Despite having plum roles in action flicks like Jet Li’s first American flick, The Master and Rocky V, Del Weston prefers to be behind the scenes. Which is how he was inspired to create the Action on Film International Film Festival. After entering his first film in a film festival in Northern California, Del was shocked to find out how poorly his creation was treated. In an effort to even the playing field between those on film and behind the scenes and the movie goers, Del has introduced Action on Film. The international film festival is held in Monrovia, CA, just outside of the world’s movie capital, Hollywood.
Del talks about his role in the film industry and his inspiration for Action on Film.
How did you get started in the film industry?
I got lucky and got parts in the first Jet Li / American Production MASTERS in which I played a fighter who was defeated by Jet Li in his first American produced film. From there I got a part in Rocky V with Sylvester Stallone and Burt Young. I had been fighting and training for years but I wasn't really an actor, I was a lot more comfortable as a writer and director. I had produced some small shorts and written a few screenplays and I loved that aspect of the industry. Besides, getting kicked in the face by Jet Li and punched by Rocky V star Tommy Morrison wasn't that much fun.
What initially led you to launch the Action on Films film festival?
I had produced a film called Camden and it was shot on film, very expensive and my pet project for many many reasons. I was accepted into a Northern California Film Festival and I think it was one of the worst experience of my life. Seeing my film projected onto a sheet which was taped on a wall in the basement in a winery was a real let down. I made up my mind then that If I could give filmmakers and writers a home where their work could be respected and appreciated, I would do it.
How would you describe it?
The Action On Film International Film Festival and Writers Event is basically a family of filmmakers and writers who are joined every year by a new group of creative voices that know that their work will be seen in top theaters. (The Krikorian Chain in Monrovia CA.) It is an event where there will be eight full days of screenings, parties, distributors, award shows, celebrities, seminars, sponsors and charity events. We do our best to make sure that everyone is recognized and the walls between celebrity and writer, producer, director, fan are brought down. This is all done in the atmosphere of a small town with a real positive feel to it.
How does it differ from other festivals?
We are different because for the first nine years of operation we had a 'Guaranteed Filmmaker Program' which meant that whatever you made after your first year of acceptance would be guaranteed acceptance in future years. Not only did the quality of the artist's work get better but the filmmakers and writers felt a true connection to the event and each other as the festival and the 'AOF' family grew. In addition, filmmakers and writers knew that we offered bigger prizes, awards, recognition and access than almost any other festival in the world.
Why is it called Action on Films?
People thought Action On Film referred to action movies but the real meaning was, 'What action a filmmaker does to make his or her film a reality and then the re-action to that effort by the audience and the industry.' Action On Film. We accept every genre, comedy, action, romance, documentary, music video, experimental etc., and they can be in any format as long as they are good and we can see the filmmakers love of the craft.
When and where is the festival this year?
This year the festival will take place in the beautiful city of Monrovia CA about thirty minutes Weston of Hollywood. AOF FEST takes place August 22-30, 2014. All screenings will take place at the beautiful Krikorian Theaters and local events, parties and seminars will take place in walking distance of the theater and less than two miles away from our host hotel, The DoubleTree by Hilton of Monrovia. Our Black-tie Award Show and Dinner will be held at the Hilton Pasadena on August 30th.
How many films will you be showcasing?
This season we will be showcasing between 300-500 films depending on the mix of features to shorts. The films will be from all over the world including China, Africa, Iran, England, Germany, Spain, Australia and of course the United States. The films will be made by veteran male and female filmmakers as well as those who are just starting out.
You also host a TV show which focuses on the film industry, how did that come about?
The television show, Del Westonon's Action On Film is a natural extension of the festival. We began to doing interviews of our guests from all around the world during the festival and we would then put them up on Youtube and our own websites. People really liked those interviews and we figured if a web based audience found value in them, why wouldn't a television or cable audience enjoy them as well?
How would you describe the show?
The show is a mix of old Hollywood, new Hollywood and then me somewhere in the middle. With cameras and technology changing faster than a babies diaper it's good to see what used to happen, that is where my partner Mark Giardino - veteran actor, producer and writer- comes in. Our guests are the new Hollywood and I'm somewhere in the middle. Between the three of us, we manage to have a great time while discussing things that are important to them, us and hopefully the audience.
What type of guests do you have on the program?
Our guests are everyone and anyone involved with the industry. Writers, Directors, Artists, Producers, Actors, Special Effects, Promotion, Publishers; you name it. If they are involved in the business, we want to meet them and bring them to our growing audience.
Where can people watch the show?
People can watch the show locally on Time Warner Cable and Champion Broadband. We are being distributed internationally via Sean Haley's Multivisionnaire. We are also being seen across the country in New York, Texas, Michigan, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma and other states on a growing basis.
Are there any new projects in the works?
We have just begun distribution on our new film, Behind The Gate which stars Academy Award Winner Joe Pesci, Bobby Flay, Oscar De La Hoya and host of other great stars in the new documentary about the history of horse racing in America. The film is being distributed online via Yekra.com. My new film Sunny and RayRay which stars Harry Lennix, Nick Mancuso, Bobby Eakes and the rising star Jillisa Lynn will be coming out later this year. You can see the films at www.behindthegatemovie.com and www.sunnyandrayraymovie.com respectively.
More about Del and his projects can be found at www.aoffest.com and at his IMDB page.
Cassandra Del Jessi Cengiz AOF
Harry Lennix and John Savage
