My Story
Past. Present. Future.
In middle school, I was in a resource program, which was where students went to get extra help and to catch up on missing assignments. I remember sitting with my resource teacher Mrs. McGowan. She would help me complete work in academic courses. When I finished my work, we would watch cooking shows on an iPad. We would exchange recipes for pasta dishes. It was the only dish I loved to make. Boil water, pour the pasta in and let it cook, while in another pan, let olive oil sizzle and add onions until they caramelize. Then add brown meats before adding sauce to give the meal a bold and unique flavor. Before I knew it, my family was sitting down for a Sunday dinner devouring the food I had made. It was simple. My dream job was opening up a restaurant. A restaurant that reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking, I thought to myself. There would be a garden, brick oven pizza, pasta dishes and much more and, unlike other peers my age, I had a plan. My passion for the culinary arts was evident for
everyone.
It took me two years to fully realize that I did not want to become a chef. I did not want the pressure, the heat, and the smoke to hide me from others. Working in the industry held me back. I had no social life as I had no weekends, not enough family time nor any energy to have fun. “That is your life -- no holidays, no family, and only afternoon dates,” my dad said often. My love of food did not fade. “Good food is very often, even most often, simple food,” said Anthony Bourdain in Kitchen Confidential. In July of 2018, I hung up my apron for a director’s chair. I utilized film techniques such as lighting, shot selection, sound, and discontinuity editing to allow people to think and appreciate my work
To me, films contain an element of magic - the ability to transport us to another time and place, to bring out emotions and alter perceptions.
As a creative individual, these are some of the aspects that attracted me to get involved in this industry. I’ve had the chance to work in several projects, but am always looking for new opportunities to develop my skillset.
Different Corners
March 2020
Continue browsing my site to explore my short films and other works and get in touch with any questions.
About
Society is made whole with art and artists of all kinds. It is not possible to live in a society with no creativity or innovation. John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson believed that art and communication were necessary for society. According to John F. Kennedy, “it is very close to the center of a nation’s purpose and is a test of a nation’s civilization.” JFK believed the arts are a needed distraction and interruption from reality and is one of the most important aspects of society because art guides the nation. According to Johnson, “Art is a nation’s most precious heritage. For it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves, and to others, the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people with perish.” The arts provide beauty but they also help educate people and give people the ability to interpret art differently than what the artist intended. The public, and their passion for the arts, continue to help cultivate a strong environment that encourages communication and fosters societal growth that allows the individual to acquire an open mind.
I want to use film to share, teach and initiate change. As a filmmaker I want to bring forth positive change just as much as I want to entertain people.Much of what I am interested in doing, is what I think I can, and hope to explore, more deeply in my life so I can help others grow so they can too have a positive impact on society.
The filmmakers are smart, but the audience is more intelligent
Steven Zaza
