Je Suis Leslie Zemeckis
Occupation: Entertainer (a LA actress, writer, director, producer. I tell stories)
Instagram: @lesliezemeckis
Where were you born?
Southern California
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I shed light on mostly marginalized, often stigmatized, women entertainers, focusing on the early 20th century in America.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I am passionate about sharing stories about incredible, interesting people the world has forgotten or never really knew. History is everything. A lot of these performers were never given their due when they were alive and its time we re-evaluate the terms we apply to them and their professions and the automatic assumption people make when they hear "burlesque" "Stripper" "freaks" "circus" "animal trainers".
What inspires you?
Bold, colorful people who dance to the rhythm of their own song.
Describe your personal style.
I don't define myself.
Your ultimate must-have.
Passion, adventure, friends, family.
What superpower would you have and why?
To live forever.
What is next for you?
My film on the world's first female tiger trainer Mabel Stark. She started in the early 1900s and worked until 1960s. There wasn't an inch of her body that was not scarred by her beloved tigers. “Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer” will premier in February. www.MabelStarkMovie.com - I fell in love with Mabel and heavily researched her. This is a true story of love, betrayal, bravery. And I'm in the process of writing two books, one burlesque related, and if that's not enough shooting a sizzle reel for my possible next documentary.
Je Suis Philip Mason Hodges
Film Director
Occupation: Film director
Instagram: @philiphodges
Where were you born?
I was born in Washington D.C. and now live in LA.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Combining my background in animation and sculpture, I’ve carved a niche in live-action puppet films.
Why do you do what you do?
I want to entertain kids and grownups alike, and remind them of the good in the world.
What inspires you? Childhood. I’m fascinated by stories about children that grow out of their shell to discover a new world.
Describe your personal style.
I’m evolving with each project, but I do recognize threads throughout my work. My music videos tend to be vivid and high energy, while my documentaries almost counter that in tone. My shorts have a whimsical feel, touching on the child inside the grownup. Focusing on puppets has kept my work light-hearted, though I explore larger themes within those stories.
Your ultimate must-have.
New Balance sneakers and a viewfinder.
What superpower would you have and why?
Summoning. I’d love to have the power to summon anything at any time; to realize my ideas in a flash would be incredible.
What is next for you?
I will be directing my first feature film, keep your eyes peeled for zombie puppets.
Je Suis Marcelo Martinessi
Occupation: Filmmaker
Instagram: n/a
Where were you born? In Asunción, Paraguay. Grew up in a cul-de-sac with a whole bunch of kids. The nickname of one of them, my favorite character, was Satan.
In one sentence what is unique about your work? I always have a starting point, but never know where the film will take me.
Why do you do what you do? To connect with other people, to learn to appreciate the world, aware that I will never be able to fully understand it.
What inspires you? The future
Describe your personal style. Discreet
Your ultimate must-have. Coffee and Wine.
What superpower would you have and why? I would like to understand all languages that exist, as I feel that they are an open door to new cultures that I'm so interested to discover.
What is next for you? The Heiresses, a feature film about the way we inherit money and values as well as the most awful constrains.
Je Suis Autumn McAlpin
Writer. Director. Producer.
Occupation: Writer, director, producer (most recent film, Waffle Street, now on Netflix). Instagram: @autumnmcalpin
Where were you born?
I grew up in Memphis, TN, did my undergraduate studies in Utah, and have lived in Southern California ever since.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
As a filmmaker and (busy) mother of four, I feel a responsibility to create content that leaves a positive impact on society -- that inspires people to consider new perspectives and the ability we all have to be the change we wish to see in the world (thanks, Gandhi!).
Why do you do what you do?
Because I can't not do it. We were all born to create in our own way, and narrative storytelling is my passion.
What inspires you?
People who give and sacrifice selflessly.
Describe your personal style.
Comfort is key; if it's cute -- a plus. My home is modern/traditional, and my wardrobe tends to be somewhat classic/timeless with a boho flair.
Your ultimate must-have.
Books. I have a secret fantasy the world will be put on quarantine while I'm in a bookstore. (the only place I'd probably survive).
What superpower would you have and why?
The ability to stop time! (Everybody else's - so while they're all on freeze, I could squeeze a few more things in!).
What is next for you?
A short I created (Another Time, starring Julie Gonzalo) will be premiering at Mill Valley Film Festival in October 2016, kicking off our fest run, and I'm really excited to direct my first feature, A Few Minor Distractions, next spring.
Je Suis Teresa Costantini
Actor, director, writer, producer
Name: Teresa Costantini, born Teresa Correa Ávila
Occupation: Actor, director, writer, producer
Instagram: @terecostantinifilms
Where were you born?
In Buenos Aires, Oct 9th, 1949
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Telling stories, experiencing other worlds.
Why do you do what you do?
Necessity, happiness
What inspires you?
Life, nature, people, books, music, films…
Describe your personal style.
Relationships, any kind of Family, work. Things untold, Secrets, Careers, Pains, Happiness and Tragedy.
Your ultimate must-have.
Health.
What superpower would you have and why?
Eternity to see my grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, and to talk to the one on the other side.
What is next for you?
A film on Tita Merello, a great woman and artist. Tango singer, actress, the expression of 20th century Buenos Aires.
I study, write and speak about Sex, Health & Consciousness!