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JWB. What was the inspiration behind your feature film Fairview St?
MM. Fairview St. is my first feature film as a writer/director. It took me years to write. Through that process I hit every possible stage of writer's block. I didn't write from any autobiographical place, but I did pull certain story ideas and situations from people that I knew. That combined with a vivid imagination and a love for classic films helped be gear the look, feel and tone to the film. I wanted it to to be a modern day noir story. Following the lines of a true noir: "wherever the protagonist goes, fate is tripping him up."
JWB. And what inspired you to become a film maker?
MM. I originally started out just acting. I took a film course at the college that I attended, briefly, with the hopes of finding a way to better communicate with directors. After my three short student films, I had a better understanding of what a director goes through and also a drive to tell my own stories.
JWB. Were you expecting the film to be as well received as it has been?
MM. I hoped it would blow people away. I didn't expect that we could get it out to as many festivals as we have, initially, but I did have the hopes of grabbing every audience that saw it. Or at least a few of those folks in the seats would be drawn to it and it would touch their imaginations as well.
JWB. Do you have a lot of encouragement from family and friends? Do they get involved?
MM. My Father is my rock. He's my best friend and someone that I can truly count on. He's never let me down. It also helps that he's an incredibly natural actor. He gives a powerfully weighted performance in Fairview St. and plays the comedic heavy in Handlebar. I'm also writing him (along with A.E. Griffin, my long-time friend and collaborator) as the lead character in my fourth feature, Buffalo. The rest of my family is pretty fractured, so my friends have become, over time, my true family. Most have gotten involved in some way shape or form. Whether it's acting, donating time, meals, or helping to promote the films, they have a hand in it. We're like a band of gypsies here in Mid-Michigan. I also have an incredibly talented and patient girlfriend.
JWB. I believe the most important part of independent film making is that you enjoy it? Have you enjoyed working with your team on films?
MM. I really have. When we're working, we're the happiest. I love all areas of filmmaking: the idea stage, pre-production, actually shooting and making magic and the power of editing is such a beautifully rich place to be. The lack of money when promoting it can be a strain. That is something I don't enjoy.
JWB. What can we expect from you in the future? Do you have a preferred genre or style?
MM. I don't have a preferred genre or style. With Fairview St. & Shadowpuppet both playing at the Astoria/LIC International Film Festival this year it could be easy to say black and white noir, but Handlebar was a color dark comedy and Lucky, a color dramedy. Waiter From Hell, a color trilogy of comedic films. Buffalo, will be a color drama. I just like to tell honest stories with a truth and care given to the story and acting first and foremost. The people in the story are the most important. That doesn't mean the other elements aren't, because they are, but the acting and the story come first. No compromise there.
JWB. Can attendees expect to see you at the festival?
MM. This is the disappointing part of the interview. I'm a blue-collar filmmaker. I made Fairview St. & Shadowpuppet for what most big "Hollywood" films would spend on catering. I'm proud of that. Just because it's low budget, doesn't mean it's low quality. But unfortunately I work a day job and live in Michigan. I'd give anything to be there...Hopefully next year with Handlebar I'll be able to attend.
Anyone interested in seeing any of the other previews to the films and/or purchasing a dvd/cd soundtrack can find them at: rebelpictures.net
Michael McCallum is an award winning director/writer/actor who was born in Lansing, MI where he currently resides.
His first feature film as a writer/director, Fairview St., was premiered in Jan. 2009 at Celebration Cinema to sell out crowds. The film has been accepted into 19 film festivals nationally, played in 12 different states and won 8 major awards.
His second feature as a writer/director, Handlebar, premiered at Celebration Cinema in Feb. 2010 and has been accepted into its first 4 film festivals and has won two awards so far.
Lucky, his third feature will premiere in 2011.
The acceptance of Shadowpuppet into the Blue Water Film Festival marks its 4th film festival.
In addition to film, Michael is also an accomplished theater performer. He stepped back on to the stage and played "Nickles" in J.B. last year for Capital Theater Works.
He recently worked as the assistant director for Dying City with Capital Theater Works. His films, trailers and writing can be seen and purchased at: rebelpictures.net
Thank you very much to Michael McCallum for taking the time to talk to us about Fairview ST.
