Conversations with Michael Greenwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Greenwood

Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Ever since I was little, making movies was the only thing I had any interest in. I did all the things I’m sure a lot of filmmakers can relate to, such as making short amateur movies with friends on 8mm and video, experimenting with cameras and editing and effects, constantly recruiting any acquaintances who could potentially help with some facet of making the films.

I was the perfect age to see all the great fantasy/adventure movies of the late 70s and early 80s as they were coming out; Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman, Star Trek, Clash of the Titans, Time Bandits, Dragonslayer, The Dark Crystal, on and on, so many startling and inspiring new things every few months, which there is no real equivalent to today.

To complete my education, in my teens, I started learning about more experimental and personal filmmaking, such as the work of Godard, Cassavetes, the Kuchars, Wiseman, Brakhage, Warhol. That put me on the path of wanting to make my own films in my own time rather than pursuing a career within the film industry. I knew I didn’t have the temperament to deal with Hollywood, and I had no ambition to compete or show off. All I can say is that even though there are a great many far more talented filmmakers than me, I’m the only one who can make “my” films, and that’s what keeps me going.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Unlike art forms such as writing or painting or playing music, which you can do on your own with minimal materials, filmmaking is usually a big undertaking that requires wrangling all different kinds of talents and collaborators, money and equipment – so no, it’s not typically a smooth road. Anything you can anticipate going wrong usually does, and then things you couldn’t foresee go wrong too. In spite of all that, you gotta love it. The more difficult the process, the more satisfying the end result is. At least that’s how I feel. An independent or DIY filmmaker is always at odds with the notion of professionalism in movies, the attitude coming from outside that you’re not really a filmmaker if you’re not actively going from one industry gig to another with the intention of getting famous or making money. Despite a ton of overlap, I basically think there’s a clear border between the entertainment industry and what independent artists do. In both arenas, though, you face the same situation of experts always trying to persuade you to do everything the same way everyone else does it. You have to be able to hear that advice but also to resist it. Otherwise you’ll just get sucked into turning your film into a product that looks like everyone else’s.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make modest, pretty low-key, borderline dramatic/experimental films that I usually write, shoot and edit myself. I do most everything else too, from casting to the poster design. I’ve made six features and a handful of shorts. I’m currently in the midst of a feature about surfing called ‘The Sandpipers.’ I’ve won a few awards from various festivals, but aside from that, I’m pretty under the radar. I make the films for my own pleasure. I don’t expect anyone else to be very interested. But you never know what the reaction is going to be. I made a film called ‘Julian’ twelve years ago and I still get messages from young people saying they liked this or that about it, or asking questions about it. I don’t even know how they’re coming across it. You can’t plan for stuff like that, though. You just have to make the film as satisfying to yourself as possible, and if it works, that’s what people will react to. If you just chase trends and chase audiences, you’ll end up making something bland that anyone else could have made.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Considering the fact that I’ve poured every cent I’ve ever had into making films that very few people will ever see, and earned almost nothing in return, I guess I know a little about risk. I’ve been jobless, close to homeless. I might be crazy but I’m not delusional since I never imagine that what I’m doing is going to pay off one day. I know it won’t. I do it because I want to, and that’s basically it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/michaelagreenwood
• Twitter: https://x.com/MYatesMCMLXXII
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FilmAdrift
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mgreenwood-193892471
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4531839/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Image Credits
Michael A. Greenwood