadows is also about family and what lengths they’ll go to protect each other. Was this inspired? What is the message you want perceived?

I think I was mostly inspired by Terminator 2, about family and protection. But also the fact that no family is perfect, but we find ways to care about each other and protect.

Any upcoming projects?

My feature film The Sweepers is almost done in post and I’m filming my next feature The Charisma Killers in October. It's going to be great!

*Attention bloggers, magazines, and freelance writers- for follow up interviews with the cast and crew, be sure to contact Sharry Flaherty of Samera Entertainment at: SameraEntertainment@Gmail.com