On Nicholas’s Twitter bio, he states Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Amateur Letterboxd Critic, UO graduate, Bachelor’s in Film and thats all true, whats also true is that Nicholas is such a love of film and always fun to join in a chat about movies with. He and I have been Twitter friends for a while and he very kindly agreed to take part in the Spending Time With…article series which I do enjoy doing! (and looking at the great answers Nicholas gives, He enjoyed taking part too)
What is one of your most favourite locations you have filmed or performed in?
When I was shooting a music video back in 2019, we were trying to figure out where to shoot one section of it and we didn’t have too much time since it was a competition piece meant to be completed within three days. Oddly enough, a carnival had rolled into town so we asked permission to shoot in and around the carnival following our performers. It ended up being a really great night shoot.
Do you remember who got your first autograph?
I’m not entirely sure, but I think it was my mother. I was in a stage production of Widdershins, and even though it was a minor role, my mom wanted my autograph.
Do you have any props or keepsakes from any of your films or shows?
Yes. I kept a painting that was used in the “Alright this Time” music video. And seeing as I made the puppets for “The Uninvited Guest” I do have those as well.
Have you ever gotten someone’s autograph? Which is the most memorable for you?
I got a handful of autographs. My favorite is Robert Englund’s. I went to a convention in Portland, Oregon back before the pandemic and I got his autograph. We had a really great conversation about the Nightmare series, how we get our starts in the industry, etc. I would love to work with him one day on a project. I’ve had one in my back pocket that needs to be tested through the pre production process, but suffice to say, it would make for one hell of a nightmare, no pun intended.
What is the ONE single coolest movie geek thing you own?
I have a script from Back to the Future. Honestly, I was surprised I got it for Christmas one year.
What’s the first thing you do when you get on ‘set?’
I try showing up when the crew shows up, sometimes even an hour before to take in my surroundings. I like to feel as comfortable and present on set as possible and then my brain gets to work on the puzzle for the day. Sometimes I throw on some inspirational music to be as cheesy as possible. Go to song is “Our Time Has Come” from Cat’s Don’t Dance. I know it sounds weird, but just go with me on this.
Do you prefer day or night shoots?
I love shooting as much in the day as possible because of the lighting. I don’t have much in the way of lighting equipment at the moment, but night shoots also have an steady atmosphere where there isn’t as much cars on the road, which is so perfect for sound.
If you had to make a ‘bucket list’ of people you’d love to work with, tell me one name who would be on it?
I could say Robert Englund again, but that’d be too easy. If it’s someone I’d love to work with on a future project, I’d love to work with Ke Huy Quan or Ana de Armas.
Do you read reviews of shows or films that you are in?
To be honest, I don’t get many reviews on anything I’ve made or were in. But I try not to think about reviews when I’m writing or making something. I think of just making a story that I hold dear to my heart and hopefully someone appreciates it.
Which of your projects are you most proud of?
I tend to do a lot of short film 72 hour competition films, films that are meant to be written, shot, and edited together within 72 hours. And my favorite of all of these is one I made last year called “The Uninvited Guest.” It was a film where I had no one on hand to help me with that particular film. And sometimes I had to shoot things by myself before, but I wanted to try puppeteering out.
So I tested out some stuff with me laying on my hard floor with my arm clear up in the air just to get my puppets into position. I had never done puppeteering before, but I figured I give it a try. I never thought of awards or winning anything while making it. I just wanted to make this the most comprehensive under five minutes as possible. Then came time for the in person screening of everyone’s films and I tell ya, some of these were great. The end of the night came and we did the awards and ended up taking the top spot of the entire competition last year. I was so thrilled because I never had this much love for a project I made prior to this. And because of that, I figured I would greenlight a sequel short to the film. It’s still in pre production and drafting, but hopefully we’ll have it out for the holiday season.
Out of all the projects you’ve done, which one do people seem to ask you the most about?
They usually just ask where the next film is and when its going to be made. But mostly I get some questions for “The Uninvited Guest.”
What’s the most difficult thing about your creative journey?
Finding connections to be honest. I live in a small town in Oregon and I rarely find people who are as interested in filmmaking as me or want to collaborate. I just feel starved for collaboration sometimes. That’s why, in between my writing days, I perform at my local theatre. Currently we are doing The Wizard of Oz and we’ve been having so much fun with that, especially since I’m playing The Wizard.
What is the most enjoyable part of your creative journey?
There is a common saying that people don’t tend to believe a thing exists, or something is happening, unless its right in front of you, and when I finally see pieces come together and everything gets assembled, its very satisfying.
Who would be your ‘Oh MY God I’ve met them’ be?
Mine would have to be Jim Cummings (Thunder Road, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, The Beta Test). He was showing Thunder Road at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival back in 2018 and I got to ask him a question during the Q&A. He seemed rather nice and considerate and he is another person I’d love to work with.
Thanks for taking part Nicholas. and if people would like to follow some of his social accounts.
They are as follows.
YouTube: Spirit Man Studios https://www.youtube.com/@SPIRITMANSTUDIOS
Instagram: spiritmanstudio
TikTok: @filmmaker97
Letterboxd: boxd.it/AHr3
Discord: Spirit Man Studios#4590
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