Armand Montiel - An indie director's point of view into filmmaking

A little info on the film director - Armand Montiel

Armando F. Montiel was born in Tijuana, and raised in San Diego. 1999 marked his first original screenplay entitled "MINT IN BOX" (running time: 1hr,52min.) which he produced and directed as well. Production began in the fall of 2004 and released independentlly in 2006 earning "BEST DARK COMEDY" In the LANYIFF in Los Angeles."3 WAYS TO SUNDAY" also known as "GONK" (running time: 1hr,22min.) marks his second full length-feature as writer/ director/ producer, and pre-production began soon after the release of his first feature MIB. Currently working on his first draft for his next full length feature entitled "Where's Leon?" scheduled to shoot in 2010 is in the very preproduction with the screen play. Currently he has been offered to direct his first music video for "KASE" that is in preproduction stage at the moment. Directing is his true passion, and is always looking for representation.

"I've learned in this business that if you never ask the answer will always be 'no'. It's tough, really  challenging directing a movie specially on such a low budget where you aren't paying anyone, but cutting deals here and there instead. There's a lot going on in this kind of indie filmmaking. Being producer you take on all this responsability. Having to compromise is the worst thing ever, but I was determined to finish what I began. I owe a lot to the dedicated actors who gave up so much to make this project what it is today. There were a lot of changes made to the script. It was just a matter of time to find out how the movie would end up. I've learned a lot making these two movies. I've learned a lot from the actors. Some saw my vision, and it was fun working with them as there wasn't much directing involved, but more creative ideas being tossed around. That's what I like the best. I've learned a lot about my character as a husband, and being a good friend to those I love. It brings out the best and worst of you as a human being. But I became a lot wizer as a director on this film because of my struggles, and issues I had during the making of this movie. I became stronger, because I've learnred from my mistakes hoping in the future I don't make them again. After all that's said and done there was more done than said. I was determined to finish this movie, and I did with the help of the coolest people I've ever worked with that were as determined as much as me to get things done."  -Armando F. Montiel