We recently connected with Dominic Martella and have shared our conversation below.
Dominic, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed confidence through prepping my movies. Camera guides and Google have been my friends when I am in the beginning stages of planning a feature. Because I usually have to be the one to film my scripts, I always make sure I know all about the cameras I am using to avoid any issues on the sets. I also do camera tests where I film a bunch of random things to check my settings and make sure the camera provides good footage. In fact, I am currently doing tests like this right now with my Sony Hi8 cameras. It has been decades since I have used these types of cameras, so my confidence in them has been pretty limited. But with the recent reading of guides and tests, my confidence has increased substantially. I am hoping to use these cameras for my next feature, so all of this prepping has been helpful in making sure I make an informed decision on whether the cameras will work for this project or not.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an independent filmmaker who makes feature films. My third feature is a horror film called “The Sweat Hounds.” I am in pre-production right now on this film. I have been working on a shot list, script breakdown, and concept art in preparation for the 2026 filming. My next steps are going to be the biggest. I need to cast, purchase props, costumes, and necessary equipment, and location scout. The pre-production process is exciting, but it can also get a bit overwhelming at times. That’s why I spend a lot of time in pre-production; I give myself ample time because I am the only one prepping the movie. I’d rather do everything little by little than try to do it all at once; this practice keeps things more laidback and enjoyable.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I’ve been rejected by every film festival I’ve ever submitted a film to, and that’s ok! I like my work, and that is all that really matters to me. If others enjoy what I make, that’s awesome, but I don’t get hung up on the fact that there are people who don’t connect with the films. You have to get your fulfillment with filmmaking from within. If you’re solely relying on the approval of others, that will ultimately go up in flames.
Taking breaks when stressed on sets is also extremely important. Because I often film over summers, I sometimes become overheated and start having difficulty thinking. When that happens, I get some shade, drink some water, and relax for a bit. It’s important to know when you’re hitting a wall because a film shoot will just get worse and worse if you don’t have any reprieve.
Not taking people for granted is extremely important as well. It’s often a pain to get people to respond to emails, let alone show up to a set, so treat the people who do make it out for you with the utmost respect. They deserve it.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I’m currently reading “Crash and Burn” by comedian Artie Lange, and I also read his previous book, “Too Fat to Fish.” The thing that I’ve always found inspiring about Artie is the fact that he has faced a ton of hardships but still managed to leave behind a pretty great comedic legacy. What reading these books has shown me is to persevere, learn from mistakes, and not take the positive people in my life for granted. There have been times where I have considered giving up on filmmaking, but I kept doing it because it’s what brings me joy.
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Image Credits
Drew Wayne Roberts and Dominic Martella
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