27.02.2013 11:30
During the day, the afternoon is very complicated for some and boring to others. I particularly had an lucky afternoon to talk via chat with Nicholas Acosta. He is known to be a director Fifty Shades of Grey fake trailer that has over 430,000 YouTube views. However, it has been working in the world of short films and his recent work Riddance is complete. It's a cool guy with a good sense of humor despite having little time for work. Currently in Philadelphia (USA) and gave me a few minutes to talk a little bit about your start in this race and his works.
Write your name in Google is synonymous with 50 shades of grey. Is it an advantage or disadvantage for you that people recognize your work just for this fan trailer?
It's a bit of a double edged sword I mean it gets my name out there, but sometimes only for one thing I did. And not an original project for that matter. But it's still cool I mean the same thing happened when I made my Harry potter fan film. I was known for that And currently also being known for a new project So I'm kind a use to it And realize it will change eventually further down my career In the meantime I take it as a compliment
Did you ever imagine thet this fan trailer was going to turn around the American continent? Because here in latin America there are many fans of your work.
Oh! really? I had no idea it was THAT popular! I mean when I made it I knew people would respond to it in a big way but I never thought this big I mean I got a few women from around the world saying they love me, and I'm not even in the movie. I'm kinda surprised people love it THIS much But I have to say, I'm flattered Means I did a good job I guess I've made a lot of weird stuff I like my more professional stuff more though.
To know you better, how did you get started film production?
Well that's a long story but to take it from the top. It all started from when I was a kid, I always wanted to be an inventor, of like inventions and stuff, but I sucked at math and science. But I realized everything I wanted to make was from movies, ie flying cars, shrinking machines, etc. But later I realized I wanted to tell stories. So I tried writing, drawing, both of which I wasn't really good at. It wasn't until I noticed my Dad making short films with his home camera. He made an Indiana Jones type video with my cousins and I, and I just found it so fascinating. I asked if we could make one, it wasn't till I was 12 when I was able to borrow my uncle's video camera and make my first short film. After that when I started High School I immediately signed up for the film class And just took out the camera making stuff on weekends whenever I could. I learned a lot of my techniques from watching movies I loved So in a way I was born from filmmaking in a way.
I saw your previous work and are very versatile. But do you think that someday you focused seriously on a specific genre?
Maybe. I like being versatile, but I do have to admit I would very much enjoy making darker toned films, like in the vein of Fifty Shades, Riddance, and Friend Request. I like making fun poppy type stuff though. I learn a lot from stuff like that. Teaches me new techniques and ways of telling a story, I mean so does the darker stuff, but the ads and comedy shorts teach me much more But all in all, I think I will always make all types of films, anything that entertains me.
Tell us about your latest Project Riddance. What’s it about?
Riddance is a dark dramatic thriller about two people held up in a cabin in the woods, away from the cities. t has a dark and mysterious twist that I can't reveal. So I have to be a little vague about the specifics of the story. But I can say it's a film about human nature and what we can and will do when thrown into intense and life threatening situations, no matter how well we think we know ourselves. My actors did a great job in bringing the characters ti life, especially given what they had to put themselves through.
Many people are making short films ... is like a virus, why you think the world is growing short films?
It's because technology has allowed everyone to make films. Youtube, Apple Computers, Canon Cameras. It's kinda cool cause it allows me to do what I can do, but I have to admit, it's sad because now people do it, not for the love and passion of filmmaking, but because they just want to be rich and famous. I do this because I love to create. I'd do this for free if I could, but the world doesn't work like that. Because of this spark in filmmaking as a HOBBY these days, we have lost respect for it. We don't appreciate the hard work and time that goes into it anymore, people think it's just something you shoot real quick and needs to be funny or cool, no real emotional motivation behind it. I can go on all day about this.
I will put fly your imagination to the next question… If you won an Oscar for the short film Riddance (just an example) What would your speech? Has to be fun and interesting.
Wow! I've never really thought of it that way. My film being accepted by the Oscars that is. I don't know… First I'd be thankful to them for allowing me to have this opportunity as a filmmaker. I mean this would open some doors for sure. Also I'd thank my family and all my friends and people who helped me throught out the filmmaking process and my life. I don't know what else I guess I'd say something deep like appreciating film but not letting it hinder you from reaching for the stars. I'd probably say I feel I don't deserve it...Who knows these things
Have you visited any country in latin America?
Not really, the only place out of the states I've been is Mexico Believe it or not I don't travel much, it's only the past few years where I've been able to travel for my work.
Which country would you like to visit?
I'd love to visit the UK someday. Though Venezuela sounds great.
You know some spanish words?
I do. I am Hispanic but I don't know many: “Hola”, “¿Cuándo es?”
Thank you very much Nick, it was fun talking to you... A hug from Venezuela
here I leave the links to learn more work:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ez-Nac4ixs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WL0sBG1Wlg&list=UUhMnUcPY-DBc1zHW0ogFPGQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LVs-Ab_UGY&list=UUhMnUcPY-DBc1zHW0ogFPGQ
www.facebook.com/riddancethefilm?fref=ts
www.facebook.com/fiftyshadesfanfilm?fref=ts
