Making it happen in Austin…
Filmmaker Francois Larosa.
Every now and then you run into someone who has truly paid their dues to become successful. Even more rare, however, is meeting someone like that who has retained their sense of humor, kindness towards others and a true sense of joy in what they do. This is the story of one such inspirational man.
Inside The Arthouse Event Center in North Austin. Francois Larosa is drinking his coffee and going over new scripts from screenwriters wanting them to do their projects.
He is calm, observant, in a way charismatic, but yet an already establish Filmmaker that likes being under the radar. What makes someone with this talent, in this industry, remain unassuming?
“It was my journey of how I got here”. He says.” It has been 9 years, and it was a true learning experience, and still is. I never stop learning, its either new equipment, filters for cameras, proposals of new stories –scripts. The actors-I love Austin, San Antonio and Dallas actors, or meeting a crew member who has a passion for getting into film, but still needs a little more experience in this Industry.”
Filmmaker Francois Larosa.
Every now and then you run into someone who has truly paid their dues to become successful. Even more rare, however, is meeting someone like that who has retained their sense of humor, kindness towards others and a true sense of joy in what they do. This is the story of one such inspirational man.
Inside The Arthouse Event Center in North Austin. Francois Larosa is drinking his coffee and going over new scripts from screenwriters wanting them to do their projects.
He is calm, observant, in a way charismatic, but yet an already establish Filmmaker that likes being under the radar. What makes someone with this talent, in this industry, remain unassuming?
“It was my journey of how I got here”. He says.” It has been 9 years, and it was a true learning experience, and still is. I never stop learning, its either new equipment, filters for cameras, proposals of new stories –scripts. The actors-I love Austin, San Antonio and Dallas actors, or meeting a crew member who has a passion for getting into film, but still needs a little more experience in this Industry.”
Le Butcherettes
How did you get started?
This was not my degree, it was Psychology. I was working for a Think Tank in the Corporate Area, I saw that Non-Profit Organizations had a website for their programs, but no podcast. I told them I could film one for them, so that their Board Members, the ones who can’t make it, could see it. They could also utilize it for future marketing-fundraising, and for future recruiting. At that time, it was just me. I had a simple JVC Camcorder –Beta Tapes, and Lavalier Mics. Compared to now utilizing the EOS Canon C-100 Cinematic Camera (4K), and an awesome crew that does it all for me, under direction.
After that, I filmed my first professional commercial and it sold. Oddly enough, on this same day, this happy occasion, I was laid off, Bam! This happen in 2008, that’s when I started Starfield Productions. The development of the name came from an acquaintance in the Music Industry in the 80s, his name was Bruce Cockburn from Canada. Some of his lyrics he used was,” Lord of the Starfield”. We meet in person in 86 which was cool.
So it was a rough transition?
It was a very hard road but I was determined and believed I could do this. Making filmmaking a career. I sold items to get better equipment and lock down locations, and pay actors. There for awhile I was living out of my truck, homeless. (Pauses). That was hardcore. What I did to just to get by was a reality check. But when you have passion, it seems to supersede sometimes reality.
After nine years later, he’s moving up and now LA Companies are coming to him, after checking credentials and seeing his work, having meetings, they now are outsourcing him to make their films.
LA Companies are already here, trying to set up shop and get into the Austin Film Industry. Whether its commercials, TV, or films they are loving it here in Austin. I am currently wrapping up a featured film from LA called “Garusta” a Horror/Sci-Fi Film by Vega American Studios. Already has International distribution. I read through the script and it needed little tweaking, more suspense and some terrifying creatures. Which I rewrote, and created the creatures, called “Shadow Monsters”. After researching it, I was surprised. This is based on a true religion in India, called “Aghora”, which is underlined with true demonic undertones. I was surprised it had never been done before. But I enjoying developing, and writing add ons. I like new stories for film, especially in horror, and psychological thrillers. Currently the film is in New York, for color correction, then going to India for the composting and CGI work. It’s amazing what we can come up with in our creative minds.
This was not my degree, it was Psychology. I was working for a Think Tank in the Corporate Area, I saw that Non-Profit Organizations had a website for their programs, but no podcast. I told them I could film one for them, so that their Board Members, the ones who can’t make it, could see it. They could also utilize it for future marketing-fundraising, and for future recruiting. At that time, it was just me. I had a simple JVC Camcorder –Beta Tapes, and Lavalier Mics. Compared to now utilizing the EOS Canon C-100 Cinematic Camera (4K), and an awesome crew that does it all for me, under direction.
