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                             AN INTERVIEW WITH Chase Parker, DIRECTOR


As a filmmaker, please introduce yourself.

My name is Chase Parker. I'm a filmmaker based in New York City. I've been making films for the past 7 years now. I didn't go to film school,

I had an interest in filmmaking in college and decided to just go after it.


Why you became a filmmaker as director and producer?

I really enjoy the process of storytelling from behind the camera. When I was in college I had a few friends that were aspiring actors but

didn't have any scripts or stories to be told. I figured, why not be the person to facilitate that. So we started doing little short skits in college dorm rooms and sneaking into campus facilities to film. Soon, my interest became a passion and here we are 7 years and 5 films later.


Give some more information about yourself about the films you have made so far, about your experience?

Like I had mentioned before, I didn't go to film school nor did

I take a course on filmmaking in college. It was just something

that I was interested in. I made my first short film titled City Kids

and it took me nearly 2 years to finish because I had no clue

the full extent of making a film. I always saw the set as my classroom.

I never was too proud to ask questions or say I didn't know something.

I think that's why I was able to learn so much so quickly.

Now I'm ready to take my career to the next level.


What are the films or people that had impacts on you and deeply inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Definitely, Ryan Coogler. I've followed him since he was making his short films. Actually got to see one of his films at the

American Black Film Festival. To see how his career has manifested

is the biggest inspiration for me. I'm also a David Fincher fan

and seeing his work really keeps me going.


You have made your short film "Dreamland"

which officially selected in the

"American Golden Picture International Film Festival".

You have made it in very bad time of pandemic Coronavirus in the city. As a filmmaker, why you decided to make it? and what was your main aim?

As a new yorker, we have always said NYC is the city that never sleeps, the goal was to showcase one of the largest cities in the world completely empty. I was quite shocked to see Times Square empty.


What were some of the challenges you faced in making this film?

The biggest challenge was getting everyone comfortable with travelling into the city in order to shoot. We were a very small crew but

when we shot this film, it was just as the cases were rising in New York, so we were quite reluctant to go out and shoot.


Let us more about your experience in this film?

Overall it was a great experience. This was the first time I made a film that was based on a current event. Typically I like to tell stories

that aren't being talked about by the public. But to add my perspective on this current issue was a fulfilling experience.


The Cinematography and Acting supports the drama in a very effective way. What was it like to work with them?

The experience was amazing, it's always great when both cast and crew are on the same page.

Sometimes, you have to remind yourself to have fun and enjoy the process. Working with the cast and crew reminded me

this is still art and art is meant to be an enjoyable creation process.

For you what was the biggest lesson you had to learn after making this film?

When I first started, people would ask me "what my vision" was. I never truly understood that until this film.

Having a vision and sticking to that vision was really the biggest lesson.


What keeps you inspired to continue filmmaking?

My biggest inspiration is seeing other filmmaker's work. I know how hard it is to put together a film,

so seeing someone else accomplish it makes me feel like I can continue to work as hard as I can.


What are your filmmaking goals?

It may seem a bit of a reach but, I want to be the first African American film director to win an Academy Award for Best Director.


What is your next project?

My next project is a short film called "Welcome to Afrotree", it's a thriller/comedy about a couple that moves into an all black gated community.


GOOD LUCK Chase

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