Today we’re joined by Robin. Robin is absolutely wonderful artist who works in filmmaking. He’s a screenwriter, a video editor, and an actor. Some of his films have already been selections in film festivals. The links he sent along are fascinating shorts. There are two horror shorts (“The Music of Erika Zann” and “Memento Mori”) and a noir (”I Blog Alone”), which are awesome genres. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.
WORK
Please, tell us about your art.
I’m a screenwriter, video editor, and actor. I’m a part of Portland, OR’s Wheelhouse Media. We mostly do short films, horror, but we’re looking to branch out. We currently have a superhero satire piece in the works and we’re hoping to do our first feature in 2016. I’ve adapted the HP Lovecraft short story “The Music of Erich Zann,” into a short film, “The Music of Erika Zann,” and this year wrote a short inspired by the Gabriel Knight video game series entitled Memento Mori.
What inspires you?
I really like hearing other people’s stories. I’ve been lucky enough to live in a lot of places and meet a lot of kind and interesting people which has enriched my own life. Also, the collaborative nature of filmmaking. I love bouncing ideas off people and watching them grow.
What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?
I didn’t really discover my talent for writing until I got into college. It took me a while to figure out my passion for film too. I was taking a course on Major Filmmakers where our professor showed us some of the great underappreciated directors. I remember watching The Red Shoes and really seeing what film was capable of and thinking “damn, I want to do this.”
Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in our work that you’d be willing to reveal?
I like to put little nods to my friends in my work. Either naming characters after them or using a little quirk from someone I know. I’m from New Jersey and like using references to there too.
What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
Just keep at it. It takes as much time to not make anything as it does to make something. Even if it’s bad, it’s a learning experience. And if enough people see your bad work, someone will want to work with you to make good work with.
ASEXUALITY
Where on the spectrum do you identify?
I’m heteromantic demisexual.
Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?
As of this writing, I’m only out to one producer who happens to be a friend of mine. Of the ignorance I’ve encountered outside of my field, it’s mostly just been about the existence of asexuality rather than misconceptions about it. The people I have come out to have been fantastic and supportive about it.
What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?
Mostly that people don’t believe it’s real. Sometimes it seems the more you explain it (the spectrum, demi and graysexuality) that you’re getting away from a definition by broadening it too much. When I first came out to my friends, I did have to explain that yes, we can date and form meaningful relationships without sexual attraction. Like I said though, I’ve been lucky that I’m surrounded my caring and supportive people.
What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?
Like all the blogs say, you and your sexuality are valid and you’re not alone. And if even if you’re not sure, it’s okay to take time to find out.
Finally, where can people find out more about your work?
My blog is RobIsAWriter.Tumblr.com. I don’t update it as much as I’d like to but I’m planning on turning into a home for short fiction and other film projects next year, including a documentary project I’m currently planning. You can also like Wheelhouse Media on Facebook.
Thank you, Robin, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.
Asexual Artists 