Monty Lapica
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Interview With Monty Lapica By Chris 26/10/05
Monty Lapica is a young director who directed and
wrote
his first feature Self Medicated
A film which should defently put him on his way to a
fantastic career.
If the film comes near you check it out but do check out
the site to find out more
1. How did you get into acting and directing?
I dropped out of business school and enrolled in film
school. But 99% percent of what I’ve learned about making
films was learned by watching movies, reading books, and
making films, certainly not in school. In fact, I learned
much more from making my first feature than I learned in 3
years of film school. I think most directors would
agree.
2. What was the inspiration behind Self
Medicated?
When I was in high school my mom had me kidnapped and sent
to an extreme reform school. I was furious at the lack of
rights I had as a minor so I vowed to one day make a film
based on the experience to hopefully draw some attention to
the issue and expose these corrupt “institutions.”
3. Have you had much response from
distributors?
We’re currently negotiating with a handful of distributors
for a North American release.
4. How did you get Greg Germann & Michael Bowen
involved with the film?
I was familiar with Michael Bowen from his work in Magnolia
and Jackie Brown and knew he would be perfect as “Dan
Jones.” My casting director, Lindsay Chag, recommended Greg
to me.
5. Was it hard to get your film up and
running?
Tremendously hard. In certain ways, making an independent
film is akin to bashing your head into a wall repeatedly.
You can’t just throw money at problems that arise like a
bigger budget film; you have to find creative ways to solve
them. And you have to love every minute of it.
6. So you happy the way it turned out?
Absolutely. The final cut surpassed my highest
expectations. It’s amazing the intangibles that veteran
actors and a top notch DP are are able to bring to a
production to enhance the overall result. The whole is
greater than the sum of its parts.
7. Was it hard to get the finance for the
film?
Yes, very. We raised the money through private investors.
And it didn’t help that I was a first-time director who was
intent on playing the lead role. But we were relentless in
our quest, that’s the only way we were able to make it
happen. You cannot take “no” for an answer.
8. Have you had much comment from people about the
film?
We’ve been very lucky in the way that so far the audience
reaction has been overwhelmingly positive and we have been
invited to screen at a number of film festivals. It’s very
rewarding for everyone who worked so hard on the
film.
9. Any response from overseas distributors?
We have yet to screen the film for any overseas
distributors, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
10. Is it hard to direct yourself and act at the same
time?
The most difficult aspect is not being able to watch the
monitor during the take. You don’t know what you’re getting
exactly until you see it played back. And in independent
film, time to playback each take is a luxury that is just
not practical.
11. Is it hard making your first film?
It’s challenging in the way that you have to prove your
worth to the crew and cast early in the shoot so that they
will be behind you the rest of the way. A seasoned director
has a reputation that he or she carries to each film prior
to the first shot.
12. Who would you most like to work with?
Michael Mann. Benecio Del Toro. Denzel Washington. Ben
Kingsley.
13. what are some of your favourite movies?
Raging Bull. Amores Perros. Casino. Gattaca. Heat. Boogie
Nights. The Insider.
14. What movies have you seen lately you really
enjoyed?
The Constant Gardener. American Movie. Hustle &
Flow.
15. What are some of your favourite musical
artists?
Radiohead. Pixies. Sparklehorse.
16. What would we find on your stereo at the
moment?
Bright Eyes. Joao Gilberto. Bob Marley. Album Leaf.
17. What are your thoughts on studio doing remakes of
old movies and what movie would you remake?
The Godfather. Just kidding! I’m not really a fan of
remakes.
18. What are your thoughts on the realty tv
format?
My ex-girlfriend became the star of a reality dating show
shortly after we broke up. That was one of the strangest
albeit thoroughly entertaining experiences watching that
show. Outside of that, I don’t find myself watching much
TV.
19. What is next in the pipeline for you?
It’s called “The Methodical.” I plan on shooting it next
year.
Thanks for your time Monty
Thank you, Chris! Let’s stay in touch.
