Cinema is a magical world that, like the flow of life, carries within itself many emotions, thoughts and experiences. It is a reflection of the reality that we live in, and at the same time it is a fantasy that can take us far beyond the ordinary.
Today we will talk about cinema with our special guests and real legends of world cinema - actor Jon Voight and director and producer Steven Paul.
My New York Magazine. Steven Paul:
Tell us about your journey. How old were you when you decided to connect your life with cinema?
I was only six years old when, one day, I saw a TV commercial featuring a boy around my age and began to ask my mom about how he got there. After some persistence from my end on how the world of TV worked, my mom took me to a talent agent and I soon found a role in an upcoming TV commercial. From there, I started writing scripts and purchased videotape equipment to pursue this new passion of mine. At the age of 12, I was already shooting videos, writing scripts, and doing the work of a director. With each project, I became more confident in my abilities. I loved creatingworlds that you can only otherwise dream of. From a young age, I spent hours thinking about scripts and directing techniques, studying the work of outstanding masters. Ever since my first exposure to the world of film and TV production, creativity has become not just a hobby, but a driving force in my life and career.
Do you remember your first commercial advertisement?
Yes, of course! It was an advertisement for Yodels cake. While they were filming the commercial, there was a group of children sitting at the table, who behaved almost exactly the same as they do in ordinary life. They didn't attach much importance to their work and could get distracted by something and forget to look at the camera, as requested by the operator. However, I was focused and gave them all of the reactions that they were looking for. I was enamored by how the whole process came together, I remember being fixated in the camera work and the filming process. As a result, I was pleased with my debut performance in the commercial and happy to see that I was shown more often than other children. The whole process was an invaluable and eye-openingexperience for me.
You learned to write scripts very early. Think back to your first script.
At the age of 9, I was hired to be one of the boys in the chorus of a summer stock production of “Oliver”. Later that year I convinced my drama teacher to let me produce and direct a production of Oliver for the school but I was never provided with a script, so I remembered everything and wrote it all over again on a typewriter. At that moment, I didn't realize how much this experience would change my life. I got carried away with the characters and thought through every detail at length. Once a final draft was ready, I gathered my classmates, inspired them to participate, and shared my ideaswith them. Every rehearsal hour was full of delight and hard work. When the day of the performance came, my excitement was replaced by pure joy that I’ll never forget. I remember seeing the interested faces of my friends and teachers being entertained by a production that I created. This moment became for me a steppingstone into the world of art, opening the door to future achievements.
You have grown up and the world has changed. Tell us about your transition from a typewriter to a computer. What has changed? Has it become easier or more difficult today?
The transition from typewriters to computers is one example of how the rapid advancement of technology has shaped the industry. Going beyond script drafting and editing benefits, many people are discovering their creative passions along with cost-effective options to chase them due to modern technology. When compared to what was available when I was growing up, so many people have the opportunity toexpress themselves and share their work with the help of affordable equipment and social networks. It’s even possible to get training in production over the Internet. The combination of affordability and practicality of modern equipment has opened the doors for a large number of voices that previously might have remained in the shadows.
However, with the increasing availability of self-expression, another side of the coin has emerged. More resources are needed to create larger and better products. Competition has increased many times over, and producing a real masterpiece requires teamwork and significant investments. Audiences have become more selective. As a result, you need to constantly find new ways to stand out.
Do you think about the budget when creating a new project?
I always think about the budget, it’s a vital aspect of filmmaking since it’s important to know what resources you have available to be successful. For example, if we're going touse a practical budget to make a thrilling new superhero movie, then we need to focus a lot on the plot and characters. A compelling plot, like a magnet, can attract the viewer even without grandiose effects. The characters must also be deeply worked out to foster sympathy and interest because films must create worlds that resonate with audiences emotionally –which is what we’re doing for our upcoming film “Devilina” that’s in development with Paramount Pictures. The more realistic and multifaceted the characters are, the more likely they are to succeed in gaining the hearts of audiences. Investing in the script and acting will justify budget constraints, and eventually, lead to an exciting movie that will be remembered for a long time.
Does technology affect the budget in terms of what we can do with visual effects?
It's really amazing what we can do with visual effects today. Thanks to modern technology, life has become noticeably easier and more affordable compared to what was possible just decades ago. For example, when I was working on the film "Slapstick", in which I acted as director and producer, the process of creating high-quality special effects seemed complicated and expensive because there were very few companies that would help us implement what we had in mind on the screen at the time. As a result, the film did not turn out exactly as I had planned. However, in the absence of high-budget effects, the film was able to lean more heavily on an interesting plot and good acting which taught me the valuable lesson I explained earlier.
