Interview with VCU Arts Student Filmmaker Christine Pomilla

I first met Christine Pomilla when I auditioned for her film, “Melanie,” in Fall 2008 in Richmond, VA. Struck by how professionally and meticulously she conducted herself—by handing me the script and recording my reading, which, as basic as it sounds, something many student directors forget to do—I quickly picked up on her passion for the field. I immediately became curious about her aesthetic tastes, experience and her future plans in the industry. Here’s what Christine has to say about cinema and herself as a film student:

*Tell me a little about yourself personally and creatively/personally.

I am 22 years old and I am currently finishing up my B.F.A. in the Film Department of VCU’s School of the Arts. I’m from Springfield, VA and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 2005.

*What first got you interested in film?

I’ve always loved movies, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I decided I wanted to pursue filmmaking as a career. I took my first film studies class that year. We watched several classic films, but I believe that it was Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and Psycho that really inspired me to make my own films. During my junior and senior year of high school I took Film 2 and Film 3. These classes encouraged us to make our own short films in which we learned how to edit on Pinacle and Adobe Premiere. We also were required to be a part of a weekly news show. For this, each student was responsible for filming and editing their own segment for the show. I generally worked on coming up with creative introductions for the show so it wasn’t the same each week. I learned a lot from those classes and had a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Russo, whom I still keep in touch with.

*What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

It’s really hard to say what some of my favorite films are. I’d have to say that Vertigo, Psycho and Rear Window are up there, but that’s because Hitchcock is my favorite director. I enjoy Wes Anderson’s work, as well. Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore are probably my favorite films of his. Then there are films like the Indiana Jones Trilogy, Back to the Future, Little Miss Sunshine, and other various films.

My favorite foreign films are L’Ultimo Bacio, La vita e’ bella, Paris Je t’aime and Offsides.

My favorite Television shows are The Office, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Seinfeld.

*How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

The film “scene” here in Richmond, VA is a good one. I think people underestimate the film community here. There are tons of talented filmmakers in the area, always projects and events going on for people to get involved with and more resources than people think. We have everything that we need here to be a competitive community. We have studios that specialize in certain things like sounds design, animation, editing and cinematography. We have companies that produce a good amount of commercials in the area. There are many independent film companies working on their own projects and producing good work. Then we have the occasional big budget film that comes through the area and gives us the opportunity to expand our connections and work on something more mainstream. We have everything from film festivals to the Virginia Production Alliance all at our disposal. So I’d say we have a pretty good “scene” here in Richmond.

*What advice do you have for anyone interested in trying to succeed in your city?

For anyone trying to succeed in Richmond, I’d say get as involved as possible and keep in touch with any connections you make along the way.

*Who or what do you cite as major inspirations (they do not have to directly relate to film) for your work?

Alfred Hitchcock is definitely a major influence, but I’m sure you already guessed that. I’d also have to say my family, especially my brother and dad, are huge influences for me. I’m pretty sure this is a cliché to say, but music influences me greatly. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a song and it’s immediately inspired me to make a film. When that happens I tend to sprint to the nearest piece of paper and pen and start writing. I’ve come up with some pretty interesting ideas that way. Lastly. I’d have to say location. It’s inspiring in a similar way music is, in that, I can be any where at anytime and see something that puts an image in my head and then I use that image to develop a scene that plays out in my head. It’s amazing how inspiring everyday life can be.

*Who are some of your favorite screen actors? What do you admire about their acting? What about their techniques should aspiring screen actors study?

Some of my favorite screen actors are Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stuart, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who I think is phenomenal in every role he plays, Merryl Streep who can put on one heck of a performance, Jack Nicholson, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp. Not because he’s a handsome fellow, but because I really respect him as an actor. He fully invests himself into every role he plays. I enjoy watching him because I’m usually too enthralled by his character to even notice that it’s Johnny Depp and not Edward Scissor Hands or Jack Sparrow. He brings every character to life in a very believable and convincing way. There are many other very talented actors I like watching, but I can’t think of off the top of my head.

*How would you describe your filmmaking process?

