Student Filmmakers Magazine: Film & Video Makers Community Spotlight (2015)
Andrew R. Jimenez
by Jody Solis
Editor-in-Chief
1. Tell us about yourself and your current projects.
My name is Andrew R. Jimenez. I am originally from Santa Paula, CA, and I recently relocated to Escondido, CA for film school. I am a CSU Bakersfield alumnus, professional athlete, mentor, screenwriter, filmmaker, an associate of the Mesa College Film Club and San Diego City College Film Society and a 4-time published author in poetry with my latest book, "Loved by Day-Misunderstood by Night Vol.3: Entering The Real World," coming late 2015 or early 2016. Along with my electrifying new film, "The Crown of Roses," which is based off true events from my poetry book, and is currently in the stages of being shown at national film festivals, set for release in 2016.
I have been acknowledged by bestselling authors, highly acclaimed educators, former professional athletes and superstar business managers, including but not limited to, 3-time NBA Champion A.C. Green, and Leila Steinberg (Educator, Business Women, Poet, Writer, Dancer, Singer, Founder of Assemblies In Motion and the former mentor and manager of superstar rapper, poet and actor Tupac Shakur.)
Currently, I am writing the script for my new film, "The Crown of Roses," and I am extremely excited and looking forward to this project. The film is about several different elements that all tie together: For instance, "The Crown of Roses" is also another word for the rosary, and in the rosary there are different "mysteries" (joyful mystery, sorrowful mystery and so on), meaning there's a background story to the prayer. The crown = distinction that comes from great achievement/mark of victory. The rose = an outlook on life (optimistic or pessimistic) and each color rose symbolizes a different meaning.
So when you put everything together, the film is about a mystery that needs to be solved, and the detective that is given this duty is known as a local celebrity. Nevertheless, even though a portion of people may look at him as superior, pleasant, and a leader, others only focus on his thorns, and being considered and viewed as such a high rank means every decision you make will be costly and it will be judged accordingly. However, not every rose he acquires has thorns and not every color rose has the same spiritual concept.
In other words: "After a detective is separated from society for the past 10 years, his son; a recent college graduate and soon to be mayor candidate, is offered the case to find his missing father, but with his brother slipping into a coma, and the mob leading in the polls, he must settle for something other than himself."
After the film is released, then I will probably switch my focus to my highly anticipated poetry book, "Loved by Day-Misunderstood by Night Vol.3: Entering The Real World."
2. How did you get into independent filmmaking?
I got into filmmaking about 3 years ago when I took a class in documentary production. It really sparked a whole new passion and motivation. I just loved the entire aspect of filmmaking, and I am considered a jack of all trades because I can be an editor, actor, screenwriter, director, camera operator, etc. And that's the beauty of filmmaking because you're not stuck doing one thing all the time like you would do elsewhere, and I don't believe I have a favorite position because they are all important to me. However, if I had to pick three, I would choose directing, camera operating, and depending on the project, the third slot interchanges between editing, acting and screenwriting. One more thing I must add is a Professor of mine (Prof Cy) told us that “editors are doctors of the multimedia world.” I never thought of it from that perspective, because when you think of doctors, you think of health, saving lives and what not, but I couldn’t agree more. Editors are the people who are in charge of the final product, by bringing that film to life.
3. Can you tell us about some of your film projects and scripts?
Some of my previous film projects and scripts that I have accomplished are:
True Friendship: Loyalty Over Everything which is a Documentary on what [True Friendship] is all about. "Nowadays, having a true friend is extremely rare and very hard to find, so we take a closer look on what really defines a 'True Friend' and what it really means to be there for somebody."
A Martyr's Final Endeavor: Everything or Nothing Part 1 & A Martyr's Final Endeavor: Everything or Nothing Part 2 Psychic Evolution which is a 2 part installment. "I'm not down with the people who cheat, steal, lie and hurt others. I'm just an individual who fights back. Watch and learn as we go more in depth into a battle like no other. During the journey: How important true friends can be, alongside a divine clemency; Only the Strong Survive, nevertheless when time is of the essence and it's all laid out on the line, what will tomorrow hold? I don't know, but I know who holds tomorrow. Now you'll see how the whole story intertwines."
My most recent film project that I contributed in all aspects is 6th Floor which is set to release on June 6, 2015. This film is about "A curse on the 6th floor of the San Diego City College V parking garage makes its appearance every year on 6/6 June 6th at 6:00pm. Many are aware about the legend of Yesenia Flores being killed by an unidentified man on that specific date and time, but only a few know the truth behind the legend. Yesenia's evil spirit keeps coming back choosing victims who stay at the wrong floor at the wrong time just like it happened to her."
4. What are your favorite tools to work with? (hardware, software, cameras, gear)
I don’t have any specific favorites, but I do enjoy using Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Photoshop, After Effects, CyberlinkPowerDirector and more. As of right now I use a Sony NX-30, Canon C 100 and a Sony Alpha A77II for my films and I love doing dolly and zolly shots when shooting/directing a film.
5. What is your script writing process like?
My process begins with food: There has to be food in my system. Scriptwriting involves a lot of mental power and the mind needs brain food, because without food I can't think to my fullest potential. Number two is isolation: I have to be alone in my own world with zero distractions. Number three, I write and proof read and rewrite again since I am a perfectionist and great things take time, so when it’s all said and done I’ll know that I gave it my all.
6. What are some challenges in script writing, and how do you overcome those challenges?
A couple of challenges I have faced when writing a script are writers block, and having to write a script with limitations to locations and budget. I try to overcome writers block by looking for anything to help spark an idea, depending on what I am writing. It can range from listening to music, to going for a walk outside, or I will usually do something else I have planned on that day first and hope when I am ready to work on the script an idea would have come to mind.
There isn't a whole lot you can do for limitations to locations or budget if you don't have the resources around you. So the best advice I can give for this is get involved: Volunteer at film festivals, join a film club, or attend some type of film school to build relationships with people and professors who will provide you with those connections and resources over time.
7. What was one of your most memorable experiences working on set or on location?
I think my most memorable experience is yet to come with my film (The Crown of Roses) because I just got approved for a few locations that before were limiting my film's potential, but now we can bring out the best in everybody and everything in the near future. However, working on the set of 6th Floor was a great learning experience for myself because I got to direct, act, and camera operate, as well as contribute to the script and editing. Plus, I had the chance to work with people who have the same desire as I do, even though we all may not agree on every single thing, it comes with a territory, and it forces us to look at the bigger picture.
8. Is there anything you'd like to add or share with us, if I haven't already asked about it here?
I would like to thank Student Filmmakers Magazine and Jody Solis for the opportunity to interview me and I would be delighted to do it again in the future.
Furthermore, to stay updated or in contact with my poetry, basketball career, films, and just overall true life please follow, subscribe or add me on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Goodreads and YouTube @AndyMoMoney or "like" me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MrAndrewJimenez
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Also, please visit my official website here as well as subscribe to my newsletter laker8fan.wix.com/andrewjimenez
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To purchase Vol.3 along with my prequel books click here
http://tinyurl.com/EnteringTheRealWorld