You have to love how one connection can turn into more. That has been a very humbling blessing about becoming involved with the independent film community, as it truly has become evident these are people who would more readily ask “What can I do for YOU?” rather than “What can YOU do for ME?” and then leave it at that. Such is the case in connecting with NYC-based director/writer/producer Michael Fels, whom I interviewed for OneFilmFan.com, as he in turn was gracious enough to connect me with a fellow colleague and dear friend of his, writer Nicholas Iorio, in conjunction with the currently in post-production indie project, “Charles Haux”. So, without further delay, here is my interview with this talented, up-and-coming writer as he shares about his experiences in the filmmaking realm as well as his future writing aspirations.
One Film Fan: So, the backstory to begin. You are, like colleague Michael Fels, a son of New York, then? How were you first drawn to writing as a whole? When did it become evident that writing in some form was going to become a career choice?
Nicholas Iorio: I first started to think about writing as a career when I was at Fordham Prep. I read Stephen King novels during free periods. I started to dip into science fiction like Robert Heinlein and Philip Dick later on in high school. When I read “Tropic of Cancer” by Henry Miller, I was encouraged by the freedom in his style and content. “Ulysses” reinforced this for me, but I had already made up my mind by that point.
O.F.F.: How did you further learn/enhance your skill set (ie: mentors, influences, schooling)?
N.I.: I wrote articles for Fordham’s Observer and Ram, and also contributed some short stories. I had many professors that were very encouraging while I was in school. I found that writing in different fields—journalism, poetry, fiction—strengthened my overall ability.
O.F.F.: What was the very first project that your writing was featured in? Did that, I am guessing, become an even bigger catalyst to keep following your passion?
N.I.: My writing has been featured in a different short film that is in post-production. I am also attached to a web series, but I have not been an active part of it for some time.
O.F.F.: Your bio indicates that after attaining the aforementioned B.A. in English from Fordham University, you ultimately worked in private tutoring, then left that to open your own tutoring center with fellow Fordham alum, Matthew Sullivan. What did the experiences doing this teach you as far as furthering your own writing path?
N.I.: Teaching is a great way to keep up with fundamental writing skills. Helping others improve their editing skills leads to a more critical analysis of one’s own work.
O.F.F.: So, onto your current indie short film project, “Charlie Haux”, currently in post-production. What drew you to write this film initially, as I see it’s based on a short story you actually submitted to the Fordham Observer?
N.I.: “Charles” is a prequel short story to a longer work, so it felt natural to begin with it. I had been working on another short story at the same time, but decided to expand it first. I put it down for awhile to write the “Charles Haux” script. I have picked it up again now to finish it.
O.F.F.: Tell us a bit about how it was working on this project as not only the writer, but also as a co-director?
N.I.: It’s rewarding as a co-director to work with actors on the film itself. As the writer, I am directly helping to translate my story into a film.
O.F.F.: Did you intentionally write “Charlie Haux” with the thought of “Hey, this could be a short film!” or did that idea come post-submission to the Observer?
N.I.: I originally wrote it as an entry to one of Fordham’s writing contests, but I was not able to complete it in time. I ended up submitting a previously completed story, “The Pig Farmer”, to Fordham’s writing contest.
O.F.F.: How was that experience working on a film set for the project? Cast and crew all stay in line for you and co-director Michael Fels?
N.I.: I had the pleasure of working with a very talented cast and crew on this project. The cast embraced a layered story that is, at times, abstruse. We had some obstacles due to forces outside of our control, but nothing too problematic.
O.F.F.: You and Michael have obviously enjoyed a great friendship. Has working on this film prompted you at all to think about screenwriting more going forward?
N.I.: This film has encouraged me to continue to write screenplays, and one of my projects will be co-written with Michael Fels. However, film is not my only passion, so I will continue to write in various capacities.
O.F.F.: I can only guess you feel a great sense of accomplishment in working on this film. Does this influence you to want to go beyond indie film/short story writing to big budget features in the future, or have you found a smaller production suits you more? What would be your dream writing project to be a part of?
N.I.: I would welcome the opportunity to go into larger budget, feature projects. I think that some novels and feature films feel like a series of vignettes, which seems like one viable approach, amongst others. I would be very interested in writing a feature film adaptation of the PC game “System Shock”. I think that in an environment inundated with supernatural creatures, “System Shock” could do well as a jarring alternative, despite similarities to other science fiction works, like William Gibson’s “Neuromancer”.
O.F.F.: So what is on the immediate horizon for you beyond the eventual excitement of having “Charlie Haux” getting sent out onto the Film Festival circuit?
N.I.: For me, the immediate horizon entails the completion of the short story, “Ryan Velet”, which takes place in the same universe as “Charles”. I am also working on a play about mythology, as well as a few screenplays, one of which is with Michael Fels.
O.F.F.: How has it been to try and keep working continually in New York, as I am sure no matter what field you’re trying to get employed in, there is a LOT of competition! True or not?
N.I.: Running a tutoring business in New York will make one well aware of the competition. I tried unsuccessfully to break into editing, but found that companies prefer to hire experienced editors and pay them like neophytes.
O.F.F.: Independent cinema is a niche genre, yet it seems there are so many filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, etc who are pursuing it with a very intense vigor. In this initial experience in indie film, how important do you see it for it to be supported and promoted even more to the movie going public?
N.I.: I think it’s very important to promote this film, as I would like to continue the story, which includes diving into the longer work. I am also interested in the reactions to the film, but, as it is the most provocative of the short stories in this series, I will not be too disappointed if there is a mixed reception.
O.F.F.: Yes, readers, here it comes–hitting Nick with the final question always posed to our interviewees. What is YOUR favorite film of all time? Why?
N.I.: My favorite movie is “Blade Runner”, which might not be so surprising as someone with an interest in “System Shock”. I was extremely impressed with not only the visuals, which are iconic today, but also the complex story that invited viewers to re-watch the film. Seeing the movie prompted me to read Philip Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”. While Ridley Scott’s version differs in part from the novel, I feel like the translation to film was an enormous success.
Another excellent glimpse into the filmmaker’s world, and also in this case, a writer’s world via Nicholas Iorio! Accomplished and aiming to not let the rigors of competition in NYC dissuade him, I feel safe in saying that Nicholas’ determination and fortitude is going to make him a name to keep watching out for in the independent film genre and beyond, folks! For that matter, his ongoing association with friend Michael Fels may even moreso make them both a new dual force in the film world to boot on top of individual successes. In the meantime, keep up with Nicholas’ goings on via the following:
His Facebook Page: here
Check out his website: here
Again, OneFilmFan.com sends a grateful “Thank you!!” to Nicholas Iorio for taking the time to provide his insights to my questions and for doing this interview with a busy schedule in mind in making “Charles Haux”. Stay tuned, more content is coming soon! Until next time, spread the word, and thank you for reading!
