"BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT."

Michael Kallio: Director

1. Tell us a little about your background, where are you from and when did you decide that you wanted to become a filmmaker? Oh boy, do you really want this story? Ok, here it goes but, you’ve heard it, like, a bajillion times. I’m from Detroit, the infamous Motor City, home of MC5, Iggy Pop, Eminem, The White Stripes and The Rennisance Pictures trio: Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tapert. Although, the Rennisance Pictures folk aren’t a band, they have made a lot of noise in the last number of years having made one of the most popular cult horror films ever. That’s right, I’m speaking of “The Evil Dead,” which, in turn, made Sam Raimi an A-list director and Bruce Campbell one of the most popular actors on the planet. They were definitely an inspiration. It really had to do a lot with seeing Star Wars when I was 6 ½ and making Super-8 movies when I was a young lad living in Redford, Michigan. 2. Who inspired you to become a filmmaker? You’ve all heard this one before too but, here it goes. I blame three people, really. First, George Lucas., Second, my grandmother and Third, my mother. My mother took me to see Star Wars when I was 6 ½ and I caught the “filmmaking bug.” That’s all I’ve EVER wanted to do since, make movies. I would go on family vacations with my mom and granny as a kid and while mom was popping off still photos, granny was taking the home movies on her Super-8 camera. When we’d return from these trips, I would use up the rest of the film making my own little shorts. As I grew up and got an allowance, I’d save money and buy film and make longer projects. Aren’t ya glad ya asked? 3. Tell us about your 2002 film "Hatred of a Minute" starring Gunner Hanson. What was it like Directing, Editing and Producing it? Well, that was a trial by fire because it was shot in 1995 and took 8-9 years to finish. We started pre-production in 1994 and principal photography began on August 15th, 1995. We wrapped a month later and spent the rest of that time in post-production, working when we had a couple of nickels to rub together. It was a long, hard journey that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I learned a lot. 4. Bruce Campbell produced Hatred of a Minute, what was it like working with him? Bruce is an absolute pleasure to work with. He kept me grounded and as level-headed a young filmmaker can be.  He’s good at keeping the process very real and realistic. I learned so much from him and still do to this day. He is a great producer and a hell of a friend. 5. From your experience, what do you think is the most important thing for a Director to bring to a set? One thing is Patience. This is a hard career and you need Patience to over come all the obstacles that are thrown at you everyday, whether you’re on set or not. The other is being prepared. Have all your ducks in a row, no matter what that is, shot-lists, story boards. Do it like the Boy Scouts taught you. Be prepared.

6. You've been noted saying "Pain is temporary,.. Film is forever.", tell us about some of the pains of filmmaking? See Number 3 above. Seriously, taking 8-9 years to finish a movie is ROUGH! We never planned on it taking that long but, when you have very little money you got to stick it out or let yourself get eaten by the wolves. I think the hardest thing back then was money. We shot “Hatred” on 16mm film. Nowadays, you have DV cameras and it’s a bit more accessible for people with no money to put together a project. We were on the cusp of the new technology so, we did everything old school which costs more money. 7. Tell us about your upcoming feature "Creswell Presents: The Outer Dimensional Realm" starring David Borowicz who was also in several of your other films? Actually, the “Creswell” project is a TV pilot. It’s a spin-off of another film I did called “Mutant Swinger from Mars” which is a 50’s sci-fi spoof. “Creswell Presents” is a spoof on all the Twilight Zone and Outer Limits type show of that time. 8.  What is the biggest problem with Hollywood today? Everyone is terrifyied to try a new idea. That’s why all these damn re-makes are happening. 9.  Do you have any advice to aspiring filmmakers? I can pull out the old school Bruce Campbell answer and say “RUN!” but that’s his schtick, albeit funny and an excellent suggestion. I think my true, honest, heart-felt suggestion is make sure this is something you LOVE, even obsess over. I’ve had A LOT of support from my family and friends because you’re putting yourself in the line of fire. People will love your films. People will hate your films. People will attack you as a person. You have to be strong and not let it get you down. Truly, be passionate about the craft. Don’t worry about what other people say. Do your own thing. 10. When all is said and done, what 3 things would you like for people to remember about you? One, a great director, Two, a great writer and Three, a terrific dancer/ninja 11.  Here's where we give you a word or phrase and you give us the first thoughts that pop into your mind. Hollywood: Humbling She-Beast Toxic Shock TV: The Best Darn Web-Site in Town Favorite Genre: Movies,.. LOL Biggest Regrets: I don’t know if I regret anything. Biggest Prick: Here in the room? The funniest thing that has ever happened to you on a set: So many stories,..  Making “Mutant Swinger” was fun everyday because it was always very light-hearted on set. A lot of ideas and laughter flowed on that project. Your biggest "break-thru" moment: My premiere of Hatred of a Minute. I felt like I had accomplished what most only dream of doing. You can only watch three movies for the rest of your life, which three: Esh,.. That’s a tough one. That changes everyday but, as of right now, I’d have to say The Fisher King, The Terminator and Monty Python and the Holy Grail,.. Wait,.. It just changed again… You can only listen to three ALBUMS for the rest of your life, which three: Anything by Johnny Cash, Kiss Alive 2 and the Superman soundtrack because I believe a man CAN fly….