Shadows Film Spotlight
Today’s film spotlight focuses on the feature film Shadows directed by Michael Matteo Rossi.
What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?
The title is Shadows and I purposely wanted to make it ominous about around every corner there is something or somebody lurking and following others which you see throughout the movie.
Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.
I wanted to tell a protector type story and with the blend of family mixed in as well. I wanted to have all of the main characters interconnected through circumstance and also coincidence and of course blend action and entertainment throughout as well. This is a character driven piece so casting was vital in it and I feel it is my best acted film I’ve ever directed.
Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?
I would say James Cameron and Michael Mann definitely influenced me in terms of style and storytelling and a mix of Terminator 2 and a lot of the gritty urban underground LA crime films as well.
What is the goal of the film for you?
I would say completing post of my feature The Sweepers (which we are almost picture locked on) and making my next feature The Charisma Killers in October as well and continuing for people to see Shadows of course! With each film I want to get better and better as well in terms of directing and storytelling
What has the journey been like getting the film into production?
It’s definitely not easy at points but my passion makes it so I always find a way to get a film made and out there. I love directing more than anything and when you have a great team behind you that believes in you it makes it that much easier.
One thing you learned from this project?
Pre-production is absolutely key and the longer you have to prep the better and to vet everybody from cast to crew before bringing them on.
How can folks find you and your film online?
I’m on twitter instagram and facebook it’s twitter.com/michaelmatteoro, instagram.com/
Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?
Find ways to create content and surround yourself by other hungry passionate people who want to create art as well. Do not give up.
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