Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Borowski
Hi Sam, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
This is my second interview with Bold Journey, so I’ll do my best to not be repetitive. I got into this business to tell stories. Going to the movies was my favorite thing to do as a child. Still is! ;) When I was young, my mom Joan Borowski – GOD Rest Her Soul – used to take my sisters and I to the Lane Theater in Staten Island during the Summer to see Disney matinees and I loved it! It clearly had an impact on me. I knew that I had to do this! That same passion about the movies from childhood has carried with me throughout my life and career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think many people in this business have a “smooth road.” Some do, but they’re few and far between. And that’s okay, because the victory is in the struggle. You can ALWAYS overcome … if you work hard enough. But, going back to Question One, that PASSION can carry you through! Moreover, if you get into this business for the wrong reasons – to be a millionaire – you’re going to fail. I once heard John Travolta say – and I’m paraphrasing here – ‘there are easier ways to make money, but if you stick with it and have success, the money will eventually come.’ And he’s right. You want to make money, be a doctor – be a lawyer. But, if this is actually in your soul, than you have to do this! Do it for PASSION and not money! The inevitable struggles any artist – of any type at all – faces are going to be financial. And of course, dealing with rejection. Not to mention that in this career you will have to work harder than you ever have in your life. And my struggles have been no different along the way, though it’s glorious when you reach the mountain top!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets me apart from others is that it was instilled in me at a young age that I have to outwork the next guy. There are so many writers, directors and producers – some wannabees – that you have to be willing to work harder than all of them and still do quality work, at the same time. Plan ahead. Plan a lot. You can never plan enough. You don’t go to dinner with a friend, get an idea for a short film and then excitedly go home that night and film it in your basement. That’s not going to be quality. Focus on the quality of your work. After all, that’s your calling card! Similarly, screenwriters should not show their script until it’s ready. Show it to people you trust – successful screenwriters, producers, directors, independent filmmakers who have had successful film campaigns – people whose opinion matter. People who can improve upon your work. People who can help get it made. In terms of what I’m most proud of? I’m always hoping my greatest memory is still ahead of me. Certainly, there are memorable moments throughout my career. The Feature-Length documentary I made with Matt Crick – Creature Feature: 60 Years of The Gill-Man – is something I am proud of. We have Oscar-Winner Benicio Del Toro, Oscar-Nominee Arthur Ross, my dear friend Daniel Roebuck and is narrated by 3-time Emmy-Winner Keith David. We got a limited run in theaters and – shameless plug – the DVD and BLU-RAY are available online everywhere … especially Amazon. My Live-Action Short, The Mandala Maker, qualified for The Academy Awards. That was a great thrill. Not to mention my Feature Night Club, which I directed and produced achieved some critical acclaim. A great cast that included Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine, the polarizing and talented Natasha Lyonne, Oscar-Nominee Sally Kellerman, Daniel Roebuck, Paul Sorvino, Ahney Her of Grand Torino, Bryan Williams, Zachary Abel … even the legendary Mickey Rooney. Ahead of me I’ve got my biggest Feature that I wrote and am directing … Stay Fresh! And I’m currently directing an unconventional short subject called The Broship starring two talented actors in Vinnie Velez and Arielle Raycene. Roebuck’s in that one, as well ..,
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was a young child, my parents took my sisters and I on a long walk around our neighborhood in Staten Island. They walked us up a block – Longfellow Road – and showed us the house that served as the Corleone Home in The Godfather. I wasn’t even sure at that young age I knew what The Godfather was, although I knew growing up in Staten Island, it had something to do with The Mafia. Ironically, many years later, I formed a friendship with the film’s Oscar-Winning Producer Al Ruddy, who became something of a mentor to me. I was very saddened to learn of his passing this past May.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1680461/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_Sam%2520Borowski
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borowskisam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.borowski.16
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samborowski/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SamBorowskiFILMMAKER
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
1. Sam Borowski with 2-Time Oscar-Winning Producer Albert S. Ruddy.
2. Sam Borowski with Oscar-Nominated Actor Chazz Palminteri.
3. Sam Borowski with First A.D Addison Randall and Actress Natasha Lyonne on the set of Night Club.
4. Sam directs Vinnie Velez and Arielle Raycene on the set of The Broship.
5. L-R Arielle Raycene (Tanya), Director Sam Borowski and Vinnie Velez (Marcus) on the set of The Broship.
6. The Broship Poster.
7. Sam directs Vinnie Velez and Arielle Raycene on the set of The Broship.
8. Sam Borowski and Daniel Roebuck.
9. Sam Borowski directs on a set.
10. Sam Borowski and actress Anna Camp at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.