Reva Zane
Reva Zane was born in Minneapolis Minnesota and started her career as a singer and lyricist. After many years of experience in recording studios co-writing songs and producing, she returned to school at UCLA to study directing, writing and producing film and television. She has lived in New York, Paris and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?
Halo is a short film about a mission to save romance. Venus and Cupid and a bureaucracy of angels reunite a couple who have lost their way.
What are your ambitions with your project?
Halo has been reaching my expectations on the global festival circuit. I hope it will continue to attract an audience in the future.
Tell us something about your shooting? What pleasantly surprised you?
I needed a location for a magical garden and had a weekend shoot scheduled but no place to film the scenes. At the last minute someone suggested a location and it turned out to be a property in Hollywood once owned by Charlie Chaplin. It was perfect and I loved the historical aspect of filming there.
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
Halo is for a romantic comedy audience.
Why should distributors buy your film?
The theme of romance lost and found is universal
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
Tradition themes with a twist. A specific sense of humor that is authentic and my own.
Why did you decided to become a filmmaker?
After years of working as a singer, lyricist and producer in recording studios, I wanted to tell stories on a larger scale.
Capturing performance in music translated well to working with actors in front of the camera.
Who is your role model?
I have had several role models. Mostly my teachers.
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
Hollywood classics like All About Eve or Sabrina. Films of Billy Wilder and George Cukor. The Godfather, L.A. Confidential. Comedies like Private Benjamin, an early Nancy Myers film. Lost in Translation. I like documentaries. Recently The Pigeon Tunnel and American Symphony. Anything combining humanity, comedy or mystery capture my attention.
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
An unanswered question begins the process in my writing. Then studying films that investigate similar themes. After that it's the actors I cast who inspire me to to make my work stronger and better.
Which topics interest you the most?
The human experience, fishes out of water needing to adapt to survive. The contrast between comedy and drama.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
I haven't reached it yet.
What do you consider most important about filming?
Preparation. Organization. Being ready for anything in case of a last minute crisis. Building a talented team open to improvisation in front and behind the camera.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
There's no best for me. I favor natural lighting. Having prepared actors but not overly rehearsed, capturing the moments as they feel them.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
Corporate studio films or independent films? I prefer a film like Living rather than a Marvel movie.
What can disappoint you in a movie?
Subplots that add nothing to the storyline.
Who supports you in your film career?
Artists who have a similar work ethic.
What are the reactions to your film? (opinion of spectators, film critics, friends and family)
Postitive amusement
Have you already visited any of the prestigious film festivals?
Quite a few!
What are your future plans in filmmaking carriere?
I am in preproduction for a feature version of Halo.