How old were you when you first knew you wanted to be a director/writer?
I was just out of college and working as an apprentice actor at Mirror Repertory Company in New York. One of our artists-in-residence that season was Geraldine Page. I told her about an idea I had for a play. She liked the idea and told me “If you write that, I’ll read it.” I thought: “Geraldine Page wants to read my play! Now I have to write it.” So I did. Unfortunately, Gerry died that year, before I had a chance to finish the piece. But, eventually, I did finish it and it went on to be produced in New York and win recognition. As I continued to write, I fell into directing. It started with staged readings of my original works, which then went into full productions. Then people started asking me to direct other things and it continued on from there. Eventually, I lost interest in acting. Writing and directing became my passions.
Who was your greatest inspiration and how did they inspire you?
I’ve been greatly inspired by the women in my family, especially my mother. My mother is a retired college professor who helped to establish (and eventually Chair) an English department back in the late 1960’s/early 70’s. She was the only woman professor in the department at the time. She was incredibly competent and highly respected by her male peers. She showed me a woman could achieve any career goal if she worked hard enough.
How long have you been directing/writing and what was your favorite film to direct?
For over twenty years and each project I’ve worked on has its own place and meaning in my life, so I tend to feel that whatever I’m working on at the time is my favorite.
Have you ever played a role in a project you directed and /or wrote?
Yes. I’ve appeared in three of my works when I was in my twenties and still keen on acting. Since my focus shifted exclusively to writing and directing, I haven’t had any particular desire to play any of the roles I’ve written. Instead, I prefer to objectively look for the best actor for the part. I suppose if I ever wrote something that I was dying to do, I’d do it, but I haven’t been bit by the acting bug in years and I doubt I will be anytime soon.
What are some bad habits that you've seen actors develop that you've had a hard time dealing with?
Mumbling. Which appears to have evolved as a strange offshoot of Method acting. Unfortunately, there’s nothing “real” about mumbling all the time, unless it’s a specific choice for a character. Most people don’t mumble when they’re having a conversation. They naturally adjust their volume to be heard and speak accordingly. I’ve actually worked with actors who mumble through a rehearsal, then, as soon as they’re on break, I can hear them all over the theatre. Some actors even do this on film and, even after mixing, you can barely understand what they’re saying. Unless an actor knows all their dialogue will be replaced, I really don’t understand it. I don’t know how mumbling and “being real” became synonymous in the minds of some actors.
Have you ever written any projects and if so did you direct them as well?
I’ve directed most of the projects I’ve written.
What is your philosophy on the profession of directing?
That my job is best served as a facilitator. A facilitator of an actor’s best performance, of a clear and concise vision, and of all the abilities of all the talented people I have brought on board to realize my vision. I want to create an environment where everyone can do his or her best work.
Was there ever a show you directed that was miscast? If so how did you deal with this?
Yes. Though it’s been rare. When it does happen, I try to discover what the actor has in common with the character emotionally. Even if they’re not the best fit for the role, there’s usually something I can find within them to embody at least some of the character’s attributes. Once we discover those attributes in the rehearsal process, they become the foundations upon which a credible performance can be built.
Has anyone you've ever directed gone on to do something widely seen?
I’ve worked with numerous actors who have worked on Broadway and in regional theatre, and appear regularly in television and film.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into directing?
Write. Even if you don’t want to be a writer, the discipline of storytelling that comes from writing is an invaluable one.
How important do you feel film festivals are for anyone who wants to work in the industry?
My film DANDELION DHARMA won the Audience Award for Best Live Action Short at the 2009 Palm Springs International ShortFest and a Best Director Award at San Francisco Women’s International. As a result, I was invited to a lot of festivals and did the circuit for over a year. Though it was overall a wonderful experience, I’d have to say it depends upon the festival. Some festivals (like Palm Springs) can really help to promote you as an artist, others not so much, and others not at all. A filmmaker should carefully research the festivals they’re interested in and talk to other filmmakers who have been there/done that before spending the time and money.
VERONICA DIPIPPO - Bio
Veronica is an award-winning filmmaker, director and writer. Her “karmic komedy” short Dandelion Dharma played at festivals worldwide and, in 2009, won the coveted Audience Award for Best Live Action Short at Palm Springs International ShortFest. Veronica also won a Best Director award for the film at San Francisco Women’s International Film Festival.
As a playwright, over thirty productions of her plays and one-acts have been produced at theatres across the country. Her most recent play, Lulu’s Last Stand, is currently running at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. As a screenwriter, she has worked with studios and independents including Disney Feature, Four Moons, Basic Films U.K., Bullet Heart, and her own production company, Crunch Entertainment. Projects currently in packaging include her screenplay Sonnet with Dune Entertainment (Avatar, X-Men Origins). Projects currently in development include One Christmas in Eastville and inde feature Aurora B which Veronica plans to direct.
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