Neil D'Monte "Director and comic book writer"

Interview with: Neil D'Monte
Director and comic book writer
Interviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets
www.jazmaonline.boards.net
Picture Credits (Top to Bottom): Swamp shot by Noah Stacey.
Opening shots of "bedbug/still small voice" storyboards.
Black shirt.jpeg, credit Albert l. Ortega.



Allen: Tell me a little about your self.

Neil: Thanks Allen! I have been in the entertainment industry for 20 years now. I work as a storyboard artist, a SAG/AFTRA actor, a professional drummer and more recently as a director.

Allen: It has been long time since I talked with you Neil. How are you doing at present time.

Neil: I know, right? Been a minute! I am good, thanks. Just septically busy.

Allen: What got you into idea of being a director of movies? What sort of movies are you directing?

Neil: Star Wars, naturally, got me interested in directing. And of course, all the summer blockbusters I grew up with (Close Encounters, Raiders, Jaws, Aliens, Robocop, etc.). I miss that "magical" feeling I got when I went to movies as a kid. So I wanted to get into directing to relive that experience. I just started directing. I am working on setting up a feature now which I am excited about - a supernatural thriller called STILL SMALL VOICE. I have directed a TV comedy series pilot called FRONT MEN which is being shopped around at this time.

Allen: Who are some of the actors that you are directing in movies?

Neil: Mostly local actors whom are friends. I will be directing Michael Pare (Streets of Fire, Bone Tomahawk, The Virgin Suicides) in a few months along with Vlada Verevko (Suits).

Allen: How hard was it to transition from being actor to director?

Neil: A bit of a challenge. You are in charge of everything sans catering. As an actor you get breaks. As a director, you don't. You have to be oin your game at all times while questions are thrown at you from every angle. You have to have an answer for all of them too or your cast and crew lose faith in you.



Allen: What are some of your dream projects that you would like to direct?

Neil: One of the new Star Wars films!

Allen: Would you consider movies you are directing to be Sun Dance Film Festival type or main stream version wide release?

Neil: Both, actually. I am passionate about indie films as well as summer blockbusters.

Allen: Have you been working with special effects departments like Industrial Light and Magic?

Neil: Yes, I am and will be.

Allen: When did you get your start in movies?

Neil: When I was a kid on the TV series AN AMERICAN DREAM which was shot in Chicago. Fell in love ever since.

Allen: What were some of your favorite movie roles?

Neil: Juan Rodrigo in VAMPIRES ANONYMOUS and the homeless guy in TBK2,

Allen: Tell me about some of your past work in comic books. Jazma lost all past interviews and material prior to this year. We have new Jazma website. Anyone reading this might not know about your past comic book work.

Neil: I did a few indie comics, like Templar by Jon Simon and Invictus by Antonio Ramirez. I also did my own, Clan of the Vein, which is currently being shopped around to studios for a tv series or film.

Allen: What kind of comic books did you read as a kid? What sort of novels did you like to read in youth? What sort of comics or books do you like to read at the present time?

Neil: Spider-Man, Rom, Moon Knight, Star Wars, all X-Men titles and Alpha Flight. I also used to read Epic illustrated, Heavy Metal, Alien Worlds and DNA Agents.

Allen: Are you working on any comic books at present time? What also were some of your past projects?

Neil: No, I am focused on films and TV these days. I did a few indie comics, like Templar by Jon Simon and Invictus by Antonio Ramirez. I also did my own, Clan of the Vein, which is currently being shopped around to studios for a tv series or film.

Allen: Tell me how you decided to work in comic book field. What did you do on comics like writer, artist or some other related technique?

Neil: I loved the idea of telling a story through visuals, sequentially. I worked as a co-writer and penciller/inker.

Allen: What do you feel is most interesting thing learned while working on comic books?

Neil: How to translate a written script into dynamic visuals!

Allen: Who are some of your comic book mentors?

Neil: Don't have one. But I loved Marv Wolfman as a writer (who is actually a good friend of mine), Larry Hama and Chris Claremont. Artists I liked were John Byrne, Michael Golden, Brian Bolland and John Buscema.



Allen: What is the best way to get some of your comic book stories?

Neil: On-line or at www.clanofthevein.com. They are in Golden Apple and Meltdown on Sunset Blvd. in LA too.

Allen: When can we look forward to some of your projects hitting theaters or comic book shelves?

Neil: Midnight Sun is in theaters now as well as Den of Thieves. Burden comes out soon too.

Allen: What would you like to say to readers that have not tried your comic book work?

Neil: The cover is AS GOOD as what is inside. NO FILLER! We took every precaution to give you a real cinematic experience!

Allen: How can someone read about your work? Facebook or some other way?

Neil: Here are some links:

www.clanofthevein

facebook.com/clanofthevein

IG: @clanofthevein

Twitter: neildmonte

Allen: Thank you Neil for working on me with new interview. What would you like to say to readers to close interview?


Neil: You are very welcome and thank you for having me, Allen! Readers: Stick with it and NEVER give up. Keep pushing!


Allen Klingelhoets