Today we’d like to introduce you to Max R. Zabell.
Max, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was a child, I was obsessed with all aspects of movies from an entertainment point of view to their production. It began when I was watching “Dawn of the Dead” (2004) with my family. For about a week after that, I was terrified of an impending zombie apocalypse. It wasn’t until my mother showed me the behind-the-scenes footage that I felt more at ease. It astonished my five-year-old mind that someone could make a career out of making films. I was hooked! I would direct little videos with my friends, and when they couldn’t play, I would film my pets, and when my pets would run away and hide, I would film my action figures.
From 2013 – 2017, I attended a local arts high school, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. There I took moving image art and learned aesthetics and techniques to film. This affirmed my love of directing and showed me that I also have a passion for writing and working behind the camera. I also had my first experience working on a set with V-Force: New Dawn of V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. (2017). I worked as a practical special effects production assistant.
In 2017 I wrote and directed a short film Tipo (2017). It was a short film about mental health and the liminality of growing up and changing. It was limited in scope, but I used the film to apply to CalArts. I was accepted into their film and video bachelor’s program. Since then, I’ve been in Los Angeles working as a writer-director. I’ve directed Orpington Poulet (2018), Di Kovboy (2019), and Unearth (2020).
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been incredibly tough trying to grow my career as a writer-director. I come from a Cuban and Polish-Jewish background and I find it crucial to tell my story and tell the stories of my family. In this world, where there is such a large platform of artists, it’s easy to become discouraged and see flaws in your work. Consequently, that leads to thinking that you aren’t good enough and you will never be good enough. But, for me, there is no other option. Filmmaking is such a part of me that if I didn’t become a writer-director, I wouldn’t do anything. There is still so much I need to go out and accomplish, it feels overwhelming but it’s an uphill battle I’m excited to fight on.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. When someone goes out to accomplish something, it takes hard work, a good plan and perseverance. It’s important to realize that if something is going exactly your way, you need to find what’s stopping you. This could be as simple as lack of preparation or not having the right equipment, or it could be the environment you’re in. It’s crucial to be around people as hungry as you are or you’re going to stay stagnant. If you surround yourself with people with similar aspirations, it’s easier and more fulfilling when goals are accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Website: maxrzabell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmszabell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filmszabell
Image Credit:
Lucy Shelley
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