Our filmmaker spotlight is on Writer-Director J.J. Huckin of (Re)Birth. J.J. Huckin ‘s film was selected to be part of the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles screenings at the AT&T center in downtown Los Angeles this month. Learn about the film, his inspirations, goals and current projects.
Tell us a little bit about your project and how long you’ve been working on it.
It’s a short film that I have been thinking about for some time. It is about a woman who must choose between having a child and keeping her husband. Although it is not stated directly in the film…we can see they have been together for a long time. It is a “us against the world” type mentality they have and each other is all they need. Then the wife changes her mind and desperately wants a child. So the dilemma for the audience to deal with is deciding if it is fair for her to have an understanding and agreement with the husband that they are not going to have children but then change her mind. Who do you root for? The truth is…it’s grey. You can understand her feelings but he has a point too. So we have to see if this tears them apart or pulls them together.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping out with this film?
I’d like to thank the two actors for going above and beyond to shoot this and I would like to thank the family of the lead actress (Jennifer Wilson McGuire) for allowing us to shoot in her grandmother’s home.
How does it feel to have your film part of the NewFilmmakers Screening at AT&T Center?
It is an amazing feeling and I am very honored. When I got the call…I was thrilled because this is the one festival that I really really wanted to get into.
What inspires you?
Seeing other people create amazing heart felt art. The band Sigur Ros inspires me.
Who are your influences and who do you admire?
As filmmakers…I love Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson. They are operating on another level.
What lessons have you learned from the industry so far?
Nobody is waiting for you. You must make your own art. Whether you are an actor or filmmaker or musician or whatever…nobody cares about potential. You must make your own art and get it out there. And oh…Facebook is ruining the world.
If you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be?
Terrence Malick…I would love to see his process. His films are the most beautiful cinematic things I have ever seen.
What is the toughest experience you’ve ever had to overcome?
Tearing my Achilles…twice. And I live up a 100 step step-street. Sweet.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given to you?
You better do what you love in life because in 100 years, nobody will care that you were here. Your own family prob won’t even know what you did for a living. I don’t know what my great grandparents did. I surely don’t really care. So don’t waste your time not doing what you love. And try to help a few people along the way.
What advice would you give to new filmmakers starting out in the industry?
Find someone whose work you love…beg them to let you assist them…take your experience and apply it. Repeat.
Where can we expect to see you next?
I’m shooting some musical videos coming soon. Live stuff from Richie Sambora and Jason Mraz.
Let our readers know where they can find more information about you and your projects.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for including me in this piece. I’m honored.
Formerly an editor at Demand Media, writer at Citysearch, The Examiner and proofreader at The Los Angeles Daily News, Christy Buena decided to start Disarray Magazine because she missed writing what she wanted. From hiring writers, to contacting publicists and making assignments, Christy is responsible for the editorial strategy of Disarray Magazine. Get to know the team of talented contributors.
Follow Twitter.com/ChristyBuena
DISARRAY 