The DMF With Justin Younts

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Paul Todisco. He is a director and we are talking his film: Freak Talks About Sex. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts. This is part three. So, how does Freak Talks About Sex come about? It all started when I was searching for my first movie to make. I met Jim Daddabo, a good friend of mine now, who produced Freak Talks About Sex. We bonded over our shared hometown of Syracuse and his college roommate's unpublished novel, which inspired the film. The journey to finance the movie was challenging, taking two years and involving various investors. We shot it on 35mm Panavision cameras, a point of pride for us at the time. The film captures the essence of Syracuse living and the struggles of young adulthood, reminiscent of films like Kicking and Screaming and Clerks. I aimed for authenticity in the dialogue, ensuring it felt real and relatable. The film explores themes of apathy and the longing for escape, resonating with today's generation. Despite some challenges with the final cut and music choices, I believe the heart and soul of the film remain intact. The title, Freak Talks About Sex, was a fun and quirky choice, but it faced pushback from distributors who wanted to change it to something less provocative. This experience highlights the conservative attitudes towards such topics in the industry at the time. Overall, I hope the film speaks to viewers and encourages them to reflect on their own lives and choices.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:10 - How Freak Talks About Sex Came About

00:01:45 - Challenges in Financing and Making the Movie

00:02:48 - Discussion on the Movie's Style and Dialogue

00:05:01 - The Setting of the Movie

00:05:53 - Discussion on the Character's Development

00:10:31 - The Authenticity of the Acting

00:11:50 - Thoughts on Possible Changes to the Film

00:15:05 - Discussion on the Title of the Movie

00:15:30 - Reflections on the Movie's Title

00:16:09 - The Misconceptions Around the Movie's Title

00:16:36 - The Challenges of Filming in Public Locations

00:17:17 - Humorous Thoughts on Filming in a Mall

00:17:53 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Paul Todisco. He is a director and we are talking David Lynch and certain films. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts. This is part two. I chose to attend the University of Southern California (USC) because it represented an escape from my life in Syracuse. The allure of California, with its golden sunshine and vibrant film industry, was irresistible. I had been accepted to prestigious schools like Cornell and NYU, but USC felt like the right fit for me. It was a place where I could explore my creativity and immerse myself in a community of like-minded individuals. My time at USC was transformative; I embraced my independence and formed lasting friendships with fellow creatives. We still collaborate and support each other to this day. The program itself was solid, though like any university, it had its areas for improvement. However, I believe that the value of a university experience lies in what you make of it. At USC, I was inspired by professors like Drew Casper, who opened my eyes to the artistry of filmmaking. He introduced me to classic films and taught me to appreciate the nuances of visual storytelling. I remember being captivated by Judy Garland's performances and the groundbreaking techniques of directors like Vincent Minnelli. My passion for film grew as I delved into the works of great filmmakers, including David Lynch, whose unique style continues to influence my own work. I believe that creativity thrives in environments that encourage experimentation and authenticity. As I reflect on my journey, I encourage you to pursue your creative passions and seek out experiences that inspire you. Whether it's through formal education or self-exploration, the key is to remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Embrace the journey, and you may just discover your own unique voice in the world of storytelling.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:05 - Moving to California and Choosing USC

00:01:30 - Influence of David Lynch

00:02:07 - Discussion on Eraserhead

00:03:14 - One Day Like Rainbows

00:06:26 - Experience at USC

00:07:29 - Famous Filmmakers from USC

00:08:30 - Favorite Professor at USC

00:08:59 - Giving up on TV

00:11:02 - Obsession with Judy Garland

00:13:10 - Conclusion

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Paul Todisco. He is a director and we are talking his upbringing. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

"I discovered my passion for filmmaking in suburbia. Growing up in North Syracuse, New York, I often felt isolated and disconnected from the world around me. The lack of cultural opportunities and the mundane routine of suburban life left me yearning for something more. It was during this time that I found solace in storytelling, inspired by the works of great filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and writers like Stephen King. My childhood experiences, including a supernatural encounter that I had at a young age, fueled my desire to explore the unknown and break free from the confines of everyday life.

As I navigated my teenage years, I became increasingly fascinated with the art of filmmaking. I realized that I wanted to tell stories that resonated with others, stories that captured the essence of the human experience. My supportive parents encouraged my artistic pursuits, exposing me to various forms of art, music, and literature. I began to see the world through a different lens, one that allowed me to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and the extraordinary.

In this video, I share my journey from a small-town boy with big dreams to a filmmaker who creates compelling narratives that reflect the complexities of life. I discuss the influences that shaped my artistic vision, including my love for horror films and the impact of my childhood experiences. Join me as I explore the intersection of art and life, and discover how you too can unlock your creative potential, no matter where you come from. Let's embark on this journey together and find inspiration in the stories that surround us every day."

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:05 - Guest Introduction

00:00:23 - Paul's Background and Early Life

00:01:36 - Paul's Inspiration to Become a Filmmaker

00:02:36 - Paul's Family and Their Influence

00:03:09 - Paul's Musical Background

00:04:33 - Paul's Love for Horror and Supernatural

00:06:14 - Paul's Supernatural Experience

00:08:33 - Films That Inspired Paul

00:10:22 - Artists That Inspired Paul

00:12:34 - Influence of Art in Paul's Filmmaking

00:14:06 - Conclusion

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about writing with plot points instead of using character motives, Transcendental Meditation, and calling yourself an entrepreneur as an artist. Also, we discuss 1883, Succession, and Billions. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about the 2012 film: The Kill Hole with is one of Chadwick Boseman's first films, preference of distribution, understanding executives are people, and understanding profit . As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about respecting the business, understanding film budgets, the 2014 film: Electric Slide, and dealing with companies like Starz. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about ideas, optioning books, and differences in storytelling. We do talk about spoilers for the films: Oppenheimer 8:00 to 9:15 and The Killing Jar at 25:46 to 27:01. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about what you should know, reading contracts, and understanding the business part of show business. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about creating Paragon Pictures, almost casting James Spader, and what is Hollywood. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. Today on the podcast I am talking to Evan Crooke. He is a director, producer, distributor, and a writer. He owns both Osiris Entertainment and Paragon Releasing. This episode, we talk about directing examples, what it's like to buy films, and his first film: The Killing Jar. As always you can reach me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook with my name Justin Younts. Thank you for listening and sit back and enjoy.