Interview
Victoria Napolitano
Director of THE DETAIL
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to director Victoria for taking the time to answer our questions.
Whole team of Liverpool Indie Awards is wishing you the very best in all your future projects. We hope to see more of your exceptional work in the years to come. Thank you once again!
Can you tell us about your submitted project and what inspired you to create it?
'THE DETAIL' is a spin-off series that I have written based on my new work, 'Midnight In Florence', a story that was crafted during my time residing in Florence, Italy. Just like any compelling narrative, certain events from my own life have inspired me to create 'THE DETAIL'.
What was your creative vision for this project, and how did you work to bring that vision to life?
I started writing Midnight In Florence while I was in the United States and soon understood that simply visiting Florence, Italy wouldn't be enough; I had to live there. My intention was to develop genuine Florentine characters in order to craft the story, with the ultimate goal of turning it into a film.
How did you collaborate with the rest of your team, such as producers, writers, and cinematographers, to ensure the project's success?
My team and I collaborate extensively right from the start, seamlessly. Our workflow does not follow a fixed schedule since we work together as a team on one project at a time. Trying to juggle multiple books or films simultaneously actually leads to inefficiency, as it takes more time than focusing on crafting a powerful book or film one step at a time.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the production, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most remarkable experiences I had, which posed a great challenge, was when I relocated to Italy for a few months. During my time there, I embarked on the journey of learning Italian, meeting new people, and even had the opportunity to rewrite certain portions of Midnight In Florence after actually being present in the city. This experience not only modified substantial sections of the book but also proved to be both demanding and immensely gratifying.
Can you discuss any specific moments or scenes in the project that you are particularly proud of, and why?
In 'THE DETAIL', I had the opportunity to recreate and experience the intense chase scene near the Duomo, located in the city center of Florence. It is worth mentioning that this area is restricted, so being able to drive through it was both thrilling and exciting for me. Undoubtedly, one of my favorite parts of the story.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently, and what lessons did you learn from this experience?
If I had the opportunity, I would have undoubtedly relocated to Florence before writing Midnight In Florence. This decision might have had a significant impact on various aspects. The city's enchantment ignited a sense of creativity within me that I hadn't recognized prior to being physically present there. Certain elements in my work possess a level of intricacy that would have been impossible to achieve without first-hand experience. Engaging in conversations with the local residents, I discovered their keen interest in films and books that accurately portray their city. They possess an immense attention to detail and do not overlook any aspect.
Can you describe a project that you are particularly proud of and why it stands out to you?
My current project is called 'AGELESS - The Movie', which I have been diligently working on for the past few years. Like anyone else who has encountered numerous obstacles while creating a film, I too have faced my fair share of challenges. 'AGELESS - The Movie' is actually a short film that I was in the midst of creating when I experienced a major accident, as I was unexpectedly hit from behind by a large truck. This incident has made it incredibly arduous for me to carry out the scenes of the film due to the extensive rehabilitation process I have had to undergo. Nevertheless, this project holds immense significance for me and I intend to release it simultaneously with my biography. Although it is still a work in progress, I take great pride in this endeavor. My aspirations for 2024 involve regaining my physical fitness level so that I can resume filming the remaining scenes of the film.
What advice would you give to aspiring directors looking to break into the industry?
Take a step back. It's incredibly simple to get sucked into the chaos of it all. The thrill of sharing your work can be absolutely invigorating. Without taking the time to visit Florence and fully immerse myself in my characters' culture, my latest project, THE DETAIL, would have never come to fruition. It completely transformed everything. If you take a moment to slow down, maintain your focus, you'll be handsomely rewarded.
How did you approach working with actors to bring out the performances you wanted for the project?
In addition to providing instructions for specific scenes, I also sought the opinions of the directors and filmmakers involved. It's not uncommon for professionals to have innovative ideas and unique perspectives that I may not have considered. Therefore, I always try to remain open-minded and receptive to the input and thoughts of others.
How did you approach sound design and music for the project, and what was your collaboration like with your composer or sound designer?
It is of particular interest to note that I personally compose the music for all my films. The only component of THE DETAIL that I did not write is the trailer. As for the rest, both Midnight In Florence and THE DETAIL were written by me. If you would like to listen to the soundtrack, it is available on Spotify and various other platforms under the name "Midnight In Florence Soundtrack" by Victoria Napolitano.
How did you handle feedback or criticism from your team or audience, and what changes did you make as a result?
In terms of criticism, I have a substantial capacity to handle it without being affected. For me, it is crucial to assess the source before evaluating the criticism.
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