"ART IS THE LIE
THAT ALLOWS US TO SEE THE TRUTH"
KARIM
ONE WEEK
This is my most recent film, Karim. It is a short that was shot on the 7D camera. Shot over the course of two days, the film deals with the issue of urban violence that is plaguing most cities throughout the country. This was the first time I was ever able to obtain every shot from my shotlsit. Technology has made filmmaking more doable than ever.
This was my very first feature film. Shot in 17 days and on a very shoe string budget, Tackling a taboo subkect like HIV in the urban community really set the film apart. One Week went on to be screened throughout the world in varioius festivals. It was a baptism of fire and a true labor of love that served as the catalyst for my career as a director.
Secret Wars
I am an avid reader of Graphic Novels. It all started because I wanted to find out how Spiderman got his new suit, a Zygote which tried to overcome him then later turned in to Venom. The primary reason why I read them is to improve my visual language cinematically. Graphic Novels convey a great deal of information with one or two images. I try to infuse this skill in to my filmmaking.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
The story of Malcolm X's life was very impacting in that it chronicled his constant evolution. Creating a great example of human transformation irregardless of the circumstances you are faced with. It informs as well as inspires in a universal capacity. His universal life lessons can be applied today and in various scenarios. Another huge aspect about this remarkable man was his passion for whatever he did. Passion is a vital ingredient in any endeavor.
Story
I have read dozens of books on screenwriting but Story was the first to really focus on the structure of a screenplay. It demystified the construction of character arcs, plot points, turning points etc. McKee put in to words what writers would feel when they know something was not quite right about their script. It gave the writing process a blueprint with checkpoints to keep you on the right path.
The Kid Stays In The Picture
I read this book in film school and could not put it down. This book helped me to realize that what is seen onscreen is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a whole machine below the water that drives the project and is never seen. I gained insight in to an aspect of the business that I was clueless to, the politics.
The 48 Laws of Power
This comprehensive book breaks down 48 Laws that were used throughout history to acquire, maintain, and lose power. The book is considered to be manipulative and cutthroat but if you look at it from a deeper perspective it can serve as a manual to be used to protect yourself against such ploys. During my experiences in the film business, this book has come in handy on several occasions.
Music has always been a great source of creativity for me. It also taps in to emotional spaces that remind me of various times in my life. It is true that we all have a soundtrack to our lives.
I first fell in love with Hip-Hop as a break dancer but in time I began to focus more on the music. I always veered towards lyrics with multiple meanings, or double entendres. Nas, Common, and Redman have always been my top three rappers. But I never limited myself to just Hip-Hop.
Growing up in the advent of music videos, I was exposed to a wide array of music: rock, disco, alternative, punk, ska, etc.
I loved the music from the 80's like Level 42, and Genesis. When I look back, life seemed so innocent and simple then. That music reflects that era for me.
My biggest influence would be film scores. James Horner, and Hans Zimmer are my favorites. The ability of a film score to convey emotion always amazed me. I look at film scores as the conduit that allows movies to reach the souls of the audience. Music inspires me to make things happen.
L.A. Confidential
Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard. This film highlights the development of Los Angeles in to a major metropolis and the major corruption that acompanied it. It touched on major themes like absolute power and its price, the power of perception, and finding a moral compass. Moral ambiguity is a recurring theme in films and TV shows that appeal to me. I beleive that in life there is no black and white, only shades of gray.
Shawshank Redemption
This is a perfect film. Adapted from a short story written by Stephen King, the story, performances, and execution are all on the highest level of cinematic sophistication. The themes of tenacity, perseverance, and patience are explored and displayed effectively. This is the kind of film every filmmaker should aspire to make.
Bound
An indie film done on a very low budget. It's ability to maintain suspense through twists and turns as well as showcase colorful characters makes it one of the best thrillers ever. Not to mention the fact that this was the first film by the two brothers that went on to do a small film called "The Matrix."
Do The Right Thing
As I exited the theater after watching this movie, I decided right then and there to become a filmmaker. It's tackling of racism, family life, business ethics, and community activism provoked intense thought paralleled with raw emotion.
Carlito's Way
This is one of my all time greatest films. The theme of loyalty and the price that comes with it resonates still to this day. It is a gangster film in the most classic sense with Depalma, Pacino, and Penn at their very best.
Six Feet Under
This show caught me by surprise because I got exposed to it years after its final season concluded. It totally hooked me in the nuanced performances and highly dimensional characters dealing with everyday drama as best they could. The fact that death is such an important aspect of living really makes you look at life from a broader perspective. This show was life altering.
The Wire
This is by far the greatest TV show ever created. The characters are rich with complexity, the story is deeply rooted in reality, and the emotional arcs resonate with you long after you finish watching. The dialogue is shakespearean in its own lyrical style. This show always left me wanting more and it never waivered in its authenticity. The themes it touched on were universal.
