Where did the idea for creating the film “Wednesday” originate from?
JUSTIN - Wednesday is based on real, personal events that happened to me. We all go through the same things in life, but it's how we individually deal with them that separates and connects us all. We all encounter love and loss whether directly or indirectly. These are universal themes. The end result may differ, but the pain, heartache, hope, and redemption will always be there.
Did the film idea come from the both of you?
JUSTIN - Ryan always adds his insight and knowledge to whatever story we are talking about. I wrote the story and screenplay because it is such a personal story. Ryan has such a precise eye with the camera for both aesthetic and emotional/dramatic effect. So, the initial idea is mine, sure...but the end result is both of our collaboration, design, and art.
Tell me something about Striped Socks Productions?
JUSTIN - Striped Socks Productions is true independent filmmaking. We love film and truly believe that film is art. Our goal is to create art that stands the test of time. Striped Socks Productions represents that passion for art, storytelling, and collaboration. We want everyone involved in one of our projects to be hardworking and passionate about their work. Stephen King said, "Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work" My personal motto since I was a kid was, "MAKE IT HAPPEN!" If you want something bad enough, make it happen.
RYAN - Justin and I have gotten lucky in finding each other. We compliment each other's visual and intellectual abilities. That is Striped Socks Productions.
Are there any upcoming Future projects?
JUSTIN - Things are still pretty hush-hush, but we will be going into pre-production on three different feature films at the end of the year. We are going to shoot PALE HORSE, ENOCH, and BLUE LIKE ISOLATION back to back to back. We're very excited about these projects. These films will cover new ground stylistically and thematically, very exciting!
RYAN - We are going to tackle many different subjects and really surprise people with our ability to jump from genre to genre. Like Kubrick, we plan on redefining these genres as well and making films that are unique and purposeful.
Will there be screenings? If so, what towns/state/country will they be screening in?
JUSTIN - We'd love to have a London screening by the end of the year; otherwise, the DVD will be available for everyone! Wednesday was shot digitally and is meant to be seen on a home entertainment system. And it is the type of film that should be watched more than once.
RYAN - Wednesday is very special when viewed in an intimate setting and it requires many viewings to full appreciate it. There is a lot there to be seen and discussed.
What made you both become a team?
JUSTIN - I could not ask for a more talented, intelligent, driven partner in film. We have such similar tastes and styles, but what I can't do or can barely do, he excels at. Ryan is the perfect collaborator, contributor, and enhances everything I do as a filmmaker. Plus it helps being really good friends. We trust each other and won't throw a fit if the other one rips apart a new idea...it's mutual respect.
RYAN - Like he said, what I can't do, Justin excels at...we fit the puzzle and the pieces fit perfectly.
How many other projects have you both worked on together?
JUSTIN - We've worked on a couple short films together. Wednesday was the first feature film for both of us. Next, we'll work on these three feature films together.
RYAN - This isn't the end of the collaboration. We have so many stories we want to tell and so many goals we want to accomplish. We won't stop until we're six feet under...until then, we'll always be going forward.
Justin: Who inspired you to become a writer/director/producer?
JUSTIN - From a personal standpoint, I'd say my parents. They always encouraged me to think outside the box and pursue any creative endeavor with confidence. From a filmmaker standpoint it was Stanley Kubrick, Peter Sellers, and Steven Soderbergh. I'll always remember the first time I saw A Clockwork Orange, Dr. Strangelove, and Eyes Wide Shot. Those first viewings of Kubrick films changed me.
And it was Peter Sellers roles that showed me how amazing performances could really be. Steven Soderbergh's work, specifically Out of Sight and Schizopolis really altered my views on the difference between an auteur, a one-trick pony, and a sell-out. Soderbergh brilliantly manages to make these large-scale crowd-pleasers and small personal statement films with the same drive and quality.
Ryan: Who inspired you to become a director of photography/producer?
Stanley Kubrick's ability to attack any genre with precision is the reason I'm a filmmaker. His use of color and light showed me that each frame of a film is like a painting. That is why I'm a filmmaker. I'm an artist first. I'm not solely into film, I use several different mediums, but a DP does deal with color, light, composition, and the balance of shape which connects to me being an artist first.
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Of course I have to ask, what would one of your favorite films be?
JUSTIN - My favorite film is Eyes Wide Shut, closely followed by Talk To Her, A Clockwork Orange, Dr. Strangelove, Raging Bull, Brazil, Straw Dogs, and My Own Private Idaho.
RYAN - A Clockwork Orange is the first and foremost, followed by Brazil, Videodrome, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Night of the Living Dead. We are genre and film history fanatics.
And one last question, what are your favorite types of films?
JUSTIN - I'll watch anything. I love film, and especially love when you can't get a particular one out of your head. It just stays with you and absorbs your thoughts.
RYAN - When I walk out of a movie, and I'm speechless because of the images, message, and themes......those impacting movies are the reason why I think film is the ultimate art form and I am a filmmaker.
The DVD will be available online at the end of July.
