Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis
(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)
Romane Antoine Simon is the author of the best-selling novel ‘Red To Black-The Power Of Love’ and also a young filmmaker. Simon was determined to get to the place where he could paint his own screen stories and images he hungered for the world to know about.
Simon finally arrived in Hollywood and quickly settled in an area where many young people find it economical to survive. He quickly made himself known among others who had a similar passion for a film which resulted in a new world of cinematic magic. His dream took root and before he knew it, he was yelling “ACTION!” And his filmmaking dance began.
Simon has the chance to work with some of the biggest names in Holly-wood. A few years ago, Romane continually directed short and feature films making the industry feel his artistic power and passion for story-telling.
His latest feature which makes a lot of Noise “I Am Not For Sale-The Fight To End Human Trafficking” Starring Emmy Winner Judi Evans, Sean Faris, Golden Globe NOM Tom Sizemore, Denise Milfort.
Also “Hybristophilia” Starring Quinton Aaron from the blindside with Sandra Bullock, “Blood Runs Thick” Starring two famous soap stars Matthew Ashford and Judi Evans, “Dream I Never Had” Starring Malcolm McDowell and Robin Givens, “The Downside Of Bliss” Starring Eric Roberts and Judd Nelson from Breakfast club, Street Dreams Los Angeles starring Grammy winner Eric Bellinger, Lester Speight and “Life Of Gia” based on a true story just to name a few.
V.N.V.: Can you begin by explaining how you got involved in the film industry?
R.A.S.: Growing up in Haiti around political unrest I wanted to do something different, I wanted to entertain people and tell important stories through moving pictures. So, I made the move to Hollywood but I was at the wrong Hollywood I was in Hollywood, Florida. I didn’t know. (Laugh). But eventually made my way to Hollywood, California, 12 years ago.
V.N.V.: What are the challenges and difficulties you face starting a new film project?
R.A.S.: First being an indie filmmaker is not easy because you pretty much shoot movies out of your pocket and finding good people to work with is not easy. But you got to keep going.
V.N.V.: What is your directing style and how do you approach each film?
R.A.S.: I would say like Quintin Terrantino my favorite director, I am else more of an actor’s director.
V.N.V.: How involved are you in the pre-production and post-production process?
R.A.S.: I am very involved especially in casting, location scouting, I don’t like to just sit behind the desk, I like to get my hand dirty at the end of the day, I know my vision best.
V.N.V.: What are those principles on hand when you choose your star cast?
R.A.S.: Although I had the chance to work with some big-name talents but to me, it doesn’t matter as long as you got the drive and you are passionate about your craft and directive ability.
V.N.V.: Are you a politically active citizen with a voice to speak out, once your grandfather was the former President of Haiti or this didn’t affect you at all?
R.A.S.: It affected me, in all aspects, as a child. I saw people die in front of me. I didn’t care about politics but the people, the kids at school, I wanted to change everything around me. We want a change.
V.N.V.: If an actor is unprofessional, how do you manage that?
R.A.S.: I am not the type to yell or go at it with someone you just will never be on my set again, everyone is treated like family and expect you to treat others with respect.
V.N.V.: Do mistakes happen during the shooting and how do you rectify them?
R.A.S.: Oh yes! All the time things happen you can’t stop it, I remember shooting my film “I am not for sale the fight to end human trafficking” I lost the leading actor days before shooting this new film, but you got to think of the next plan and movie forward.
V.N.V.: Do you think the filmmaking industry is losing momentum or gaining power due to the new era of online streaming for films?
R.A.S.: In a way, I will say things are changing drastically now is a good time for colored people and women to make their mark, also indie filmmakers, now your film doesn’t have to be in the theater to make it, it can be online Netflix, Hulu, and other rising platforms. So, keep on.
V.N.V.: What are the toughest aspects of making a film today?
R.A.S.: It’s always been finding investors and of course great team. But we’re making it happen here at Lucky Strike Films.
V.N.V.: One of your recent TV series is “French connection”. What is the plot and why should someone watch it?
R.A.S.: ‘French Connection’ is an easy fun mini-series to watch. A lot of action, a lot of excitement, based on a man who makes so many enemies, he’s not at peace, as everyone is out hunting for him.
V.N.V.: What kind of films do you like to direct and watch?
R.A.S.: Like action and horror films, I also love telling a quality story that can help be a voice for the voiceless.
V.N.V.: Who are your favorite filmmakers?
R.A.S.: Hmm it’s a lot of them. I like Tyler Perry, his story says that dreams do come true. I like Quentin Tarantino for his rawness, one of my favorite filmmakers.
V.N.V.: What would you say to your fans?
R.A.S.: I would say to follow your dreams, don’t give up because you don’t know what tomorrow brings.