My filmmaking process has changed over the years as I have grown as a student filmmaker into an independent filmmaker. When I first started making films for class I just went through the motions. I would write a brief summary of what I wanted to accomplish, ask my friends to help out, then, like most students, I’d wait until the last minute to film and edit my project. I didn’t put much thought into some of the more important details of filmmaking. I was too concerned with completing the project on time and getting a grade. I can honestly say, I’ve learned a lot since then. Now I take the time to do as much pre-production as needed for the project, I think of all the details like wardrobe and set dressing, and since I am trying to make a name as a director, I take the time to hold auditions and before filming I hold rehearsals. I’m trying to work on doing things the right way, being more organized and thought out, and not just doing whatever it takes to get by. I want my projects to be good quality films and with as little stress as possible, which is why I’m working hard on my pre-production skills. If I have my act together before I start shooting, I won’t be as stressed out on set because I will have covered all my grounds.

*What experience do you have in other art forms?

Of all the other art forms out there, I have the most experience in dance. Other than that I’ve dabbled into music and drawing here and there.

*What sort of things do you study and consider when watching a film?

When watching a film I often study the cinematography. I like looking for unique ways of framing a shot, the way the camera moves within a scene and interesting lighting. I also look for character development. I think it’s imperative for an audience to be able to relate or feel a certain way for a character. Whether they are supposed to love them or hate them, the only way to derive that emotion from the audience is to develop the character enough for the audience to have a connection with them, one way or another. If I can’t connect with a character in a film, then I could care less about what happens to them during the remainder of the film.

*What sort of internships and jobs have you had that relate to your field? What advice do you have for students interested in gaining the same types of opportunities?

I’ve had internships in a few places and taken on some paid jobs as well. I interned on a feature film called Lake City, starring Sissy Spacek. Before that, I was interning for a music video production company in New York and then they promoted me to Production Coordinator. I worked in the set-dressing department on the set of John Adams during pre-production and then was asked to be a set PA for the remainder of the production. After that, I was hired as a Producer for VCU-TV/HD, which consisted of producing 30minute documentaries that aired on PBS once a week. Lastly, I took a job on the set of 24. That may have been one of the best jobs I could’ve taken, in terms of networking. After working on 24 I received calls to work on films such as State of Play, He’s Just Not that Into You, and Fighting. For anyone who is interested in gaining the same type of opportunities that I have, take any opportunity that comes your way. Paid or unpaid, every job is important and will benefit you greatly. When it comes to networking and having the opportunity to learn more about your line of work, money should be no matter. Every experience is a learning experience and there is always something new to learn, especially since every set you will ever step foot on will be completely different from the next.

*What are your post-graduation plans? Why did you choose them?

My post-graduate plans are to continue to build the production company that my best friend and I started. Apolonia Davalos and I are the owners of Loud Silence Productions. We plan on making many short films and even some features. It was always a dream of mine to own my own independent film company and now that we have our business license we can make dreams come true. We want to use our company not only for our own interests in producing our individual ideas and projects, but to open doors to other filmmakers who just need a connection with resources to make their projects as well. We want to help others who need the means to accomplish their goals as well.

*Where do you hope to see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself making films, traveling the world, having a family and making a difference. I want to use my passion for filmmaking not just to entertain people, but to give them something to relate to and think about. I want to make films that deal with real life situations and social issues, whether they are narrative or documentary I want to use my skills to spread the word and send a good message. Of course, I want to make some ridiculous films along the way too. I’m not a serious enough person to make dramas for the rest of my life.

*What advice do you have for anyone interested in pursuing a film career?

If you are interested in pursuing a film career, read books, study as many films as you can, figure out what part of filmmaking interests you the most and then go for it. Like I said before, take any opportunity that comes your way, you will always learn more that way. If you’ve never taken a film class or plan on being a film student before pursuing your career, I highly recommend doing one of the two. There are many things that you can learn in a classroom that you can’t learn right away on set, just as there are many things you can only learn by being on set, that you can never learn in a classroom.

*Where can readers view your films and learn more about you?

I have a few films on YouTube. One is called Cheeks, it was made as part of the National Film Challenge, its about an accidental super-hero. The other is called What Book? It’s pretty much about good versus evil. A guy bullies a kid in a library. Also, the film What Book? will be screened at the Rosebud Film Festival in Arlington, VA on June 27th, 2009. Come out to the festival! For more information visit http://www.rosebudfestival.org/

Loud Silence Productions should have a website up in the near future. If anyone is interested in getting involved feel free to email us at loudsilenceproductions@gmail.com