Interview With Uwe Schwarzwalder the Director, Writer of the Film The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd

The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd won Best Feature Film - Jury Award Award in the 3rd Season of MP Film Award Uwe Schwarzwalder Director, Writer, Producer & Editor of the Film The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd agree to interview with us.

Uwe Schwarzwalder: I was born near Zurich in Switzerland, with German and Bulgarian roots. I was always attracted to the arts with lots of singing at school, later with modelling and acting. I lived in Los Angeles where I appeared in many TV and film productions and visited several acting workshops. I’ve been studying with Dianne Hull, protege of Strasberg and Kazan, and Lorrie Hull, expert Master Teacher in the Strasberg Method, in Santa Monica. I’m also studying with well-renowned Jack Waltzer, life time member of the Actor’s Studio.

In 2015, I starred in A Tangled Web, where I also was executive producer, and in many short films, Taxi, Too Late, Decision, Nasty Water, Succeed. Then I started my own project, The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd, which I wrote, directed, and produced.

About the Film: Synopsis: The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd Film Synopsis:

A businessman, Jeff Boyd, dreams of living in Australia where his friend Morton, a crazy bakery shop owner, already has settled down. Morton keeps trying to persuade him to come over soon. Frank who always lets Jeff stay at his place while he’s abroad advises he should invest with Mr. Mueller from Marinin Resources Inc., a commodity trading firm. As Jeff signs the investment contract, he is full of hope to be able to leave the country with a pocket full of cash. But after a phone call with Mr. Mueller, he realizes that it’s not that easy. And during a heavy argument with his boss, Jeff’s world collapses. That’s when he meets Wendy, also in a delicate state. As they get to know each other, they discover being soulmates. Their common worries about what the world turns into comes more and more to light. They want to change that and develop a dangerous plan.

Trailer of "The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd"

What was your drive behind making this film?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: I’ve been taking a lot of acting classes, so I wanted to use what I’ve learned, and also digest the political and economical situation of the world by writing a story about it and filming it.

How you feel when you are awarded with the MP FILM AWARD Award?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: I feel very proud to have received the Jury Award for Best Feature Film from MP Film Award. I’m very grateful that the film is appreciated after so much work.

Can you tell us about the greatest moment during shooting this film?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: The first day, as the project started to become real. After that, every day was a gift, seeing the puzzles come together to a complete film. The most memorable moment was the last showdown scene - on one hand, we could feel that the film is near complete, on the other hand, we were surprised by a SWAT team as they suspected a hold-up in that last scene. An actor was standing on the balcony with a gun in his hand and that’s why the neighbours called the police. After a big chaos, we could finish shooting that important scene.

How rigorously did you stick to the script while shooting?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: We pretty much stick to all the scenes, even though I’m very open to improvise. But it felt all smooth, so no need to change. Just one idea came up, that all might be a dream, so we added accordingly some scenes.

Where there any onset problems During the filming of the film & how did you deal with it?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: The already mentioned SWAT team visit. It was dangerous as they were full of adrenaline and fully armed. We had to lie on the floor and be quiet. After some time, everybody calmed down, and the commander told me to call the police before shooting a gun scene, which I did on an other occasion. He was expecting my call.

Do you have any advice for young filmmaker out there? Or like yourself?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: Just do it - there are so many obstacles and most people remind you of these. Respect them, but don’t let them put you down, or even stop you.

Do you think it is essential to go to a film institute in order to become a successful filmmaker?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: No, I don’t think so. It depends on the personality and how somebody approaches filming. I like to experience everything myself and then learn from doing it. When you do everything academically, there is no space for imagination or invention, and everything is planned out. I like to use common sense and use the tools I have - a camera and a story.

Which film has inspired you the most?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: Carnage by Polanski, and Deer Hunter, Falling Down, the Fargo TV-series, the Woody Allen Films. I’m sure I missed a few..

Which particular film maker has influenced you the most?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: The team of The Blair Witch Project.

Which book would you love to make a film out of one day?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: I think I like to write my own stories, but maybe one of the Bukowski novels.

If you got the opportunity to go back in time & change something in any particular movie of yours, then which movie & what changes will you opt for?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: Done is done. You learn from it. Now, it’s out of context - at that time it was good and right.

If you were to shoot the film again, what would you do differently?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: Nothing, maybe use more expensive gear and more crew, but that was not possible.

What is your greatest achievement till date?

Uwe Schwarzwalder: Having finished The Radicalization of Jeff Boyd, despite everything and everybody, while being nominated at Nice International Film Festival as Best Actor next to the great Peter o’Toole in his last film, and at Barcelona International Film Festival next to the wonderful Dani Aiello, and having won the Awards. And when I heard that my film is selected at Sofia International Film Festival, where it first was screened publicly amongst Oscar winning films.

How do you pick yourself up after a failed film?