LA DIRECTOR
Romel X Rose Int e r v i ew by Ti e r r a Jone s “ I know I can utilize film to change the stereotype/narrative of black men and black people in society. I want to use my gifts to impact the world and have a positive inf luence in my community. ” We sat down with Romel X Rose to find out the inspirations and visions behind the man, his dogma, and what makes him tick. GHR: HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR FILM- MAKING STYLE? RR: I’m all about story telling. I like to use the term visual parables. For me, it’s not just a movie, but rather a spiritual vision behind the project. I like to think of it as a “style” because I always try to look at the deeper meaning behind the characters and I’m actually communicating something subliminal to the audience. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST SATISFYING AND COMPELLING ABOUT STORYTELLING? I think the ability to change someone’s perspective on life is one of the most satisfying things about being a filmmaker. When I watched Fruitvale Station by Ryan Coogler, that film changed my life. That was the first time I saw a character on-screen that I completely identified with. I didn’t know that was possible. I didn’t know that I could see myself on screen, I thought I had to always be a certain way. When I saw that movie, it inspired me to tell my own story about how I grew up. WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? My biggest inspiration as a director is God. God has shown me the power of storytelling and has given me these abilities and gifts to tell stories through
motion pictures. I know I can utilize film to change the stereotype/narrative of black men and black people in society. I want to use my gifts to impact the world and
Romel X Rose
have a positive influence in my community. WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST MENTORS?
My brothers, Raymond Rose Jr. and Carlton Brown. They have kept me on a straight path. My biggest creative mentor has been Anthony Gilardi, owner of Anthony Gilardi Studios. Anthony has nurtured my creative process and encouraged me to create my own opportunities. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST HURDLES IN YOUR PATH AS A DIRECTOR AND FILMMAKER? My biggest hurdles have been finding mentors in the industry that are willing to give real knowledge and wisdom on how to get to the next level. Much of what I’ve learned has been through trial and error. I wish there were more of us willing to really give each other the game and collaborate more so everybody can win. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LESSON ABOUT WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY THAT YOU HAVE GROWN THE MOST FROM AS A FILMMAKER AND A MAN? The biggest lesson I’ve learned is no matter what, finish your work. I pride myself on finishing what I start and I’ve learned that you will stand out in the industry by simply finishing what you start, because most people in Hollywood don’t finish, let alone start the process of developing their own ideas. I say that with all due respect. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? I see myself making films on a larger scale. Directing feature films and television shows, while giving back to my community by teaching others how to do what I am doing. Most of us lack the knowledge, education, and exposure. I want to help change that. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS? One idea can change your life. Continue developing your ideas and see them through. Put God first and let Him guide you because He is the best planner and knower. If God put something in your heart or gave you an idea, it’s important to see it through and not let anyone discourage you from bringing it into fruition. You got this!
D irector Romel X Rose was born and raised in Norwalk, California. His journey started off 10 years ago as an actor and has transitioned over into writing, directing, and producing so he could take his career into his own hands and create his own content. Rose is an awarding-winning director, with eight short films under his belt. His first feature film is currently in development. He is best known for his short films Because of the Internet and America’s Pit Bull . Because of the Internet is a romantic comedy about a young man who seeks validation online and goes on a journey to discover there is more to life than living through the protective guise of the internet. In America’s Pit Bull, Rose highlights the stereotypical images of black men in society and challenges the stigmas around them.
@RomelxRose
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