By: Mariah Thomas
Photo By C.D. Carpenter
Q) You both co-wrote, directed and starred in Situations. What made you want to take on such an active role with the film?
A) I always say it was built out of frustration out of not doing the things I wanted to do as an actor and not seeing the films I wanted to see as a film lover. I had enough gas in the tank and the right people around me to take this thing for a ride. A lot of this stuff is timing. And I always believe that the universe wants you to succeed and it was telling me to go for it. And I also knew that if we tried to do this the “traditional” way it would have never gotten made and even worse, it would have gotten butchered. We had the vision, the team and the drive.
Q) Having directed a few other shorts, this is your feature debut. What made this project/film concept the right fit for your debut?
A) It was just right for the time and the place I was in personally and professionally. I wanted to do something adult. Take that however you want but that’s what it is. Love, friends, career, confusion, reflection – all that stuff. You get older and your shoulders get heavier. That’s the stuff I want to see. I want to see flawed humans. Real people. That’s what I’m attracted to.
Q) As an established actor, how does that play to an advantage with your personal directing style?
A) I have been on a lot of sets. And I know what I like and what I don’t like. And being an actor first and foremost came to my advantage with this because I know how to not only speak the language but make use of the time. These are meat and potato scenes, Acting 101. Living in a space, speaking words and bringing truth and emotion behind it whether it’s comedy or drama.
Q) What was the inspiration for this film?
A) There was a lot. I could feel the change in Los Angeles. I could feel a shift in myself as a creative. And it was written at a time when there was a lot of reflection going on in my life. And also realizing that this is a very common thing with people. And a coming of age story with adults sounded refreshing to me because you don’t really see those anymore. But I pulled a lot from my life, friends lives. That’s why it resonates I think, because it’s honest.
Q) I think this story could’ve been told from many different creative perspectives for Nick’s occupation. Ultimately, why was photography the chosen job?
A) I’ve always loved photography. It’s a profession that is intimate and that is told from the POV of one person, the photographer. It’s an individual’s eye capturing a moment and I find that beautiful. And in this case you have Nick who is so social and engaging at work but ultimately there is a bit of loneliness. It’s ironic how Nick knows what he wants behind the camera but when it comes to himself he might not have those answers. And there is this feeling of longing within himself both personally and professionally.
Q) Did you find yourself feeling more pressure or ease when it came to engaging with the project both as an actor and director?
A) I was at ease because of where I was at in my life. I did the work, we did the work. And I was surrounded by friends and family who believed in myself as well as the project and wanted to tell the story. And when you are in the scene and acting and directing you’re there. You’re present, you know? I can speed up a scene, slow it down. Mess with a beat, improv and whatever and not have to say cut all the time and pull the actors aside. These types of movies are like dance, you go with the flow but keep in mind that there has to be some structure.
Q) So many films with a similar premise or theming to Situations centers romance but this film doesn’t. Why was that decision made?
A) Because the romance is there, we didn’t need to hang a lantern on it. It’s in the shots, the dialogue, the quiet moments. When you start talking about “romance” or “love” you lose the power of it. And then you fall into exposition and we weren’t trying to do that. Even the score stems from romance and vulnerability. Benjamin Romans, our composer, added layers to the film that filled in the scenes.
Q) Los Angeles itself almost becomes its own character in the film. There are so many beautiful shots in the film. What was the process like setting up those more intricate shots with DP Trevor Wineman?
A) We leaned into the photography aspect of it all and wanted every shot to look like a picture. We really took the time and referenced films we love, ideas that were original. The right lenses, the lighting; everything was thought out. And we were in this position to take chances and dream up whatever we wanted to. Trevor and I are in tune with one another and have a way of communicating that is playful. And Los Angeles is one of the strongest characters in the movie. We wanted to show it in a different way, one that we hadn’t seen before.
Q) Either as an actor or director (or both), is there a specific scene you feel most proud of once seeing the final film cut?
A) Every scene really has its moment. It was structured that way. Every actor involved brings it and they bring it an honest way. I am so proud of that. P.J. Byrne at the fireplace scene gets me every time. Sitting across from Melora Walters in the Blue Room is such beautiful conversation and chemistry. The bungalow scene with Katie Parker, Fox outside of Jumbos makes me smile, the Uber with Gino Vento, Augie Duke and Mia Danelle gets so many laughs, George Basil behind the bar is great. And the bedroom scene with Fiona Dourif of course. I love that scene because you almost forget that there is a camera in that room.
Q) Situations was part of Ojai Playhouse’s Left Turn indie film showcase. What do you think is the importance of a showcase like this for local communities?
A) Ojai was amazing. It’s a magical place to begin with and to have had the opportunity to play up there amongst five other of the most original indie films in the past year was an honor. Movies bring people together and the Playhouse does just that. They have the community behind it. I hope more independent theaters follow their lead. We, the filmmakers, want to be there to not only show our films and talk about them amongst our peers, but also bring attention to places like the Ojai Playhouse because they are pioneers in their own way. And I will go on the record and say that the Ojai Playhouse has the best concession options of any theater I have been to (yes, there is a full bar).
Q) What do you hope resonates with viewers about this film?
A) It differs with everyone who sees it and I like that. There is a lot of substance and layers in this film. Some people lean towards the comedy of it and some feel the drama. We don’t force the audience to feel just one way. I honestly believe that a lot has to do with what the viewer is bringing into the film. And that’s how it was written and meant to be. It’s a true slice of life. But ultimately the film is about reflection; past, present and future. When I have people reach out to me after seeing the film and open themselves up about their own “situations” I know that there is something special there. Because they are seeing or feeling something within themselves.
Q) What are the upcoming projects you have been busy working on?
A) I’m always writing and have a couple in the pipeline that I would like to direct. But also not married, just doing my own stuff. I would love to bring someone else’s words to life as well. So, I am in the “conceiving” phase. [laughs] On the acting side I have been busy working on a TV show that I don’t know if I can talk about quite yet but we are almost done filming the first season.