We recently connected with RALPH GIORDANO and have shared our conversation below.
RALPH, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
AI or Artificial Intelligence as used in the creative world of Filmmaking is a hot topic. Where does true creative freedom and expression cross the line with computer generated art? I am currently seeing filmmakers using AI to totally create a vision for them rather than letting the tool enhance what truly comes from within their own creative spirit. Who or what is the actual creator? Another concern is the loss of work for creatives as businesses move to AI to save costs.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Who is Ralph Giordano? I have always found it difficult to talk about myself.
I am a New Jersey native but have called Colorado Springs his home for over 35 years. I am a graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production (1982)
As Owner of my production company, ArchAngel Productions, LLC. I write, produce, and direct video productions ranging from commercials, training, and marketing videos to short independent films/videos.
I have been a filmmaker since I was 14 years old when I picked up a super-8 film camera and made my first short film with two of my closest friends. in fact, we attended film school together. I was fortunate to have a mentor/teacher in high school who encouraged me to pursue my dream as a filmmaker and storyteller. We have stayed in touch all through these many years.
After leaving New Jersey I came to Colorado. One of the first places I went to in Denver was the Colorado Film Commission in the summer of 1985. That’s where honed my networking skills and learned the best ways to market myself in the film production arena.
I express my creative side creating short films. Whether the ideas quickly pop into my consciousness, or it’s a slow burn that takes time to germinate, the short form is the best way to tell the stories I want the world to know. Recent short films include: “By the Way, Bob” (Co-Producer), “The Silence” (Writer, Co-Producer, Director), The Telly Award winning short, “Weighing the Days” (Producer/Director), “Ten Past Two” (Director of Photography), “Dink” (Producer), “Stalemate” (Co-Producer), Peccadillo (Co-Producer), and the award-winning short, Knockout (Producer/Director).
Some major highlights in my film career…
From 1992-1996 I was appointed by the Colorado Springs City Council to serve on the Colorado Springs Film Advisory Board.
I was a co-creator of the Pikes Peak Film Council, a non-profit organization whose mission was to produce the U.S Environmental Film Festival where I served as President of their Board of Directors (1989-1993).
I am currently the Executive Director of Peak Film Forum, (sponsored by the Independent Film Society of Colorado/IFSOC) a public networking group for local writers, producers, directors, and actors to promote film/video production in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. The Forum sponsors local independent film screenings known as “Show Us Your Shorts”.
In addition, I am the Festival Director for The Independent Film Society of Colorado, a local non-profit organization serving the Pikes Peak Region. He co-manages three annual film festivals including Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival (for Colorado filmmakers), Indie Spirit Film Festival (which is open to international, national, and local filmmakers), and Three Nights of Horror. IFSOC promotes Independent Filmmaking in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region
Currently, I am an instructor at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS) where I teach two classes in film production and screenplay writing. This is my dream job which combines my passion for filmmaking and mentoring others to be successful in their chosen area. I love seeing creative minds work on a project from beginning to end and hoping that my guidance helped to achieve their end goal.
There are always obstacles in the way to overcome in any business. The path is never clear. Difficult decisions must be made. The constant challenge is not to avoid these obstacles, but face them head on. That is the only way to learn. The only way to grow.
No two creatives are the same. We all come from different backgrounds and have had many different life experiences.
As a Filmmaker, I enjoy creating short films… narrative, documentary, experimental… all genres really. I have produced or co-produced over 30 short films and just completed work as a casting director for an independent feature film. I love working with actors and finding new talent. I have been casting films for over 20 years. I have discovered many talented performers.
In the photography realm I consider myself a portrait photographer. I like connecting with people. Spending time on a photo shoot with a friend or a new contact is where I feel most comfortable. It’s the connection that counts. That inspires the work and creative muse.
What I am most proud of is my work as a mentor for filmmakers, writers, and actors. I always believed that nurturing and encouraging the talent I see in others is my true calling. I am overwhelmed with pure joy as I enter my class at the beginning of a new semester. As I look upon the faces of my eager students, I know that this is where my work begins. It has become my main focus to help these young creatives succeed.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The pandemic was a difficult time for most of us, especially creatives and artists. However, I came to realize that you can’t stop creativity. Through all the difficulty I saw so much resiliency in those around me. Art was still being created even though galleries were temporarily closed. Hollywood shut done, however independent filmmakers still made their films. My motto during those days was… Ultimately, I will figure it out. That is exactly what I did. I found a way to continue and move forward. It is not easy to be calm in a crisis. I was able to move past so much of the panic and confusion resulting from the Covid crisis by remaining clam, getting out into nature, maintaining contact with friends, family, & clients, and focusing on being creative.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I can sum that up in a word… Freedom. Freedom to write, paint, sculpt, and share our ideas. We all have freedom to create and grow as an artist. Creativity comes from within and being inspired. Inspiration comes from many sources. It is a feeling of enthusiasm, joy, and pleasure you get from someone or something, that leads to innovative and creative ideas. American Author, Bernie S. Siegel who wrote Love, Medicine and Miracles has said, “Inspiration is the greatest gift because it opens your life to many new possibilities. Each day becomes more meaningful, and your life is enhanced when your actions are guided by what inspires you.” I wholeheartedly agree with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.archangelpro.com/home
- Instagram: @ rmgphotography1960
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArchAngelProductionsLLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-giordano-045a3810/
- Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ralphg
Image Credits
Nathaniel Shields