Mario Telles | Interview

RSTMPA: What initially drew you to filmmaking?

Mario: Telling stories. I have always loved feeling and emotion.

RSTMPA: Who are your filmmaking influences, and how do they inspire your work?

Mario: Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Gene Roddenberry, and Vince Gilligan. These four filmmakers could tell any story with any character. The talent and body of work of each of these filmmakers is incredible.

RSTMPA: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an independent filmmaker?

Mario: Timing and age. Are the stories I have still relevant? Am I still relevant? Budget and finding the right crew isn’t nearly as formidable as combating timing and relevancy.

RSTMPA: What advice do you have for aspiring independent filmmakers on building a strong crew?

Mario: Stay together and work together. Don’t sacrifice the story and vision because you can’t agree on something. The longer you work together, the more you know about each other. Get that vision out. Use your artistry.

RSTMPA: What strategies do you use to get your films seen by a wider audience?

Mario: Just put it out there. Make your mark on the film festival circuit. Develop your marketing. Have a plan and stay with it.

RSTMPA: What are your thoughts on the future of independent cinema in the digital age?

Mario: Digital everything is the future of filmmaking. Having the right equipment has it’s purpose. It’s fun that way. You can always go back to a certain technique or method, but the equipment and software can already create something similar. It’s awesome.

RSTMPA: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your winning film?

Mario: Sure. Back in 2020 I was stuck inside. I couldn’t leave the house because of pandemic. I wanted to hear and see and feel a happy story so I sat down and wrote Time. I used the feelings and memories I had from my jamming days and sat with some formatting I got from college and Time came out. I was acting at the time too, so I had a lot of positive energy writing Time.

RSTMPA: Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited to work on?

Mario: I am currently working full time at Amazon in the fulfillment center and have my second script winning and doing amazing in film festivals. I miss acting a bunch but I have found a job I can do and still be an award winning writer as well working at Amazon. I am happy to be working and winning. It’s once in a life time.