Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making Unconditional. How did you start, and how did you learn to make Films?
My Filmmaking journey started in Film school in 2008. After my capstone project garnered interest from a producer, I moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. I honed my craft by making the most of every opportunity. I shadowed well-known directors, wrote every day, and eventually earned opportunities to direct music videos.
I also served in several capacities in production to have a greater understanding of how each department adds value to the project.
In addition to maximizing my access on big-budgeted productions, I produced a lot of my own content. Working as an independent Filmmaker has been an enriching experience. I have worked with liked minded individuals who make amazing art despite Fiduciary hinderances. I have produced and directed nine short Films, directed several music videos, guest directed on a number of television shows and directed and produced my own television show.
Tell us about Unconditional. How do you describe it?
Unconditional is the exploration of consequence when an embattled conscience comes to a crossroads. As a storyteller, I am always looking to Find ways to connect to the most unscrupulous of characters. As a Filmmaker, I love to remain challenged on how I visually approach storytelling and Unconditional was an opportunity for both.
Please tell us about your favorite Filmmakers.
My favorite Filmmakers are Antoine Fuqua, Tony Scott, Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, Michael Bay and Christopher Nolan. Each director has specific nuances that I glean from in my own approach to Filmmaking.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
My ideal project is to produce a high-level action movie – in the vein of Mission Impossible – on the continent of Africa, specifically Nigeria. Nollywood has yet to produce an action film, and I would like to be the First to do so.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
Our team usually has three months of pre-production. We are extremely meticulous when it comes to planning our production days and have a realistic approach to our shoots. Because we are so collaborative, we have extensive conversations with all departments to ensure that everyone has enough time to execute what they need to accomplish. On the day of, we rarely find ourselves looking at situations that we haven’t previously discussed. It’s production so there are always going to be Fires, but our team is so solution oriented that we are always able to pivot and make our day. We maintain a high level of communication and respect which always yields max results.
What was the hardest part of making Unconditional.
We shot Unconditional in 16 hours, so I would say the hardest part of that production was achieving that level of physicality in such a short amount of time with inexperienced actors. The actors in this Film are foster youth who are not working professionals, so having enough time to get the heist shot in particular was crucial. We also only had one set of sugar glass, so it was important that we captured the actor breaking the glass cases in one shot.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
I am currently working on a television pilot that is set to be shot at the end of August 2024.
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