We were lucky to catch up with Todd M. Felderstein recently and have shared our conversation below.
Todd M. , appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
These days WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR is what keeps me very busy. This is the live stage adaption of Dan Millman’s hit book first published in 1980 which today has many millions of devoted fans all over the world. As it was made into a feature film in 2006 with Nick Nolte and Scott Mechlowicz as the now legendary “Socrates” and “Dan,” re-imagining it for a live audience continues to be an amazing and daunting thrill. To say that I feel the weight of this responsibility is an understatement, all that’s left is for me to “do my best and let the universe control the rest.”
The idea behind this stage version occurred while stuck on the 405 freeway in traffic driving home from an Aikido conference. With little movement and nothing but time, this beloved title floated into my brain where I then spent the rest of the journey visualizing it as a stage production. Shortly after I was able to track down Dan Millman, the author of Peaceful Warrior, then eventually secured the rights. From that point on I read and re-read this book in an effort to absorb the pages of wisdom which make up this tale.
Why is this so meaningful? This story is about an existential crisis followed by the epiphany that everything is connected, that the circle of life is real. We don’t need to look very far to realize that our world is embedded in an existential crisis. Hatred is on the rise. Humanity is in question, benevolence is waning. WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR, at its core, embodies kindness, something that this global population of ours has dismissed as being nothing more than an afterthought.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My filmmaker journey can be defined as eclectic. I began in the film-world back when making a movie was not as accessible as shooting on your smartphone. Film stock was expensive, processing was even more costly. Putting together a “weekend project” took major planning and significant resources! That said, my path has always been firmly cemented as a director yet making a living was tantamount. That reality opened doors to practically every job possible on the call sheet. In time I was the producer on a number of independent films before taking the helm myself. Then an opportunity at Sony eventually led me to write on the animated Spider-Man TV show with Neil Patrick Harris in the title role. Then I answered the call to produce/direct MAGICS, a feature documentary shot in Israel about a medical magician who effortlessly brings smiles to hospitalized Israeli and Palestinian kids alike (Amazon Prime). Ever since I have traversed the line of independent and studio productions traditionally as either a writer, director or producer in screen and stage productions.
Not to be ignored, photography remains a constant in my life. Having shot portraits, celebrities, billboards, etc. throughout my professional life, I remain as passionate today with the still image as ever. I am an instructor with the Los Angeles Center of Photography and Samys Photo School. Outside of portrait work, I spend a good deal of time focusing my lens on the street and have been featured in a number of galleries over the years. I shoot for brands, campaigns and celebrities along with fine art. It thrills me that a new generation is discovering the alchemy of film – what’s old is definitely what’s new again.
As my soul tends to gravitate toward character-driven, passionate storytelling, this is certainly one of the reasons why I resonate so completely with the Peaceful Warrior stage production. The story of an uber-driven world champion who suddenly questions the world around him, I find it so poignant and necessary considering today’s current climate. First published in 1980, multiple generations credit this story as one that changed their lives. As the one adapting this book for the live stage, I can honestly attest that it has and continues to inform my world, changing it for the better. There is never a moment as I refer back to Dan and Socrates when I discover a passage that directly speaks to my current state of affairs. Bringing this title to contemporary audiences is an incredible yet daunting privilege and responsibility. Be sure to stay close to www.PeacefulWarriorPlay.com for our latest developments, and remember the secret behind being a Peaceful Warrior: Kindness.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think it is important to understand the role art plays in society. Some consider being an artist the most crucial role a person can have; think of it, the responsibility of an artist is to reflect the joys and pain of the human experience. What could be more important? Artists reflect the world around us. We inform audiences the beauty of a first kiss and the loss of a loved one; the triumph of cresting unreachable odds and the tragedy of misused power. Artists are the mirror in which society sees its reflection. We are a motivator and reminder that our actions have consequences.
That said, how can society not support artists?
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.
There is no such thing as a “non-creative,” all children are born artists, that is until it is taught out of them.
Regardless of profession, creativity is essential. The scientist who embarks on a new discovery, the doctor who attempts a new procedure, the baker, wordsmith, attorney, etc. Name the profession, whenever they think differently they are complemented by being called an, “artist.” Our world’s order is an art form. Going against the true flow of nature is to deny that it even exists. Look outside and close your eyes.
It is true, artistry is held in high esteem but not always rewarded. My encouragement to everyone is to embrace your own creativity and recognize that no one would exist if it weren’t for someone thinking “differently.” Remember Einstein’s quote regarding creativity, one of the world’s greatest minds was also highly creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PeacefulWarriorPlay.com
- Instagram: @peacefulwarriorplay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacefulwarriorplay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddfelderstein/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/smartphonetheatre