Which genre do you like the most?
I have always believed that every story should be unique. I tend to gravitate towards films that combine genres since it allows you to create multi-level narratives that surprise and capture audiences. I strive to ensure that each film I make becomes not just a one-time piece of entertainment, but a real journey where the viewer is immersed in a world of emotions and unexpected twists. For example, mixing thrilling genre elements with romance can create tension that enhances how the story comes to a close.
Interesting characters, for me, are at the heart of great storiesin any genre. I love seeing how they develop and how their internal conflicts are reflected in the outside world. This process can turn a simple plot outline into a complex canvas of human experiences. Each character, even if they sometimes may create feelings of rejection, has the potential to attract audiences with depth and redeemable qualities. I always hope that the audience will reflect on what the characters they saw and bring a piece of our story to their daily lives after leaving the theatre. After all, the art of cinema is not just entertainment, but a way to understand ourselves.
My New York Magazine. Jon Voight
How do you like New York Comic Con?
This year I attended Comic Con for the first time, and I can confidently say that it’s an unforgettable event! After I entered the building, I was overcome by the festive atmosphere, where every corner was filled with the spirit of comics and fantasy. As a child, I enthusiastically read various comics, and being here feels like taking a step back in time.
What do you think about this comic book industry?
It's an exciting world to be a part of. I am watching the development of an industry that has undergone amazing changes over the past few decades. The guy who started with comics as a new format of storytelling has now become one of the most influential figures in the world of graphic novels. It is an art that combines literature, visual aesthetics and cinematic techniques. The comic book industry has expanded to huge proportions since I first became a fan, encompassing not only print media but film and television. Comic book creators are no longer limited to stereotypical plots and cliches. They explore complex topics like identity, social justice, and psychology. And with the growth of the audience, new voices are coming from artists and writers from all over the world, offering unique perspectives and stories. Comics are no longer seen as child's play for mainstream audiences – they are a powerful tool that can inspire, entertain and inform.
What are your favorite comics?
I like early comics like Captain America. If I had these comics now, I'd be a millionaire. Over time, things become more valuable, and issues that once seemed like just interesting articles with pictures now have tremendous value. Every superhero adventure was like a magical world that you wanted to dive into again and again.
Captain America, with his majestic shield and unshakeable morality, has become a symbol of hope and the struggle for justice, which stands out to me. These comics are not just entertainment; they form an understanding of good and evil, about real values in our world. Over time, things like unique releases or rare artifacts become real treasures. And perhaps not only from a monetary point of view but also as evidence of culture and time, they continue to inspire new generations. Each issue contains a look into an entire era, a story well worth keeping.
What is your favorite movie?
I cannot give an exact answer to this question. I like well-known classics and new movies, each of which has its own unique magictraits. Old black and white tapes awaken in me a feeling of nostalgia and admiration for the skill with which they were shot. Every scene, every remark seems to be imbued with the atmosphere of time and emotions that are beyond the control of the film. On the other hand, I am also excited about modern films that use innovative technology and bold approaches to storytelling.
Ultimately, a favorite film for me is one that evokes an emotional response, that makes me think and feel, that makes me return to it again and again, discovering new meanings. Every movie, like life, has its own unique facets that are worth exploring.
Is there an actor you would like to work with in the next few years?
Yes. There is a young woman named Angelina Jolie. I'd like to work with her. My son is also a phenomenal director and actor. I would love to work with the two of them.
Is there a project we might see in the next few years?
There are two projects now. I was recently in the films "Megalopolis " and the film "Reagan,” and there is anotherfilm that may be released soon. I work all the time. Just recently I was also in a film called "Strangers,” which is extremely interesting and something that I think audiences will like.
You’re here with your friend Steven Paul, tell me more about how you two work together.
Steven is the busiest person I've ever met. He works harder than anyone else and has amazing energy. Over the past few years, he has created many films that I love, even if his best is yet to come with the relaunch of Atlas/Seaboard. Passion and skill are felt in each of his works, he turns every scene into real art. The number of awards and recognitions he has collected speaks for itself, but Steven never stops there, and I can’t wait to see what he does with his upcoming film “Devilina.”