After that, I filmed my first professional commercial and it sold. Oddly enough, on this same day, this happy occasion, I was laid off, Bam! This happen in 2008, that’s when I started Starfield Productions. The development of the name came from an acquaintance in the Music Industry in the 80s, his name was Bruce Cockburn from Canada. Some of his lyrics he used was,” Lord of the Starfield”. We meet in person in 86 which was cool.
So it was a rough transition?
It was a very hard road but I was determined and believed I could do this. Making filmmaking a career. I sold items to get better equipment and lock down locations, and pay actors. There for awhile I was living out of my truck, homeless. (Pauses). That was hardcore. What I did to just to get by was a reality check. But when you have passion, it seems to supersede sometimes reality.
After nine years later, he’s moving up and now LA Companies are coming to him, after checking credentials and seeing his work, having meetings, they now are outsourcing him to make their films.
LA Companies are already here, trying to set up shop and get into the Austin Film Industry. Whether its commercials, TV, or films they are loving it here in Austin. I am currently wrapping up a featured film from LA called “Garusta” a Horror/Sci-Fi Film by Vega American Studios. Already has International distribution. I read through the script and it needed little tweaking, more suspense and some terrifying creatures. Which I rewrote, and created the creatures, called “Shadow Monsters”. After researching it, I was surprised. This is based on a true religion in India, called “Aghora”, which is underlined with true demonic undertones. I was surprised it had never been done before. But I enjoying developing, and writing add ons. I like new stories for film, especially in horror, and psychological thrillers. Currently the film is in New York, for color correction, then going to India for the composting and CGI work. It’s amazing what we can come up with in our creative minds.
On the set with the Actors on Filming "Garusta"
Francois continues to keep under the radar, but he can’t keep this up much longer. In 2016, he and Francisco Ruiz Velasco (Good friends with Guillermo Del Toro) are discussing developing an Animation/ Film Studio called, “Round Rock Studios.” Currently Francisco is the Team Leader on Pacific Rim 2, in Toronto Canada. Francois will be there in October2015 to visit the sets, and visit with Guillermo. (Hellboy 2, Mama, Crimson Peak-Out in Oct 2015, and the FX Channel “The Strain”, among others)
In the past 9 years he’s been learning on the sets of Robert Rodriguez films, chatting with Terrence Malik while on “Tree Of Life”, and discussing script writing with Richard Linklater. He has been rocking forward on his TV Cable shows and Feature Films. His Last Featured Film was recently on TV Guide on HBO in Portugal and Brazil,” The Reincarnation of Jesse Belle.” Also had 2 of his TV Cable Network Series on CBS/Telemundo – El Otro Lado (The Other Side) & El Exitos para las Cuarto (The Success for the Four), also Co-Produced /Directed another one.
These were the stepping stones, for bigger projects. I love writing and creating.
How did you feel about that?
Finally Money! As a Filmmaker it’s good to get acknowledged, but in this business to make it, you have to be creative, and a businessman at the same time, just to make a profit. The hardest part is that it’s a tough business behind the scenes. money & numbers, It’s hard in this business to come out unscathed!
Also, it was my first time working with producers looking over your shoulder, watching what you were doing. Total amount of people involved in this past featured film was 85. Insane!
I was confident, but it was the studio machines tentacles that I experienced for the first time. Know your sh_t! (Laughing)
The Austin Film Industry is going strong. I’ve been asked twice to move to LA. I will shoot, and do business there, but I Live here. LA is moving here!
Advice for Filmmakers who are starting out.
Get out and start shooting shorts. Don’t wait till you get the most expensive camera, or the right equipment, because time will pass you buy. Learn your camera, then next develop a script. Something small. Resources “The Screenwriters Bible”, is a good tool to use, as well as Youtube.com resources, in developing a script. Maybe take a class in filmmaking, and hook up with some film colleagues. From there, you can start developing a crew with the same interest. I’ve worked with my Director of Photography for 5, maybe 6 years now: Christian D. Nelson. I meet him in High School when their Film got selected in Cannes Film Festival-France. We’ve been together ever since. Now I just give Christian a look and he already knows. (Laugh), it’s not a marriage, but it’s an unspoken language at this point. (Laughing) We still communicate though.
In the past 9 years he’s been learning on the sets of Robert Rodriguez films, chatting with Terrence Malik while on “Tree Of Life”, and discussing script writing with Richard Linklater. He has been rocking forward on his TV Cable shows and Feature Films. His Last Featured Film was recently on TV Guide on HBO in Portugal and Brazil,” The Reincarnation of Jesse Belle.” Also had 2 of his TV Cable Network Series on CBS/Telemundo – El Otro Lado (The Other Side) & El Exitos para las Cuarto (The Success for the Four), also Co-Produced /Directed another one.
