Crafting Inspiration through Film, and Resilience.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rocko Paolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rocko, can you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?

I am a songwriter, performing artist, producer, actor, author and filmmaker. I have garnered awards for songs in different genres of music over the years. I have also written a few books and directed short films along with a feature.

Can you provide a brief overview of your journey in filmmaking? What inspired you to delve into this creative field?

I have always loved filming. Whether it was skits with friends, a night out on the town or my world travels. When I began to write and release music, I would also write scenes for the music video in my head. This led to the writing of short scripts that I never thought I would make but eventually would make. When on family vacations, I would often record short films starring my children such as Shadows, My World or The Letter. I really enjoyed editing the footage, and working on the sound design and titling. I entered them into film festivals for the fun of it and was surprised to see in some instances, they would get chosen for viewing on a big screen.

Filmmaking often comes with its unique set of challenges. What are some significant obstacles you have encountered during your journey?

Two of the biggest obstacles are time and money. My films are zero-budget movies. This means I do most of the work myself. In the beginning, I would be in front of and behind the camera, also trying to do sound, editing, and everything else. This of course saves money but also affects the quality of the product since I am doing it all and making it up as I go along. The end result would have schooled filmmakers rolling their eyes but the films were getting seen so I was happy.

Can you share a specific setback or challenge that taught you valuable lessons? How did you navigate through it, and what did you learn from that experience?

With one project, La Visite, I had someone who never worked on the sound before helping me with the recording. When I was editing the project, there was a moment in a long improvised scene when I could literally hear the audio being turned off! I now had no sound for half of the scene. The film would not make sense without this scene. There were all kinds of sound issues throughout. I knew I could not fix these myself but nor did I have a budget to get a professional to take over the sound design. In time, I put out a desperate sounding ad hoping someone would volunteer to help.

An expert from another country replied and said they would do it. I was ecstatic. The film was in French so the audio guy had to work with dialogue they could not even understand. We communicated via email and he saved my film which went on to play at the largest film festival in my city so I got to see my film on the big screen, walk the red carpet, and talk about my film both before and after it played to audiences. I’d like to say that I learned from this experience but as I have to rely on individuals who are willing to donate their time for my vision, I cannot expect perfection. I can only lead by example.

I gave the cast and crew enough space and trust in hopes that they shine. I did have volume issues on Aberration: Deja Reve but managed to correct those myself. That being said, I do try to make sure the audio wire is plugged in because turning it off midway will always be unacceptable.

Balancing creative vision with practical constraints is a common struggle. How do you find harmony between your artistic aspirations and the logistical demands of filmmaking?

I write my films so I keep in mind that I cannot have car chases, explosions and large crowd scenes. I make sure to write my films based on what I can film realistically. The great thing about the movies I shot with my children while on vacation was at least the outdoor locations were amazing. Who gets to say they shot on location just outside the Louvre or in the Bay of Fundy? I do.

Among the projects you've worked on, do you have a favorite? What made it special, and what did you learn from that particular experience?

The projects are personal so is difficult to choose just one but the biggest challenge would have to have been The Dinner Party. I had said to myself that once retired or on an extended work break, I’d like to make a feature. Issue again is finding others that have the same schedule as me willing to donate their time. First I chose to write a scenario that could be shot in a short time span with only a few locations. I wrote it in 2 weeks. Six strangers invited to a dinner party.

The pandemic lockdown was still in effect so I could not meet with people. I placed an ad looking for 6-7 actors. No age or gender listed. I held my auditions via zoom calls. I had talent from within the city as well as several hours away. I told them it would be a 2-3 day shoot. I also kept the last 15-20 pages from them so they had no clue how the movie would end. My friend Fred, who never did sound, signed up as did a camera man Alex. I had my crew and actors. I turned my house upside down because it would act as the location for the film. My family are understanding or else, I hope they are. The night before shooting, one of the talents cancelled. I was down to 5 main actors/ actresses. Should I cancel? Postpone? I chose neither. I went with the motto “The show must go on”. My wife offered to play the role of the missing talent which was very much appreciated but it would mean I would have to hold up cue cards and direct. In fact we did try and she was really good but in the end I decided to merge lines with a few of the cast, mainly Danielle. We filmed in chronological order and during the 1 st lunch break I read the final act with the cast so they could see how the movie ends. We managed to create a 70 minute movie in 2 days. Now whenever a filmmaker says that they don’t have the right equipment, time, money or schedule issues, I just point them to The Dinner Party, a zero budget feature length film shot in two days with 1 person cancelling and we made it happen. Not only did it work, it has won many awards at festivals around the world.

How have you seen the filmmaking landscape evolve since you started, and what trends or changes do you find most impactful?

Equipment. Where it was once expensive to be a creative individual, you can now use your smartphone, an inexpensive microphone purchased overseas via the internet and talent is easily accessible via social media be it in front or behind the camera. The trend toward smartphone films really permits anyone to be a filmmaker which is both a good thing and a bad thing. AI is the most impactful though. The trick will be to use it as a tool and not rely on it to do everything for you.

What motivated you to share your story, and how do you hope it will impact others?

I am a doer. I hope this lets others find that within themselves. One of the main drivers for me to shoot a feature film in 2 days, a short in 3 hours or just using my smartphone like I did for Judgemental is to let others who procrastinate about not having the equipment or time that they no longer have any excuses. Just do it.

Success in filmmaking is not just about technical skills but also about mindset. How has your mindset contributed to your success, and what advice would you give to aspring filmmakers regarding cultivating the right mindset?

I am definite proof that it is not about technical skills. Each new film I make I tend to learn or apply a little more technical skills than the last. I watch youtube videos when working on effects, titling or color grading. Once I complete it, I try not to expect anything. My success is all about finishing a project whether it’s a song, a book or something visual like a film or potential webseries. Anything that happens after that is appreciated but not taken for granted. Some of my finished projects go below the radar. No accolades and that is fine too.

You must create because it is part of who you are. You have no choice to create. If your one and only goal is to win awards then you best hope to be at the right place and the right time tagging along with someone who does have a vision.

Find Rocko on Instagram : @rockopaolo_official

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