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Justin Foia ... , Carlsbad
Oct 16, 2018 · The debut feature of director and co-writer Justin Foia, Doe explores the identity of John (Timothy Davis), a brilliant linguistic scientist with a loving wife (Tatyana Ali) and daughter...
Justin Foia is known for Doe (2018), Point Defiance (2018) and Tear Down.
- Visual Effects, Editor, Writer
- Justin Foia
- On Point Defiance
- On Filmmaking in General
- On Creativity and Inspiration
How did you come up with the idea for Point Defiance?
My brother and I had been toying with an idea for a film about two brothers for a while, with both of us wanting to explore our own dynamics and conflicts in a story centered around hidden guilt and unresolved familial issues. It was always intended to be twisty and haunting, but grounded in a relatable way regarding the siblings.
Obviously the location is rather central to the film since it’s part of the title, how did you choose the setting for Point Defiance?
My brother had been visiting the area on his way through Tacoma and told me about it. The name sounded captivating. Like it was filled with a sense of portent and danger. The coastline around the Puget Sound is both beautiful and foreboding, so knowing we would make it there, Point Defianceseemed like a poetic title.
As both writer and director of Point Defiancewhat did the creative process for this movie look like? Was it different from other projects?
It’s my first film, so the process of actually making it was daunting to some degree. But when you have a good crew the battle is half won. I did storyboard a few sequences just to have that visual reference. Also, my DP Olivia Kuan and I spent a weekend blocking each scene so that we could approach it efficiently, since time is never on your side. The followup film had way more locations so that one gave me a little bit of whiplash.
What was getting into filmmaking like for you?
I like making music, painting, writing. I majored in art. But filmmaking brings a lot of those interests together for me, so I have always felt predisposed to making movies. Getting into it is a lot harder than it looks. But there are so many ways for artists to go about doing it now.
What is your favorite part of the filmmaking process, in general?
Seeing something you wrote come to life is pretty rewarding. It’s also a little surreal. I like collaborating with creative people in the pursuit of actualizing the story and making something come to life. I also love to see what I can do better the next time around. Do you have any tips for people who are trying to get into filmmaking? The whole pursuit of making movies is really designed to grind you down, like a weird natural selection. There are more false starts and disappointments than...
What’s your filmmaking mission? Name the most important thing you want viewers to experience when watching your movies.
I want people to feel something visceral in terms of a reaction. That can be a feeling or a sense of clarity that comes after watching. And I want to make something indelible as an artist. Something that will stick around, but the mission should always be to entertain the audience. You can give them layers, but they should feel like they were entertained for their time. Do you have any projects currently in the works you can tell us about? I have several scripts that are always ready to go. M...
What is your go-to movie recommendation?
It may be cliché, but anything by David Fincher. His technical mastery is unmatched. I always learn something from watching his work.
What is your personal favorite movie you wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others?
If I like something I will recommend it. But say, for a feel good comedy that is just a modern classic for me: The Birdcage.
When you’re looking for inspiration do you have any music you listen to for help?
I like listening to Cliff Martinez soundtracks, and Max Richter’s work is great for getting into the mood of visualizing a story. Anything with a good soundscape.
May 20, 2020 · Our beloved Point Defiance has made it to the silver screen! producer Mark Sayre, coupled with the co-writing talents of Justin and Timothy Foia, have created a nearly 2-hour suspense-filled masterpiece.
- Nicolas Luna
Nov 2, 2017 · Lexicon Entertainment is at the ongoing AFM with Justin Foia’s Doe, starring Timothy Davis, Tatyana Ali, Mira Sorvino, and Mathew St. Patrick.
I'm a freelance motion graphics designer and art director, with a focus in brand based storytelling, creative direction, and visual design. I provide services for motion design, animation, video ...
- www.justinfoia.com
