Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Frank Merle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Frank thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’m very pleased to say that the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my current one: a feature film I’ve written, directed and produced called Namaka. It was filmed near the end of 2023 and has been in post-production these past six months. It’s finally nearing the finish line and I couldn’t be more excited and proud. I can’t wait to be able to share this ambitious film with audiences, it’s truly a unique, magic movie that blends genres with some thrills, comedy, mystery, fantasy and adventure elements. The reason why this film is so special to me is because of the long, personal journey it took to getting made. It was originally greenlit in early 2020, but just as I was beginning the casting process, all film production was suddenly put on hold. Later that year, when production began to come back safely, I took work on various sets as a Covid Compliance Officer, because I wanted to help some of my fellow independent producers finish their projects which had been further along than mine when the shutdown happened. But then, a year later, when I was ready to turn my attention back to my own passion project, my mother fell ill and I had to put my life on hold to go back to my hometown and take care of her for the last six months of her life. While that was a difficult time for me, the goal of finally getting to make my film kept me going. In early 2023, I had the great fortune of attaching one of my favorite actors, Jamie Kennedy, to a pivotal role in Namaka that I knew he’d be perfect for, but then my plans were once again thwarted by Hollywood labor strikes. But eventually those ended, Jamie Kennedy remained attached and available to shoot in late 2023, and I was able to round out my cast with incredible talent, including Ash Tsai, Jason Markoff, Spencer Breslin, and David Howard Thornton. We had a great time filming along with a tremendous crew, and every aspect of the production exceeded my expectations. I know my mother would be proud that I never gave up.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m originally from Chicago, a great theater town. After completing my fine arts training at the former Goodman School of Drama theater conservatory at DePaul University, where I focused on playwriting, stagecraft and theater management, I spent most of my twenties producing and directing theater in and around Chicago. During that time, I developed valuable leadership skills while honing my craft as a storyteller. I also discovered my passion for filmmaking when I began making short films. The positive response I received to my first few films, and to the feature screenplays I wrote, encouraged me to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in film. I founded a small production company called Lone Morsel Productions, with the goal of creating the highest quality film entertainment possible, despite limited resources. The name “Lone Morsel” is meant to evoke a sense of impending drama: imagine a coyote and a vulture, both with their eye on a single piece of meat. You know something dramatic and exciting is about to happen. In this sense, scarcity of resources becomes an opportunity for creativity, as evidenced by the many low-budget, yet critically-acclaimed, Lone Morsel productions that are currently available on multiple streaming platforms, including THE EMPLOYER, FROM JENNIFER, ALL GONE WRONG, CATFISH CHRISTMAS and PORCELAIN. As a collaborative filmmaker always excited to find new partners to work with, I look forward to using my acquired skills and artistry in the service of great endeavors ahead. I value communication, professionalism, and mutual respect as the keys to a successful production. Anyone with a project in development seeking assistance should feel free to reach out.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I was a theater director, the most important word in my lexicon was collaboration. I always tried to lead with a spirit of curiosity, always asking each of my collaborators, whether an actor, or a department head, for their creative thoughts before I shared my own, as I believed that the synthesis of everyone’s creative vision would lead to the best possible outcome. While I still believe this is true in theory, I have found it harder to put into practice while making films. The stakes are so high, the time is so limited, and everyone on set has such a specific duty to execute. I quickly discovered when I first started making movies that my habit of asking creative questions before offering my own opinions was often mistaken as a sign that I didn’t know what I wanted, which wasn’t the case. I came to learn that just as a ship must have a captain, a film set must have a director who can clearly and concisely communicate a cohesive vision, and demonstrate a respectful yet capable sort of leadership that others will want to get behind, so everyone is rowing in the same direction, if you’ll pardon an extended metaphor.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Every day is different. That’s my favorite thing about being a filmmaker. Production days are very different from pre-production days, or post production days. Development is the least exciting part of filmmaking, but not knowing what comes next keeps it exciting and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Getting to choose the people I work with, and therefore surrounding myself with kind, like-minded, passionate artists and crafters is another great aspect of living a creative life.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://lonemorsel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankmerle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankmerle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankmerle/
• Twitter: https://x.com/realfrankmerle
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lonemorselproductions