Joseph is an aspiring filmmaker with serious drive and passion for making eye-opening films of truth. Recently, Joseph was accepted to attend the New York Film Academy, and we are proud to call him a Salisbury University Alumni.

 

We sat down with Joseph and asked him a few questions about his love for making films, what inspires his films, as well as his recent acceptance into the New York Film Academy, and where he sees himself going in the industry.

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What do you love about movies?

 

"There's so much I love about movies. I suppose what I love most about movies is the impact it can have on oneself. Movies can make you cry, think, smile or laugh. Movies encompass all art forms that take you on journey or into a world that you've never dreamt about. I often say movies speak a universal language that transcends all humanity, no matter the race, religion or creed. Movies can spark dialogue that can lead to change, which in turn will make the world a better place. A prime example of why I love movies is my favorite film of this past year, 12 years a Slave; this film represents all the reasons of why I wanted to become a filmmaker. This film captured all of the human emotions and took you on a journey that will never leave you."

 

What do you enjoy about the process of making films, and what inspired you to" make your first film The Guise Effect? 

 

"What I enjoy most about the process of making films is the challenges you face along the way while making a film. I love all the obstacles you must overcome to complete a film, whether it's lack of funding, or an actor getting sick the day of shooting. I love being tested because it makes you a stronger individual. It enhances your leadership capabilities. When people see that the leader isn't easily shaken up when something goes wrong it shows the rest of the cast and crew that they have a leader who they can trust and follow to the finish line. I also enjoy just being able to tell stories that can have an impact on people no matter the scale of the film. There's not a better feeling than having someone come up to you and say your film really spoke to me and it inspired me! What inspired me to make my first film, The Guise Effect? I would say once I decided that I wanted to be a filmmaker for the rest of my life I went on this quest to learn everything I could about cinema and while doing so, I found some things that bothered me about how African Americans were portrayed in early and current cinema. I wanted to know why African Americans had so many stereotypes associated with them, so I made a list of questions I wanted answered and thus I had the framework for my documentary. I knew I wanted to make a film that educated not only myself but also others. With the encouragement of Dr. Kendall I went on my journey for answers and I was amazed at what I found and the reception it receives to this day."

 

What is one of your major considerations/goals when making a film or thinking of an idea for a film?

 

When I'm making a film or thinking of an idea for a film I always ask myself, will this film have a positive impact on its audience? I never want to exploit people or situations that may come off to be offensive. I'm a solution oriented person, so a lot of the film ideas I have pose a issue and bring attention to it so it can be dealt with. I always try to tap into the truth or essence of issues. I want my films to inspire a positive change, so if a ilm idea isn't contributing to change, I won't do it.

 

You were just accepted into the New York Film Academy (LA), can you tell us about that experience and comment on anything you have learned from doing that or do you have any advise to offer filmmakers who are thinking about doing the same thing or something similar?

 

Being accepted into the New York Film Academy was a dream come true. Ever since I found out what film school was back in 2009, I knew I wanted to go. Like many college students, when it comes to graduate school you see the cost of tuition and that deters you from applying. I graduated from SU in May 2010, and it's now 2014, so it's taken me four years to muster up the courage to apply to film school. In terms of looking past the cost of tuition, aka, DEBT! I'm looking at film school as an investment into my future. You're going to owe someone for the rest of your life, whether you buy a house, car, health insurance, or have children etc. I believe if you have a dream and you believe in that dream 100%, what can stop you? You have to have FAITH that your dreams will take you far. For me, I know that God has a plan for my life and I'm going into the New York Film Academy excited that I'm actually investing in my dream and with that investment I will see a huge return on it! IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME, JUST WATCH! ;-)

 

Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years? What kind of films will you be making, and what role do you want to play in making them (i.e. Director, writer, producer, DP, etc.)?

 

In the next couple of years I will have my Masters of Fine Arts in Filmmaking. I hope to be shooting my first feature film (I already have the film idea) and also delving into television and commercial directing in the next few years. I want to make inspiring content whether it's a feature film, documentary, web series, television sitcom or drama, I want people to not only be entertained by my work but to be inspired to pursue their dreams full force. In terms of the roles I want to hold in the filmmaking process; I want to write, direct and produce films and television programming. When it's all said and done, I just want longevity and a great body of work!