I Ascend:  What inspired you to become a film director?

Michael:  My inspiration started from childhood from films such as Alien, Superman, Star Wars, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Evil Dead, Trading Places, Stir Crazy, BIG, and many other films gave me a lot of inspiration. I used to tell myself that I can do the same thing as them and I have always kept that mindset.

I Ascend: How long have you been in this industry?

Michael: I am nearly Fifteen years deep in the business.

I Ascend: What do you think are the most important skills for a film director to have?

Michael: In my most honest opinion I would tell another director to have zero tolerance for nonsense but to also have patience. Many of today’s actors are not inclined to the inner workings of the film industry. They think that it is just about being in front of the camera and it is much more than that. A director has to also do more than direct, he or she has to be a teacher and a nurturer. Most actors are very temperamental and only care about one thing which is themselves. This is where the zero tolerance has to come in as a director while still being patient because some ignorance isn’t blatant.

I Ascend: What has the process of “Becoming” on this journey been like for you?

Michael: It has been both a gift and a curse for me. The film industry can be brutal at times because many unseasoned actors, directors and producers do not know anything about the business. They do not comprehend the legal and ethical sides of the business and that is very frustrating. This is especially true when it comes to the pay structure and how they get paid if they are supposed to be paid at all. The first thing actors want to know is are they getting paid and that is before they even get pass the interview process. They did not even audition and that is the first thing they are concerned with. How about the production company and the directors concern pertaining to your acting ability. That is if you can even act or for that matter take direction.

I Ascend: How do you work with writers to develop your scripts?

Michael: I actually write all of my scripts. I do not work with other writers because I have a vision and my vision cannot be seen or envisioned through someone else’s pen no matter how good or great they are. Now I may get an idea from Bella Rae, which is always one hundred percent great and I’ll write it up. But I definitely write ALL of my scripts for my content.

I Ascend: What do you think are the most important elements of filmmaking?

Michael: You have to have a vision and a dream. You have to have patience and faith in the process. Always cast actors who will take it serious for the entire process not just for a week or two. Make sure that your team and your actors are all in sync because it will make the process run smooth as butter. Overall everything that I have mentioned is important but what is most important is having the right people around you who are not yes men and believe in you and your vision.

I Ascend: What does a typical day look like for you as a Film Director?

Michael: A typical day for me is basically planning. I scout locations, conduct casting calls and interviews. I am in meetings via zoom, face-to-face or on conference calls. I am always on the go preparing for the next round.

I Ascend: Tell us about Hopeless Romantic which Premieres In March.

Michael: Hopeless ROMANTIC a Michael Steven-Paul Love Story is simply about the title itself. It’s about black love, black chivalry, faith and the essence of not just finding love but enjoying it. It is about cherishing the blessing that God has blessed you with. The film features Michael Fletcher who plays the role of Gator, a role previously played by Julius Dorsey but due to scheduling he could not reprise the role but there may be a big surprise. Gator is an aspiring comedian who is on a serious mission to make it to the top. He meets and greets Kasey as she is leaving “Mister Chucks” the local JUKE joint, and the chemistry is instantaneous and it’s ready, set, and go from there.

I Ascend: What are common challenges you faced during production?

Michael: Actors not knowing their lines. Actors trying to adlib that cannot adlib. Actors that were not punctual, showing up when they wanted to. Actors not wanting to rehearse with other certain actors. These are the common things faced by producers.

I Ascend: How do you work with actors to get the performances you want?

Michael: I actually get into character and perform the dialog myself. I always give them the character description and allow them to make the character their own. I am very hard on them and that is to bring out their greatness. Many actors either have self-doubt or they are over confident. If they have self-doubt, I encourage, inspire and uplift them. I talk to them to get a better comprehension as to what would make them comfortable and ready for the camera. The over confident actors are the ones I have to chew back down to size. They feel they do not need coaching, directing or producing. That is when I inform them that this is not that and either they get with the script or get recast.

I Ascend: Congratulations on Ascending and Standing in your Truth & Pursuing Destiny. What do you want people to remember most about you?

Michael: That no matter where I am at in my career I will always remain humble, grateful and thankful to THE MOST HGH. I started from the bottom of the barrel and no matter what the devil threw at me I knocked it out of the park. Behind every story there is an empowering story.

I Ascend: Please share what you’re currently working on and how readers can continue to follow and stay abreast of all that you’re doing?

Michael: Please look out for KEYS & CUFFS the Movie, Hopeless ROMANTIC a Michael Steven-Paul Love Story, Heathen the Movie and Sugar Daddy. All releasing this year. Other films to look for in the near future are Days Of A Kong, RUN, 3 The HARDWAY, Color Blind, KEYS & CUFFS 2, CHILL PILL and my TV series FRICK & FRACK starring Ms. Willie Hamm, Antonio Wills and Michael Fletcher.

YouTube: AIGNE AFG
A VISION AND A DREAM BROUGHT TO FRUITION.