TORONTO '06 DISCOVERY INTERVIEW: Ed Stone: "I became a filmmaker because I failed at everything else I ever tried." by indieWIRE (September 9, 2006)
A scene from Ed Stone s "Griffin & Phoenix." Photo courtesy of the Toronto International Film Festival.
Every day through the end of the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, indieWIRE will be publishing interviews with filmmakers in the Discovery section of the festival, which TIFF describes as “provocative feature films by new and emerging directors.” Nineteen filmmakers were given the opportunity to participate in an e-mail interview, and each was sent the same questions. Director Ed Stone is at Toronto with his feature film, “Griffin & Phoenix.” In the film, a recently divorced man discovers he has terminal cancer and resigned to his fate, suddenly finds himself reawoken when he meets a beautiful young woman. How old are you? Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? What jobs have you had? Where are you working now? 45 years old, day job - writer. former jobs include = radio disc jockey, ranch hand, farm hand, airplane fueler, PA in film and television, dog walker, house sitter, waiter, assistant teacher at court reporters school, construction worker, actor in film, television, and theatre, bellhop, bartender, herbal-life salesman, home health equipment salesman/service, fast food employee (several chains) I was born in Kansas City, MO. Grew up in New Mexico and Texas. I now live in Los Angeles. What were the circumstances that lead you to become a filmmaker? I became a filmmaker because I failed at everything else I ever tried. I started writing scripts as a place to put my creative anger. I had written five brilliant scripts (an opinion that no else one shared) When a friend and I decided to make our own film. Since no one else thought we were talented we would make a movie and prove them right… damnnit. We raised our own funding and made “Happy, Texas” - which was at the Sundance and Toronto film festivals in 1999. i have made a living as a writer ever since. (Everyone knock wood.) The only other creative outlet i explore is my wife. Did you go to film school? How did you learn about filmmaking? I did not go to film school. i have a B.A. in theatre from New Mexico State University (a real hot bed of Broadway and Hollywood talent.) I learned about filmmaking by getting my ass on sets. I worked production assistant and intern jobs and was fascinated by every detail. (i still am.) I paid attention and kept asking questions from anyone i could find that would put up with me. When i first moved to Los Angeles I appeared as an actor in around 40 USC graduate student films. and learned along with them. i’m still learning and ask anyone i’ve worked with… I still have a bunch to learn.
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AFI Fest
AFI Fest '09
Chipotle Mexican Grill to Award a Filmmaker $2000, April 4, 2010 during the ECOtainment Awards at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills.
THAT FILMMAKER COULD BE YOU! GOING GREEN FILM FESTIVAL'S motto: REthink. REplenish. REcommit. This is the only festival of its kind to focus exclusively on green filmmaking, from production to content! ALL GENRES ARE WELCOME! Prizes include: $2000 from Chipotle, Hybrid Bikes, Tree Planted in Your Name, Fuji Film, Movie Magic Suite Software, Showbiz Software, Super 8 Production Facilities and much more! Hurry and beat the NOVEMBER 30th deadline! www.GoingGreenFilmFestival.com |
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