Arts A La Carte Magazine: March 2011

"If you don't try, you'll never know"

Director & Writer

Louis Mansfield

Director and Writer Louis Mansfield

Rather then hitting the highway and treking it out to Hollywood to try to make it big, one might consider staying right at home. This is exactly what Director and Writer Louis Mansfield is doing. Louis has a unique flavor with his films and a strong desire to share his passion with the rest of the world. He is fortunate enough to live in an area that shares his love of Indie Films. The combination of this strong Indie community and the overall excitement from his friends and family will and have already set off an explosion of networking possibilities worldwide. In turn, creating Louis Mansfield as a household name.

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WMIFF Mag - When did you start making films? Why did you decide to pursue this path?- When did you start making films? Why did you decide to pursue this path?

Louis Mansfield - In 2009, I decided to start writing spec scripts for fun with the intention that perhaps one day something that I would write would be made. At that time, I was at the tail end of a serious relationship and needed to pursue something creative. Normally, one would think that I would lean towards music because I had been heavily involved by way of performing and doing promotions. Instead, I chose a new path to something that I had never done before.

After developing a story with my close friend, Steve Saturn, I wrote a script that I became proud of. Anxious to continue with writing, I started another script called "Birth Of Separation", which is about a home invasion. Halfway through, I realized that the story would make a fantastic film, so when I finished the script, I took it to Steve. After some discussions about it, he decided that he would take out a small loan we’d make the film.

I’ve always been drawn to film but as a kid, it always seemed so big, too big and too involved. It was easier to teach myself to play guitar and book shows than it was to make a movie. Being older and having more resources in 2009, I felt comfortable in pursuing a career as a filmmaker. I felt I had nothing to lose. I'd rather try and fail than not try it all.

WMIFF Mag - What films have you worked on including ones that were not your own? Tell us about each?

Louis Mansfield - The films I’ve worked on have been my films Birth of Separation (feature, 2010), Non Serviam (short, 2011) and Folie Imposee (short,2011) all of which I have written and directed. I’ve helped here and there on other projects but mostly I concentrate on my own films.

Birth of Separation was filmed in 5 days with a budget of $20,000 in Philadelphia, PA. We were able to get a great crew together and complete the piece which I refer to as ‘ugly art’. The story is of a pregnant woman who is being held captive in her home as her assailant interrogates her about her life and who she is.

“Non Serviam” is a short film about a small time coke dealer’s desperate attempt to clean up his life through his old gambling habits. His good intentions, unfortunately, escalate into an ordeal that puts the life of girlfriend on the line.

“Foile Imposee” is an experimental short which deals with a man coming to terms with his actions. No dialog is used and has a cast of only two characters with one location. The film is highly erotic and was inspired by the film Destricted which deals with “exploring the fine line where art and pornography intersect.”

WMIFF Mag - Do you do your own writing? If so, describe how your ideas come to you and what your process is.

Louis Mansfield - I do prefer to write my own films but in no way is that a rule. The films that I have directed so far have been written by me. I tend to keep my eyes peeled for a good story at all times and mostly find myself thinking about the plot and then take notes on it. Usually jotting down ideas goes from several scribbles on a napkin to printing out ten or so pages of notes, before actually sitting down to start on the first draft.

I guess the only way to keep ideas flowing, is to constantly think about them day in and day out. Folie Imposee" came about from the theme in the film "Destricted” and from moving into a new home and I found that “Non-Serviam” was an opportunity to execute a story that audiences might be familiar with but in a less sensationalized and more punishing sort of way. I enjoy more of an Alan Clarke approach to crime fiction, gritty and ugly. I like films with dirt underneath its fingers nails.

Other screenplays that I have completed have been very personal and have been influenced by real life interactions and relationships. I always hope to gain funding for a particular screenplay that I’m very proud of.

WMIFF Mag - Tell us about "Non Serviam". Where was it filmed? How long did it take to film? Who were the characters involved?

Louis Mansfield -“Non Serviam” is a short film that features acting veteran Kenneth McGregor (X-Men, Cocktail) as an evil man reclaiming his past reputation and newcomer Rob Gardner as a naive coke dealer attempting to do good the only way he knows. It was filmed over three days in North and South Philadelphia.

