What was it like attending New York military academy? How was it different from a typical school? Well first it was boarding school, so I lived there for three years of high school. It was a wonderful experience; I got to meet people from all over the world. I made some long lasting friendships. It was such an international experience and international community at the school. It was certainly one of my biggest influences in terms of shaping me into who I am today. What is your favorite movie that is not one of your own? My ultimate favorite movie is the “Godfather Part II”. How long does it take for you to write the screenplay for a movie? It depends. I don’t write a lot, when I do write; it is because there is a story I have found to be compelling. I have found a beginning, middle, and an end and I want to put it on paper. Typically, I can do a first draft of a script in about two to three weeks. What would you say to someone who is looking do become a film director? Yes, yes I do. I would do an incredible amount of research before you dive in. I would not tell anybody to not chase their art and chase their dreams. It is definitely an incredibly tough business and is even tougher to make a living at it. My best advice, is to do the research understand what you are getting into; understand that it is not an easy business. You have to have a thick skin. You are going to hear many, many, exponentially more no’s than you will yes’s. But I think any parent or advisor would agree that if you stick with it long enough you will get your break. Who is your biggest inspiration? My father. He was my best friend; he was a man’s man. He had tremendous amount of integrity and honesty. He loved his family unconditionally. If I could be half of what my father was at the end of my lifetime then I would have accomplished a lot. What actor would you love to work with in the future?
It is a two part answer. I would love to work with any actor who would get my next project green lit, that is the business answer. The creative answer is Denzel Washington. He is absolutely my favorite actor, one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever met. I actually got an opportunity to meet him once, very casually in Marina Del Rey while he was on a walk. He came up to me, it was a fifteen minute thing but it was great to see another fellow New Yorker who was just a humble, regular guy, whose talent is remarkable, that is who I would love to work with. Given that you have ties to both cities, which city do you like better Los Angeles or New York City? I love the energy of NYC; I love the attitude of New York. But I have certainly grown accustom to the LA lifestyle. It is beautiful in LA, the weather is consistent. I have also developed some friendships in LA. It would be tough for me to live in either place year round. What other projects are you currently working on? I do. I have a couple of screen plays that I have written that I would love to see get made next. I think my strongest project is a TV pilot I wrote. I would love to see happen as a a series. I love everything about it; the characters and the story. I am hoping to use it as a Segway into television. I also have a reality based procedural called “The Street Attorney” that we are currently shopping to some cable networks. What would be your American dream? My American dream, I will know the answer to that question when I am about to check out at the end of my life. If I had to answer that question right now, I would say my American dream is being able to provide a comfortable and amazing life for my family and friends and being happy doing what I am doing. I guess you could say I am living my American dream right now. Written by Bailey Burnside
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