We recently connected with Dianna Ippolito and have shared our conversation below.
Dianna , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One deeply underappreciated facet of being an entrepreneur or creative is the kind of crazy stuff that happens from time to time. It could be anything from a disgruntled client attacking an employee or waking up to find out a celebrity gave you a shoutout on TikTok – the sudden, unexpected hits (both positive and negative) make the profession both exhilarating and exhausting. Can you share one of your craziest stories?
I remember the first time I stepped onto a Hollywood lot to take a meeting about a script I had written. I remember seeing the iconic Hollywood Sign shimmering in the distance as I got out of the car, and took it as a good omen. As I made my way past actors and crew making their way to set, I couldn’t help but feel like a character in one of the films I had grown up watching. It was surreal and I savored every second of it. Later, while sitting in the producer’s office, surrounded by industry veterans, my excitement mingled with nervous energy. We dug into my script, dissecting its merits and discussing potential changes. I eagerly absorbed their insights, but also defended the elements I believed in. When the producer finally decided to option my project, it felt like such a triumph. A longtime veteran of the industry liked my work! Yay!! Over the period of the next several months, I dug into the rewrites that followed. But as time passed, and the story took some strange turns, I couldn’t help feeling a pang of unease. My original vision was morphing into something unrecognizable, yet I trusted in the producer, convinced that they knew best.
One day, a day I will never forget, I received a shattering phone call. The same producer, with a touch of remorse in their voice, admitted to straying off course with the story changes. They had decided not to pursue the project any longer and our collaboration was over. In that moment, my heart sank. However, a flicker of realization emerged. I had learned an invaluable lesson – the importance of staying true to my own vision and standing my ground. Oscar winner William Goldman’s words echoed in my mind, reminding me that in the unpredictable world of motion pictures, nobody truly knows what will work. It was a painful reminder that even seasoned professionals can stumble in the dark. As I picked up the pieces, I knew I would carry that lesson with me. I would trust my instincts, protect my creative integrity, and refuse to compromise my artistic voice.
Dianna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From a young age I’ve always had a creative spirit. I started in the world of art with sketching and painting, and later in my teens discovered photography. It was through the lens that I learned to see the world with a new perspective, capturing stories one image at a time. Around the same time, I began to try my hand at writing short stories and poems, but it wasn’t until I began taking screenwriting classes at the American Film Institute, that I really found my calling. Writing for the big screen was fascinating. I was able to use my background as a photographer to integrate visual ideas into my screenplays, which I think helped add an extra layer of depth to my work. When a friend of mine suggested I step into the director’s chair, it was such a game changer. It was really exciting to go through the process from just words on a page to getting a film completed.
What I want the world to know about my work is that I am a true lover of film. From small, intimate stories, to big political thrillers, I love how vast the spectrum of storytelling can be. Movies can have a profound impact on our lives, and our souls. I strive to take audiences to places they never knew existed, the same way I have been transported. This is my passion, and my purpose.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Throughout my journey as a filmmaker, I have encountered the sting of rejection time and time again. But, I have refused to let these obstacles kill my passion. I faced the challenges, knowing that perseverance and dedication are the keys to making my dreams happen. During the pandemic, I co-wrote a holiday film, “Mistletoe Connection,” with my friend Marie Jones. To our amazement, we sold it and were told it would soon go into production. However, due to the uncertainties of the times, our project never moved forward. It seemed it would become another casualty of circumstance. But we still held onto the possibility that things could eventually turn around. And turn around they did. Our film has found its way into production in Canada, and will air on the UpTV network sometime during the 2023 holiday season. Hooray!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I know there are always going to be obstacles in the film industry, but my goal is to continue to navigate around them. I refuse to be deterred, because I know this is what I am meant to be doing. With each story I write, I find purpose, and a deep sense of connection. So, my goal is to keep writing stories, with the hope of inspiring the same profound emotions in others that I have experienced myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.diannaippolito.com
- Instagram: @itsallhappeningfilms
- Twitter: @diannaseye
Image Credits
Dianna Ippolito