Rising Stars: Meet Michael Parks Randa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Parks Randa.

Hi Michael Parks, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up the second son of two remarkable anti-war, human, animal, and disability rights activists. Growing up in that environment really shaped me and my siblings into the people we are today, and it’s naturally had a profound effect on my career as a filmmaker. On top of all their activism, they have run a day program for folks with disabilities in my hometown of Sherborn, Massachusetts for the last 50 years. So after years as a music video director, I had a wonderful opportunity to create an inclusive musical in the form of my first feature film “Best Summer Ever.” Bringing the film to life felt like a way to honor and build upon my families legacy by doing my part to promote disability inclusion in the film industry. There is a totally untapped pool of seriously talented and capable actors and crew members with disabilities all over the world that the industry largely neglects. It’s bullshit, and I’m committed to helping change that.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s nothing really smooth about indie filmmaking. That’s perhaps the charm and the burden of it. Micro budgets, pulling endless favors, casting your friends, and wearing a thousand hats is par for the course, but it’s also an intoxicating and highly addictive craft. For me, there is no greater high than putting absolutely everything into a film, regardless of the potholes and quicksand on the road to get it made. I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such talented friends in the industry who have elevated my work and helped me grow as an artist and human being. Above all, I have incredibly supportive partner who really believes in me, and I’m thankful for her everyday.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I came up directing music videos and have worked with a really eclectic segment of artists: Rick Ross, Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Shovels & Rope, Dave East, State Radio, mewithoutYou, Pianos Become The Teeth, etc.

I’m really proud of an upcoming music video of mine for Delta Spirit, which is centered on a love story starring Zack Gottsagen (The Peanut Butter Falcon) and Jamie Brewer (American Horror Story) two remarkably talented actors with down syndrome. After making “Best Summer Ever”, I realized that while the film industry is being held accountable for its lack of disability inclusion, the music video industry is not. So I thought I would make something to address that in hopes that it starts some healthy conversations between artists, commissioners, and labels about ways to be more inclusive. I’m really excited for people to see the video. Zack and Jamie are magnificent.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My family had a recurring cast of golden retrievers and rough collies, so everyday I spent with them is a favorite memory.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.parksranda.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parksranda/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/parksranda

Image Credits:
Cinematography by Kent Willard, Alexa Carroll, Chris Westlund, Matthew Canada, Douglas Gordon, and Logan Stone.