We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dianna Ippolito a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dianna, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I feel like destiny had a hand in guiding me to my purpose. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a love for storytelling by reading to me every night. This early exposure to narratives ignited a passion within me to tell stories of my own. As a child I used to love creative writing, and as I grew into my teenage years, I discovered the power of storytelling through the lens of a camera. Years later as I took my first steps into the world of filmmaking, I knew I had found my calling. Screenwriting and directing became the perfect avenues to express my creative vision – and the visual medium allowed me to bring my stories to life. Just as I was inspired by the transformative power of film, I yearn to pass on that same sense of wonder and connection to future generations of audiences. By preserving cinema as an art form, I believe we can continue to ignite the flames of imagination and emotion in the hearts of people worldwide.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a writer and director, I consider myself a storyteller at heart. I grew up exploring various creative mediums, from photography to painting, but I found that bringing narratives to life on the silver screen is what gives me the most joy. What I love about my work is the opportunity to delve into diverse worlds, cultures, and time periods, and challenge myself to explore unfamiliar territories. It’s always daunting at first, but I have embraced the journey and love to continually discover the uncharted. I grew up finding solace in the cinema. It was a place that I found exhilarating, and exciting, and emotional, and I still feel that way today. Whether I’m writing about famous musicians, political thrillers, or coming-of-age stories, I’m drawn to the theme of underdogs, characters who struggle to achieve their goals, and ultimately find triumph. It’s a central theme that resonates with me and brings a sense of hope to my storytelling.
For me, being a good director is about paying attention to the little details, the nuances that speak volumes on screen. My background as a photographer has greatly influenced my approach to directing, and has allowed me to capture emotions and moments with the same patience and timing I developed as a photographer. I think this helps me to see things in a way others don’t. I’m also a big believer in taking risks, even if it means guerrilla shooting to achieve the desired production value. If it’s not in the budget, I’ll find a way to achieve it. I am passionate about what I do, and want to tell good stories, that are well crafted and resonate with viewers.
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that being an artist comes with challenges and uncertainties. It’s a risky path, but believing in yourself and your vision is what helps me navigate around the obstacles and keeps me moving forward.
Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of co-writing a holiday film, “Mistletoe Connection,” which is set to air on the UpTV network during the 2023 holiday season. I also am working with director Randal Kleiser to bring the fascinating story of Andy Gibb’s life (youngest brother of the Bee Gees) to the big screen. I have always been a fan of his music, and feel his story is contemporary to today’s audiences and experiences. While I love writing true stories, my first foray into screenwriting started with comedy, and I about to delve into a script that deals with being a new dad as an octogenarian. Can you guess who inspired it?
As I continue on this creative path, I want to inspire audiences, just as the films I’ve loved have inspired me. Whether it’s taking audiences on a cinematic adventure to unexplored realms or instilling hope through underdog stories, I aim to create powerful experiences that linger in the hearts of viewers long after the credits roll.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my screenwriting journey, three qualities that had the most profound impact for me were patience, perseverance, and passion. Early on I knew that mastering the craft of storytelling would require time and dedication. Having patience allowed me to understand that becoming a skilled writer wouldn’t happen overnight. It took years of learning, rewriting, and refining to grasp the essential elements of compelling storytelling. And while I initially faced rejection and discouraging feedback, I refused to give up. Perseverance became my ally and I pushed through the setbacks and disappointments.
In an industry that demands tenacity, I realized the importance of being my own champion. I remained committed to my creative vision, understanding that believing in oneself is a crucial aspect of success. Above all, it was passion that ignited the flames of my creative drive. My love for storytelling fueled my desire to continually improve my craft. And with each endeavor, I pushed the boundaries of my capabilities, growing as a writer and filmmaker.
For any aspiring artists beginning their journey, my advice is to embrace these three qualities. Understand that mastery takes time and be patient with yourself as you grow as a creative professional. Embrace the challenges and keep pushing forward, as every setback presents an opportunity for growth. But most importantly, let your passion be the thing that guides you. Allow it to ignite your imagination and inspire you to create stories that are uniquely yours.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to connect with any filmmakers, DPs, producers, actors or other filmmakers who are in love with cinema and love to make movies as much as I do. I have always wanted to have a team of friends like the group of filmmakers from the 70s – Spielberg, De Palma, Lucas, Scorsese who all helped each other on their films, and screenplays. They liked each other, wanted each other to succeed, but also wanted to create great work. So, if this is you and you want to work on a creative project together – contact me via my website!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.diannaipppolito.com
- Instagram: @itsallhappeningfilms
- Twitter: @diannaseye
