We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Varrati a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

While I tend to assume various titles in the world of filmmaking, I’m first and foremost a writer…but even from a directing or producing standpoint, a good story is key.

The craft of storytelling is a unique one, in that there’s never a specific moment where you achieve mastery. True, you can master aspects of the craft – technique and form can be perfected, and you can benefit from voraciously reading the work of others – but the moment you think you have a handle on storytelling itself, life teaches you something new. You see, stories…and all art, really…are born out of our response to and perceptions of a world constantly in flux. A good storyteller has confidence in their voice and ability to tell a tale, but is also open to listening. If you look at the work of any artist you admire, there may be consistency in theme, but I imagine you’ll also note evolution. If you want to learn this craft specifically, you have to make peace with the fact that there are things you won’t know until you do…and adapt accordingly.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In addition to being a filmmaker and screenwriter who has crafted many films and pieces of television for other creatives, networks, and studios, I’m also the co-founder of a production label called June Gloom Productions, which was built on the mission statement of being “devoted to the production, curation, and creation of queer horror and queer social commentary cinema.”

When I was growing up, I was always drawn to movies and their power for social commentary, but as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, wanted to see more of my own experiences reflected on screen…and in the movies that spoke to me. As a horror fan, I deeply admired the genre’s ability to use the dark lens of the fantastic to speak to issues the mainstream would otherwise not face directly. So, as I began working in the film industry, I saw a possibility to create more films in the genre I love that spoke to my community.

Pulling on various industry resources and a network of people we had met over the years through various, wide ranging projects, my June Gloom co-founder, Brandon Kirby, and I began developing queer led genre and social commentary productions both for ourselves and other artists…and over the last 6 years have managed to produce a number of television series, mini-series, shorts, and features featuring diverse talent from around the world.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think the hardest lesson for folks just starting out to learn is that no one is going to give you permission.

I often see people come to Los Angeles with a project or idea in hand and hope that one email giving a thumbs up is going to change everything. And sure, that may happen once in a great while…but the truth remains that you can’t be a passive participant in your own journey. I’m one of those who thinks that if you want to be creating things, just do it – get out there on the weekend and make stuff with your friends. At the very least, you’ll build upon your skills…at the most, maybe you’ll make something for no money that will impress someone enough so that they GIVE you money.

…and don’t be closed to possibilities. I always wanted to write horror movies, but when someone came to me and asked me if I was interested in doing a romcom, I took the chance…and it not only opened me up to a whole new world, but it also connected me with people who now help me make horror movies. When you’re starting out, don’t assume that one path is the only path to achieve your dreams.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think as creators we all have lofty goals of playing to sell out audiences, but the truth is that if you make something that touches even just one person, then you’ve done your job. Every movie in the world is at least one person’s favorite movie…and that’s something to remember.

If your art reaches someone, that’s huge. So I think it’s important to create with that sense of responsibility in mind.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvarrati/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneGloomProd
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelVarrati