In celebration of the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles screenings at Sunset Gower Studios this month, we’re conducting a series of Q&A Features and this week we’re bringing you Writer and Director Endre Hules of “The Maiden Danced to Death.”
“The Maiden Danced to Death”
Endre Hules
Writer and Director
Tell us a little bit about your project and how long you’ve been working on it.
I had the first draft of “Maiden” ready in 2000. It has gone through many transformations, funding debacles and reorganizations. I have completed two other films before I could finally begin production in 2010 in a rather complex three-way co-production. But the results were worth every minute of it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping out with this film?
Oh, yes. Pretty much everybody who was working on it, did over and beyond the call of duty. Our producers, Gabor Garami, Michael Dobbin and Igor Pedicek navigated the extremely traitorous waters of financing with amazing skill. Vilmos Zsigmond and Zoltan Honti’s images made the film unforgettable, but Ferenc Kiss’ music and Zoltan Zsuraffszky’s choreography make it stand apart from anything I have ever seen. Then the wonderful actors and dancers and on and on… It was truly a labor of love and I couldn’t be more grateful.
How does it feel to have your film part of the NewFilmmakers Screening at Sunset Gower Studios?
I can’t wait! After 18 festivals from India to Korea, Germany, Spain and Canada, this is our introduction to the Hollywood Industry. I have butterflies in my stomach.
What inspires you?
Originality and courage. I would rather see a not entirely successful, but courageous piece, then a “well-made” one. All the greats in history busted existing traditions – didn’t ignore them – and created new ones that the next generation had to reinvent.
Who are your influences and who do you admire?
I try to take inspiration wherever I can find it. I often rely on music. Shostakovich, Philip Glass, Flamenco, world music always help me out from a creative rot. I admire anyone who can pull off a successful movie. The chances are close to zero.
What lessons have you learned from the industry so far?
No matter what situation you are in, you are dealing with people, who want to be treated as such. This goes all the way up and down the line.
If you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be?
I was extremely lucky in having a collaborator like cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond – and it was not because of his Oscar. I couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and generous partner. I hope to work with him again. Also, I would love to work with Philip Glass on a film.
What is the toughest experience you’ve ever had to overcome?
Acting in a film, and directing it at the same time. It’s enough to drive you crazy. I’m not likely to repeat it any time soon.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given to you?
You will always get what you want. The trick is to know in advance what it is…
What advice would you give to new filmmakers starting out in the industry?
Perseverance. You will get you chance – but then you must be ready to make the most of it.
Where can we expect to see you next?
I have just finished the screenplay for “The Flight,” the story of the first hijacking. Seven unarmed kids made a desperate escape from Eastern Europe, knowing that there was an armed secret agent on board. It’s a fascinating cat-and-mouse game based on a true story adapted from Frank Iszak’s book, “Free for All to Freedom.”
Let our readers know where they can find more information about you and your projects.
Besides my website, http://www.endrehules.com and the film’s http://www.themaidendancedtodeath.com, inquiring minds can find me on IMDB, as well as in thousands of entries in Google (not all accurate, though).
For more information on the screenings in Los Angeles, see below:
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles invites you to join the Monday April 16th 2012 film screening series and after-party event at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood with a filmmaker lounge throughout the evening.
5:30PM Shorts Program Pre-Screening Reception
6:00PM Shorts Program #1 Screening:
* Dumpling (Dir. Wesley Du)
* Bugbaby (Dir. Rebecca Lorenne)
* Ticket to Hell (Dir. Enrico Natale)
* The Contract (Dir. Ryan Goldstein)
* A Very Office Christmas (Dir. Maital Falkovitz)
7:00PM Feature Film Program #1 Pre-Screening Reception
7:27PM Shorts Film Program #1 After-Party
7:30PM Feature Film Program #1 Screening:
* The Maiden Danced to Death (Dir. Endre Hules)
9:15PM Feature Film Program #2 Pre-Screening Reception
9:35PM Feature Film Program #1 After-Party
9:45PM Feature Film Program #2 Screening:
* The Mighty Mavericks (Dir. Casey Kriley)
11:20PM Q&A with Feature Film Program #2 Filmmakers
11:35PM Feature Film Program #2 After Party
You will have the opportunity to meet the directors of each film, the actors and other crew + participate in a live audience Q&A.
There are pre-receptions and after-parties for each program. Admissions to the programs are only $6 which includes the screening ticket and access to the filmmaker lounge. Visit the NewFilmmakers LA Official Website at http://www.NFMLA.org for more information and to purchase your ticket now!http://www.newfilmmakersla.com/tickets.html
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