Edward Martin III

2018-12-01 12:00

SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW

Edward Martin III

Writer/Director

2008 Semi Finalist, 2015 Quarter Finalist, 2017 Quarter Finalist, Finalist & Winner, 2018 Finalist

Edward Martin III

What is your name, company name, and URL?

I'm Edward Martin III, and our company is Hellbender Media, which can be found at HellbenderMedia.com, though it is said that if you crush a stone and whisper our name into the pieces and scatter them unto the oceans of the world, we may hear your voice. I cannot confirm this.

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

I try very hard to understand as many aspects off the whole picture as I can. I started out writing -- stories, comics, essays, scripts, etc. -- but for me to do my best writing, I have to make sure that I think of everyone's needs as I write. I also enjoy directing because it helps my planner brain feel satisfied. And I enjoy preproduction. And I enjoy post. And I enjoy doing effects work. And I enjoy making practical effects.

I love that you think of everyone's needs. What are you currently working on?

I am finishing script edits on our next feature film. After that, I have eight episodes of a new web series that we just filmed, and a pile of feature scripts I want to write before March 1.

Wowza! That's a lot! Who do you consider your mentor and why?

I have been asked this before and am never quite sure how to answer it. In general, I try to learn from everyone I work with, on the theory that everyone has a piece of the puzzle. But I know I am also inspired by certain people for certain reasons. I am inspired by the author Bruce Taylor, who is a dear friend and who always encourages me. I am inspired by Natalie Goldberg, who wrote my favorite book on writing "Writing Down the Bones." I am inspired by the Wachowskis because their vision and scope astounds me every time. And every writer I meet inspires me because I know that we are not alone in trying to make sense of this world. I will remember a dozen people after I send this in, all of whom deserve to be on this list, too.

It really is true...we learn from everyone! Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

Respectively, I think because of assurance and because of hope. Horror feels strongest when it rewards us for being moral, and sci-fi feels strongest when it offers us a vision. Of course, there are always exceptions, and as with so many things, I could be totally wrong.

What do you love most about this business?

Creating art, meeting people, feeling a project grow among friends.

Yes!!! What do you dislike most about this business?

The sleazy manipulative folks who make it worse for everyone, who tear down others to make themselves good, and who shaft people however they can. They remind me of shitty telescopes -- so much potential and promise, but so malfunctioning that they'll turn away even the most stout-hearted and true.

Yes, that is frustrating! What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

Today, if I am proud of anything, it is that I am still able to create art and that people still tell me that they had a great time on set and thought they did their best work. That makes my heart glow.

I like that. Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

Always remember that people are more important than things. The people who you have in your stories, the people who work with you, the people who will share your stories later... People. If you don't love people, then this is gonna be a rough ride for you.

Great advice! Anything else you'd like to say?

Create art!

Thank you Edward! It was great chatting!