Hey, there dear readers we have an exclusive interview with Tony Germinario, the Co-Writer, Producer and Director of the movie Bad Frank for you today.
Born and raised in NJ, Tony went to school at Fairfield University where he initially began his screenwriting career. Since then, he has always been involved in creative outlets. At first, he focused on music and became one of the lead songwriters for a touring band called Jel, but then turned his writing skills from songs to scripts roughly ten years ago.
Tony was born and raised in NJ, Tony went to school at Fairfield University where he initially began his screenwriting career. Since then, he has always been involved in creative outlets. At first, he focused on music and became one of the lead songwriters for a touring band called Jel, but then turned his writing skills from songs to scripts roughly ten years ago.
Brian O’Halloran in Bad Frank
“Bad Frank” starring Tom Sizemore, Boxing Champ Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, and Brian O’Halloran (CLERKS) is his first film as a Director/Writer and it is already experiencing great success on the festival circuit, winning five main awards and garnering more than 20 other nominations. The film is represented by Gravitas Ventures domestically and Lotus Entertainment internationally. “Wingman, Inc.”, a film which he wrote starring Kristopher Turner, Erin Cahill, and Reid Ewing, was released by Lion’s Gate/Grindstone in 2015.
Additionally, he has completed three short films, “Séance”, “Selling It”, and “In the Mourning” that have each had success on the festival circuit. “Séance” won the Gold Kahuna at the Hawaii Film Awards and was a featured selection at the Shriekfest Film Festival. “Selling It” was named an Official Selection at the Long Island International Film Expo and the SENE and New Filmmakers Film Festivals, and “In the Mourning” was selected by the Hoboken and Roxbury MA International Film Festivals and also won an Award of Merit from The Indie Fest.
Blazing Minds Chats with Bad Frank Director, Tony Germinario
Q: Was there a moment when you recognised that filmmaking was going to be a big part of your life?
I guess I’ve always been hoping to be in a film, but it’s really in the last year that I’ve seen the potential for it to really go somewhere. I’ve been a “fan” since I was a kid. It was how I really connected with my dad, and I named my production company after him. It took me a while to get here, but now that things are going in the right direction, I’m just going to keep plugging away every day.
Q: What directors/producers/actors have been inspiring and influential to you and why?
Two of my biggest have been Kevin Smith and Edward Burns. Both are great filmmakers who make films their way which I love. They do things on lower budgets, started out with their own indies and just went after it. If I can aspire to have a career like anyone, I’d be thrilled with either one of them. Martin Scorcese is a God, of course, and you can’t be an Italian filmmaker without kissing the ground he walks on. I think I’d be in total awe if I ever met him.
Bad Frank (Still)
Q: Have you had the chance to meet any of those that have been influential to you?
I did have the chance to meet both Kevin and Edward at book signings. Both were great, very personable, funny, etc. I only got to talk with them for 3-4 minutes, so I’m still waiting to grab a beer or three with them just to talk shop and listen to their stories. I went down to Kevin’s comic book store just to see him (it isn’t officially stalking if you only do it once), but he wasn’t there. I’m hoping I’ll get the chance one day, though.
Q: How did you find the process of the process of not only co-writing and producing the movie but also directing as well?
While it was a lot of work, it really didn’t feel like it. This film was something that meant a lot to me, so it was like a dream come true. I was also surrounded by a great team, so it went smoother than I ever thought it could.
Q: With Bad Frank being nominated for several awards and you winning Best Director, how does this make you feel and will it change your process on future features?
It was mind-blowing, really. I was happy just to get the film completed, so winning awards is just icing on top. If anything, I think it’s going to make me strive to do better work. As proud as I am of the film, I know there are so many things we could do differently. We made the whole film on a micro-micro budget so I’d love to be able to film for a few more days, get a few more shots, locations, etc.
Q: Do you see a difference in production or your direction with studio financing vs. private financing?
Ha! That’s a loaded question. We financed Bad Frank ourselves, so that’s the only thing I know at this point. Although, I’d love to get studio financing to see how that works, too. I don’t think I’d really change the way I do things because I think trusting in your team and keeping a loose set are the keys to making a great film.
Q: What is it you love about directing?
What’s not to love? I get to work with great people, I get to have my vision created on screen, and I’m entertaining people. If you look up the best job description in the world, I think that’s it.
Q: After working with Kevin Interdonato, Tom Sizemore and Brian O’Halloran on Bad Frank, who would you most like to work with in the future? And Why?
Kev and I have worked on three projects together, so he’ll always be one of my go-to guys, besides the fact that he’s super intense and talented. Tom was fantastic and is also super talented, which goes without saying. I’d love to work with Brian again because we only had two days with him on set. He just showed up and was an absolute pro. I’d love to find a bigger role we can work on together somewhere down the road. As a big Clerks fan, I have to admit I was a little intimidated when I first met him but he was awesome and even since he’s been great in post production in helping promote the film.
Massive thanks to Tony for chatting with us and for letting us use the stills from the movie, look out for our review of Bad Frank here on Blazing Minds soon. For the latest updates on the movie, then check out the official website.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
