Interview with independent filmaker Taylor Martin
Welcome Mrs Martin, we are very excited to have you today and discuss about your work. Who is Taylor Martin and how did the passion for filmmaking start ?
Taylor Martin is a 33 year old actor/director/writer/producer out of New York. The passion started in my teen years as I grew into a hopeless romantic with a knack for storytelling. I’ve always had a sort of knowing that this is where I belong and I was capable of the responsibility of leading a production as well as the maturity to handle the spotlight. I remember touring a studio in LA when I was young and felt an energy that was indescribable, I knew I belonged and I’ll find my way there eventually. I majored in film at 18 and though I knew it was my destiny, I dropped out because it wasn’t the right time. I went home, started a family, went into health care. In my twenties I had gotten into a serious car wreck, and as I had the time to rehabilitate, I started putting one foot in front of the other and found the Buffalo film community through social media, and the rest has been history. I was manifesting my new life at a rapid pace. Doors not only opened, I was busting through them, and I have no intention of slowing down.
Can you tell us about your previous work ? Were you always behind the camera ?
I did not start out behind the camera…I started as an actor/writer for 4 years before I called the shots. It was unexpected, but happened very quickly once I got started. My very first role I signed on as an extra, and they gave me lines. After that I became known in my region and entered into competitive filmmaking, receiving awards for Best Actress and included in Best Ensembles. As the credits began to rack up, I noticed that I was growing frustrated by the lack of creative control. With all of the resources and colleagues I’ve gained, this past year was finally time to make the jump to behind the camera, and though I still love being on screen (especially cameos in my own films), I find being a leader of production is more my speed. I used to think that because I didn’t know how to do cinematography or editing (I have Tim and Mike for that anyway) that I wouldn’t be able to make a film on my own and I’ve found that developing a trusting working relationship with those on the project and keeping the vibe high is key. I am very grateful for where I am and all the university, indie, SAG, competition films that led me to this level of experience.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: Taylor Martin Filmography
What would you describe as your directing identity style ?
My directing style is as immersive as possible, with emphasis on production value and putting my own twist on adapting and layering a screenplay. I work with actors that are aware of body language and screen presence. My films have a certain look, pace, feel. My producer, Chris, likes to refer to this eccentric swagger with a hint of retro as “Big Taylor Style.” I don’t stop it from happening.
Talk to us about your films? How was it created and what inspired it?
The short films I’ve directed thus far have been for various competitions across the world where a film is written/produced/edited/scored from scratch in 2 days. My directorial debut came in 2nd place in Chicago, landing us an invite to compete against the best in the world for a spot at Cannes. The first film was a product of my cousin Matthew and I deciding it was time to have creative control, and we built a team of wildcards around us that were wonderful to work with. Most of these people have stayed with us and continue to work with us still. My father was the biggest inspiration for finally sitting in the director’s chair as he passed away a few months prior. In addition, I’ve always been a very competitive athlete. Over the last few years, my life has changed in ways I could’ve never imagined by enduring new chronic illnesses. While I can’t participate in sports anymore, filmmaking is my new sport.
How do you think your transition from 48h challenges to a full scheduled production will be ?
My transition will be interesting, competitions are beneficial as they force you to complete a body of work right away. Without a time constraint, I’m curious to see if I can follow the “less is more” mentality when it comes to choices and finalizing a film. Learning the ins and outs of financing a larger production and finding a purpose outside of competitions are what I’m looking forward to. It will be a balancing act, but my team is phenomenal and the collaborative aspect and talent they bring to the table is what excites me most about the future.
Is there a thematic pattern in your films ?
Emotion. It’s all I’ve ever known and the inner world I live in I’ve noticed can be more intense than most, and finding a way to emphasize that has been the ground floor of my films. Free will, survival mode, and exploring what real people might do in real situations….I can find those in my films consistently. A hint of romance never hurts.
How would you rank your films ?
Give the Gate, my debut, is special to me as it was our first and dedicated to my father. When it was completed there was a silence during viewing and chills that surprised us all, we knew we hit some sort of home run. Billy Must Live was dreamt up in a sushi restaurant years ago and it was the biggest production we did and I feel a sense of accomplishment that a team of 50 people made a movie in 3 days. Simulacrum was back to the roots of emotion and most relatable. We survived everything going wrong on set.
What is the target audience of your projects ?
People that can appreciate comedy without it requiring shock value to be funny, and individuals that love relatable characters. I want people to feel a familiarity through my storytelling, almost like they’ve seen or felt my films before without having seen them before.
Any future projects incoming ? Along with personal aspirations.
With doors opening, I’ve begun my journey as a producer and social media content creator. My future goals include directing stories written by others who may not have the resources to bring it to life, creating a feature film length or series of a Billy sequel, and continuing to surround myself with people looking for a chance to shine. I hope to open the door for people in the way others did for me. I still have a love for acting and writing. Making projects come to life that have been on the shelf for years never knowing the means we’d have today to make them. Collaboration is my future and good things will happen. If anyone would like to do so, you can find me on Instagram at @misstaylormartin and “Taylor Martin” on Facebook in Buffalo, New York.
That was the interview with our beloved creator Taylor Martin. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work. To publish an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.