These were the stepping stones, for bigger projects. I love writing and creating.
How did you feel about that?
Finally Money! As a Filmmaker it’s good to get acknowledged, but in this business to make it, you have to be creative, and a businessman at the same time, just to make a profit. The hardest part is that it’s a tough business behind the scenes. money & numbers, It’s hard in this business to come out unscathed!
Also, it was my first time working with producers looking over your shoulder, watching what you were doing. Total amount of people involved in this past featured film was 85. Insane!
I was confident, but it was the studio machines tentacles that I experienced for the first time. Know your sh_t! (Laughing)
The Austin Film Industry is going strong. I’ve been asked twice to move to LA. I will shoot, and do business there, but I Live here. LA is moving here!
Advice for Filmmakers who are starting out.
Get out and start shooting shorts. Don’t wait till you get the most expensive camera, or the right equipment, because time will pass you buy. Learn your camera, then next develop a script. Something small. Resources “The Screenwriters Bible”, is a good tool to use, as well as Youtube.com resources, in developing a script. Maybe take a class in filmmaking, and hook up with some film colleagues. From there, you can start developing a crew with the same interest. I’ve worked with my Director of Photography for 5, maybe 6 years now: Christian D. Nelson. I meet him in High School when their Film got selected in Cannes Film Festival-France. We’ve been together ever since. Now I just give Christian a look and he already knows. (Laugh), it’s not a marriage, but it’s an unspoken language at this point. (Laughing) We still communicate though.
Building the prototype Spaceship Model for the 2016 Project "Neptune 23"
What’s your routine?
Well, I write in my office, and always have my Woodford Reserve (bourbon) and Coke with lime. (Laughing). Just a sidebar note, my daughter Larissa Pearce and I, are developing a book based on the Voodoo Princess Madame Laveau. Should be out by next year.
Final thoughts?
Once again, I started that way with a simple JVC beta tape video tape player, with 1 simple Mic. I sold my first commercial using that, along with a good script. Working with just me. And it’s getting even bigger. Recently I’ve been approached to do 2 more Featured Films from LA, but all is still in negotiations.
As for music in my films, I use different bands and sometimes local artists. I love the sounds Texas is putting out. Philly and Michigan, has some cool sounds as well. The music scene here is like the Mecca of Diversity though. I have a small Record Label company, with 2 signed artists. I only sign Alternative Instrumental Music. It’s a tough business, but I enjoy music. I have a distributor that showcases their music, and they’ve made some money, but that’s another tough business!
I encourage everyone to believe, and not limit yourself as what you’re capable of doing. Remember, I came from a Psychology Degree to doing more Social work, to now Filmmaker/Producer. (Laugh) What a road I’ve taken, but I love it.
Thanks Ruby,
To contact François Larosa
email is: [email protected] . For Actors Pool, and Producers.
Thanks to the Arthouse-The Arthouse Event Center-11505 Anderson Mill-Austin, Texas- Jennifer Bailey Frost
Well, I write in my office, and always have my Woodford Reserve (bourbon) and Coke with lime. (Laughing). Just a sidebar note, my daughter Larissa Pearce and I, are developing a book based on the Voodoo Princess Madame Laveau. Should be out by next year.
Final thoughts?
Once again, I started that way with a simple JVC beta tape video tape player, with 1 simple Mic. I sold my first commercial using that, along with a good script. Working with just me. And it’s getting even bigger. Recently I’ve been approached to do 2 more Featured Films from LA, but all is still in negotiations.
As for music in my films, I use different bands and sometimes local artists. I love the sounds Texas is putting out. Philly and Michigan, has some cool sounds as well. The music scene here is like the Mecca of Diversity though. I have a small Record Label company, with 2 signed artists. I only sign Alternative Instrumental Music. It’s a tough business, but I enjoy music. I have a distributor that showcases their music, and they’ve made some money, but that’s another tough business!
I encourage everyone to believe, and not limit yourself as what you’re capable of doing. Remember, I came from a Psychology Degree to doing more Social work, to now Filmmaker/Producer. (Laugh) What a road I’ve taken, but I love it.
Thanks Ruby,
To contact François Larosa
email is: [email protected] . For Actors Pool, and Producers.
Thanks to the Arthouse-The Arthouse Event Center-11505 Anderson Mill-Austin, Texas- Jennifer Bailey Frost