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 LMC:
What about the “Got Milk” alien commercial?
SC:
The
got milk? Commercial was the first commercial, and only the second
thing I ever directed. I learned a lot on that one as well. It was
really ambitious and took the hard work of a lot of talented people.
It was produced by Dave Fennoy, and shot by Ted Rae. I designed the
aliens and did some maquettes, Jordu Schell actually did a maquette
for me on that one too. Todd Tucker and his talented crew built the
puppets, I was very happy with them. I wound up painting them the
day before, and wish I had more time, but that’s kinda always the
story when you’re doing things so low budget. That spot got me
signed at Level 7 productions as a commercial director, where I’ve
done several spots and music videos since. That one’s kinda
legendary now, no one ever believes it’s a spec, they swear they’ve
seen it on TV. I always get a kick out of that… “Oh, I’ve seen that
one…Yeah!” Right.
 LMC:
What music videos have you done?
SC:
“I will save you” by THE NUNNS, “Smashed” by BLINDSIDE, and I’m
currently prepping two music videos that shoot right after the
Holidays, “Nightmare” by THE LAST DANCE, and “Citadel” by
CRUXSHADOWS.
LMC:
Do you
enjoy directing commercials and shorts or are they a means to a
bigger end?
SC:
Commercials are fun, I always enjoy shooting, no matter what the
format is… If I’m excited about what the subject matter is, it
doesn’t matter if it’s a commercial, short film, music video, or
feature. I’m focusing now on doing a feature because I’ve never done
one before, and that’s what I’m being offered at the moment. The
thought of shooting for several months on end, with a full crew, a
decent budget, and all the toys is my idea of heaven. I cannot
fucking wait!!!
 LMC:
How
will you approach directing when you make a feature film?
SC:
The
exact same way I’ve approached my short films… With passion,
enthusiasm, desire, experience, and a talented crew behind me. I
think if a director truly has all those things, it highly increases
the chance of making a great film.
LMC:
What would be your dream feature to direct if you could do any
subject you wanted?
SC: Batman:
The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller would be the ultimate
project. I would also be interested in making the STAR WARS sequels,
or an Indiana Jones movie.
LMC: How will you incorporate creature FX into
the film? Are you more prone to go with physical FX or CGI? Will
you also wear the FX coordinator hat?
 SC:
That
will depend on what is right for the project. I think CG is an
incredible tool to the filmmaker when it’s used correctly, and in
the right circumstances. Of course, my first thought is always to
shoot everything FX wise that I possibly can physical, but CG
enhancement like anything else, in the right hands can achieve some
really incredible results. As far as wearing the coordinator hat,
I’ll be heavily involved in the FX of my feature films conceptually
and design wise, but the director hat on a feature is a pretty big
hat, and the FX chapeau is best worn by the Steve Wang’s and Henry
Alvarez’s of the world… You know, guys that have the experience and
that I trust with my vision.
LMC:
Where do you see your career in 5 years? Longer?
SC:
Hopefully with continued hard work, tireless dedication, and a
little luck, in the near future, I’ll be an A-list director, doing
big budget Sci-Fi, Comic Book, Action Adventure, event pictures.
Ultimately, I’d like to form my own production company, a smaller,
more condensed version of ILM… A creative coalition of producers,
artists, writers, editors, and FX people, to do everything in house.
I’d like to be the ultimate creative idea factory that studios can
go to for content and intellectual properties for film, television,
video games, children’s books, and toys all over the world… That’s
the big picture I see long term… Directing, writing and creating
until I’m no longer capable, at which point on many levels, this
life will cease for me.
LMC:
What
would you spend your days doing if you had all the money you needed?
SC:
Exactly the same thing I spend my days doing now, making movies,
surfing, drawing, reading comic books, sculpting, learning,
inspiring others… just on a different level.
LMC:
What are some of your pet peeves?
 SC:
I’d
have to say the biggest one is when non-creative people are put in
charge of creative things. It makes it very hard to get ideas across
and accomplish what it is you’re setting out to do artistically when
“the powers that be” don’t understand the language, and care more
about what time they tee-off, rather than the project they’re
supposedly in charge of. Another one would have to be artists with
pompous or arrogant attitudes. Just because one is talented as a
designer, sculptor, painter, or filmmaker, that does not give them
the excuse to be smug or condescending toward others. Most of the
time that attitude grows out of insecurity. I’ve learned to see that
now in young artists especially…When I was a younger, I was insecure
and frightened about my talent and about my place in not only this
industry, but the world. Hollywood can be a very intimidating place,
and when I first moved out here at seventeen, I didn’t know anyone,
I was very far away from home and my family. Though I was filled
with passion, enthusiasm, and moxie, I was also confused, uncertain,
and afraid. I did and said a lot of things I shouldn’t have and
treated people disrespectfully… Thanks to people like Henry, I’ve
grown beyond that, and matured through all of the experiences I’ve
had both professional and personal. I feel I’ve grown into my role
somewhat as an artist and director, and feel very comfortable about
my abilities these days. Our talents are gifts, they should be
nurtured and wielded as such. They should be used to enlighten,
broaden, and inspire other others. I don’t think we realize
sometimes how powerful a gift we’ve been so fortunate to have been
given…
LMC:
What makes you happy?
SC:
Good
health, being creative, catching a few good waves with my friends,
writing with Nick, comic books, fishing with my dad, rain, sculpting
late at night at Henry’s when it’s just him and I… But I’d have to
say, I’m the happiest when I’m on set with my crew, behind the
camera, shooting…Bringing my visions to life… Nothing beats that,
period. Quite frankly, it’s a euphoria that’s unexplainable and
without equal. I highly recommend it.
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