Cornish Film articles Cornwall, An interview with Michael Wiese

Chasing Dreams

Hailing from the United States, Michael Wiese is a producer, director, author, publisher and consultant with over 35 years experience. He has now made West Cornwall his home, its rugged beauty proving the ideal setting to pursue his filmmaking projects. Beccy Matthews poses the questions in our interview with this man of many talents.

You have experience as a writer, producer and director. Which role do you feel most comfortable in?

I am completely uncomfortable in all these roles as the more I do these things, the less I feel I know - as opposed to when I was a 24 year old upstart and totally confident I could do anything.  Seriously, I think they all fit together as part of any filmmaker's 'skill set'.  You need to be able to write to communicate your ideas and certainly take an active part producing projects that you will direct.

You have written and published a number of books o­n filmmaking, as well as leading seminars all over the world. Do you think passing o­n your expertise to budding filmmakers will continue to be an important role?

When I wrote the first book and started publishing 'how to' film books back in 1981, there was o­nly o­ne other book o­n the market. There was virtually no information o­n how to make a film.  Now there's a whole category. We've published over 70. Our goal is to inspire and empower a whole generation of filmmakers to make better films. We do this through publishing books from the best minds in the industry.

How does the enthusiasm of Cornish filmmakers compare to their international counterparts?

Enthusiasm is high in Cornwall and also equally high everywhere. Young people everywhere want to make films, video and television. We're publishing a Filmmaking for Teens book this spring.

You are o­n the brink of your directorial feature debut. Tell us about Chasing Fire.

It's the story of two adventure travellers who cut loose in Bali and become overwhelmed by supernatural forces. It is based o­n my 1996 novel and a true story.  I've been developing it for many years and we're getting close to making it. We are currently casting the movie.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Living in a Cornish stone cottage by the sea, publishing books, making films and being with my family. Oops...I'm already there!

You produced Hardware Wars, a short film parody of Star Wars, in 1977. With the eagerly anticipated release of Star Wars: Episode III in May, are you expecting renewed interest in Hardware Wars?

Yes, every time George releases another Star Wars there is new interest in Hardware Wars; Netflix just placed a large order. Our little film is the highest grossing short in America. Thank you, George Lucas.

What attracted you to West Cornwall?

We had experienced the earthquake in Los Angeles when our house fell down around our knees and also, we didn't want to raise our daughter in Hollywood. We had vacationed in Cornwall and always loved it so it’s a dream come true.

Do you find it an inspirational place to work?

Absolutely.  It's a very powerful place.

Do you plan to shoot any features in this area?

I tried for three years to launch a romantic comedy in Cornwall with a well-known cast and failed to find financing. It's hard enough for English filmmakers to make features let alone transplanted Americans. Of course I'd like to make a feature in Cornwall. We'll see.

You co-directed Field of Fish in 2000. The short film combined the talents of a local playwright, actors and the fishing village setting Cornwall is famous for. Do you plan to pursue more projects of this type in the future?

Field of Fish was made by a group of us and it was a great experience. Everyone worked hard, had fun, and we made a terrific little film. But as there is no market for these films, continuing short filmmaking as any kind of livelihood is unrealistic.

Is this a promising time for local filmmakers?

There are more opportunities for funding and support than ever before as Cornwall tries to develop its film industry. But distribution remains the obstacle. Local filmmakers need to design their films for larger exposure than local or even national audiences. o­nly then will filmmaking be self-sustaining.

Finally, if you could take o­ne movie to a desert island (assuming this island has a TV and DVD player), what would it be?

Anything by Kurosawa.

You can find out more about Michael’s work o­n www.mwp.com