Honestly, it was my best experience on set in regards to relations with the cast and crew. No one lost their temper or made things difficult. Everyone was very respectful and very talented, which made the shoot go smoothly. It’s definitely the most violent film that I have done, so the professionalism was greatly appreciated.

WMIFF Mag - What are your plans for "Non Serviam"? Are you just submitting it to festivals? Will you premiere it anywhere on your own? Have you thought about posting it to any web series websites?

Louis Mansfield - We’ve planned out our festival submission schedule and have begun its execution. I’m eager to find out the reception of the film at which point we’ll determine when and where we’d like to screen it. I think that after it’s had its run, I would like to explore any distribution opportunities there might be and putting the film online.

WMIFF Mag - What is your next step with films? Do you have any projects in the works? Please describe.

Louis Mansfield - In 2010 I wrote and directed two shorts while working on other scripts. To be completely honest, after finishing post production on the films I have found myself bored. The festival process is a lot envelope stuffing and trips to the post office. But Dennis Hanley, producer of "Birth of Separation" and I have put the gears in motion for the development of a script that we both find to be beautiful yet damaging.

I’d also like to accomplish another short film this year only a bit less visceral and a lot more hopeful. The ultimate goal is to be a well rounded director having experience in tension, violence, sexuality and hopefully, joy.

WMIFF Mag - So far, what has been your most challenging aspect of filmmaking? From this learning experience, would this be something to share with other filmmakers?

Louis Mansfield - Money is the obvious answer and for good reason. In no way am I trying to make a summer blockbuster but the more money you have the better actors you work with, better equipment is at your disposal and so on.

Not working with much money you do have to rely on favors which I’m very fortunate to have people willing to offer. Whether it's working in-kind or for a reduced rate, I’ve been able to be a part of a network of filmmakers, which is really what you need. I’m proud to be in this "gang" of filmmakers in Philadelphia, who look out for each other and more importantly, encourage one another. It’s just this creative collective that I think is truly tremendous.

The best advice I could give is to work with professional actors. You’re wasting your efforts if that’s the area you’re skimping on. Respect actors and they’ll respect you.

And if someone ever says "You'll never be more than an art house director" take it as a compliment. The world needs more variety than “Transformers” and its sequels.

WMIFF Mag - What is the best reward from making a film? How does it make you feel?

Louis Mansfield - I think the best reward of making a film is being on set directing. Finishing a film is a relief and preparing for one is stressful….the execution of it though is brilliant. I love shouting direction, discussing the characters with the actors, working with the camera department regarding the execution of each shot, ect. The only way to explain it is almost this euphoric calmness. It’s probably the only time I feel in control and I enjoy it. Also when someone says that my film has stayed with them after watching. It doesn't matter if they ultimately liked it or not. It's the fact that the film had enough impact that they continued to think and discuss it after they left the cinema, which to me makes it a success.

WMIFF Mag - Where can people find you and your films on the web?

Louis Mansfield - The short films are being submitted to festivals, so I’ll know more about their screenings when I hear back. My feature film, "Birth of Separation" is currently available on Indieflix.com.

WMIFF Mag - Do you have any last words that you want to share with the viewers?

Louis Mansfield - I think that Philadelphia will have a renaissance very soon. I didn’t always think that but I have come to meet passionate artists, musicians, filmmakers, and photographers that are all ready to offer the world amazing creativity. This town is ready to explode and I think that sooner rather then later, more people that you read and hear about will be from Philadelphia. I was ready to pack my bags and head to a warmer climate but I just can’t bring myself to leave.

IMDb Url's:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3681135/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1540790/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1836870/

“Birth of Separation” URL's:

http://www.indieflix.com/film/birth-of-separation-31786/,

http://www.haveyouseenthischild.org/

Reviews:

http://www.cinesploitation.com/?p=5221

http://www.horrorhound.com/forums/viewthread.aspx?g=12&f=12&t=4267

Sneak Peek!

Non Serviam