Recently, I got to do something very thrilling. I got the chance to reconnect with two former students who are not only using their skills and talents in big ways, but are also living out their faith joyfully in the real world of media: Julian Curi (writer/co-director) and Rocco Ambrosio (co-director) are set to make the film “Shock Value.”
It’s good to be in touch with you again Rocco and Julian, and I’m really happy to see your passion for what you do! I already like the title: "Shock Value" – sometimes I think we need to shock audiences to live their lives fully! Our Lord himself did that – people listening to Jesus speak were shocked, but I’m getting ahead of myself. For the benefit of our audiences, let’s cut to the chase and tell us about your new project. What is it all about?
"Shock Value" is our first feature film as Alabaster Films. It tells the story of a young actress struggling with purpose in her life. She is employed by a company that helps its clients find the meaning and purpose of their lives by taking them dangerously close to the moment of death.
What can audiences expect to see in the first few crucial minutes?
Shock Value begins with the "beginning of the end." It hits the ground running with a high energy foot chase, and sets the stage for the dark and eccentric world our main character will someday inhabit. It lets the audience be omniscient through the story because they know the dread that awaits as a consequence of the lead character’s moral choices.
What inspired you to make this?
Julian: As a senior at Franciscan University, I took a leap with electives and signed up for a Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing class. I enjoy grounded fantasy, so the more I grounded this concept, the closer to reality it became. After moving to LA, I had found the perfect backdrop for "the quest for purpose" in a young person. Big cities tend to attract people with high hopes for themselves. But high hopes can sometimes eclipse purpose – leaving successful, popular, attractive shells struggling to connect.
What kind of response have you been getting?
We’re so grateful. Responses often go something like: "When is it coming out? I need to see this! People need to see this!" After which we respond, "I know, but it only gets made when enough people contribute." And that’s where the struggle has been greatest. Hundreds of people have said they support it and want it to be made, but few contribute even the smallest amount. If every person who has verbally supported us contributed as generously as is in their power to do so, this film could be funded very quickly.
How is this film different from other films out there? What makes it unique?
It asks Life’s Big questions without compromising entertainment value, complexity, and detail. It’s too easy to let the concept of a story do the heavy lifting. Even Truth should be packaged well. So in so many words, it portrays the contemplated life as edgy, intelligent, and frankly… badass.
What’s the difference between a film that’s engaging and a film that’s inspiring?
They’re both very different actions. A world that’s unoriginal, repetitive, or common doesn’t engage, but a detailed, personal perspective on the world does. Though you may be telling a familiar story, you’re sharing your point of view. If you craft that well, it gives audiences brand new context for the lives. That’s when inspiration comes in. If they believe the world you’ve created, they’ll be far more likely to accept the ideas within it.
What’s important to you when making films?
Truth and beauty. Truth in the story and characters…people can tell if something is inauthentic. By beauty we mean the craftsmanship of the film. The overall uniting vision of all the pieces coming together to form the whole…it must be well crafted.
What do you want for your audience to take away from your films?
The credits are not the end, they are the beginning. We want our audience to ask themselves the questions our films pose. It’ll remain in their hearts longer if they discover the answers themselves.
That’s what I keep telling my students! If there’s a younger person out there wanting to make feature films, what kind of advice do you have for them?
Watch films (especially a director’s early work), read (about people and art and philosophy), practice (practice forming pictures that tell a story and practice communicating your ideas) and finally do. Stop talking about it and do it.
How has your Catholic faith impacted your film-making?
Julian: The faith has always been a consolation from the cynicism that is all too popular today. It keeps me striving toward something outside of myself and my circumstances. And I feel like film and art can do the same if it’s crafted well enough. It has to be attractive and well-crafted, like the beauty of the Catholic faith which is totally capable of communicating great ideas to huge audiences.
Rocco: My faith gives me freedom in my work. I feel like I have permission and a responsibility to portray the truth. The truth of our human condition contains great and wonderful glories, but also the darkest depravity. My faith has shown me that we can be challenged and grow from both, it is therefore my responsibility to examine both.
Tell us about your education – where you’ve come from, where you currently are, and where you think you might be headed?
Julian: I attended Franciscan University of Steubenville from 2008-2012 and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. I’m grateful for the communication course that posed the questions about faith’s possible effect on the media and the drama courses that have given me a tactile language to realize that.
Rocco: I graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2009, double majoring in Theatre and Communications. This is where I really began to practice and hone my craft, whether it was in hands-on classes like graphic design, or advanced directing, or the classes that challenged me to grow intellectually like "Theory of Theatre." I was given a great foundation and while settings change, this practice and hard work doesn’t go away as I continue to strive to learn from those who are better than me.
What’s next for you?
We have other film ideas in the pipeline but Shock Value is first and foremost. We have also started a production company called "Alabaster Films." Its mission is to educate, illuminate, and entertain. We are excited about producing elevating, thought-provoking, truth-based art.
How can readers support your work and mission?
People want films that are good, true and beautiful. I’ve heard others say they want a change in Hollywood. It’s time for people to step up and make that change. With our Kickstarter program, we are extending this invitation for others to tangibly contribute to that change. We have the story and the skill but we cannot make it a reality without you! Making a film is a HUGE undertaking with lots of people involved. We believe that people should be compensated for their work. Combine that mindset with the determination to make a film that is actually worth watching and we have quite a lot of work to do and quite a lot of money to raise. We can’t make this film without you.
Thank you for sharing, Julian and Rocco! I certainly hope to see many others discern their talents and calling to become media professionals – learning, developing, and applying their skills and talents in powerful ways that engage audiences and give glory to God.
Dr Eugene Ganis faculty associate of the Veritas Center and Professor of Interactive Media, Communications, and Fine Art at Franciscan University of Steubenville in the United States. His book, Infinite Bandwidth: Encountering Christ in the Media , is grounded in Scripture and magisterial documents, and is a handbook and practical guide for understanding and engaging media in meaningful and healthy ways in daily life.
And today we celebrate...