Frequently Asked Questions

I NOTICED THAT YOU ARE NOW DIRECTING YOUR MOVIES IN ADDITION TO STARRING, PRODUCING, AND SOMETIMES WRITING. ISN’T THAT DIFFICULT TO DO ALL AT THE SAME TIME? HOW DO YOU PULL THAT OFF?

Yes, it is extremely difficult. After directing and starring in two of my own films I learned that without strong production management and administrative support, it is next to impossible to do both, at the same time, and be effective. I now try to surround myself with professionals that can "take some of the weight off my shoulders" which enables me to realize my objective, that being, to make the movie I set out to make.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A DIRECTOR?

No, I started out of necessity. After making a number of movies I realized that more often than not, I wasn’t seeing the movie on screen that I had envisioned. In other words, I had no control over what images would be chosen to tell the story. The only way I could change that was to start directing the movies myself, which I now do, and I like it!

OF ALL THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES YOU’VE WORKED WITH TO DATE, WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE?

That’s a very tough question to answer. They’ve all been there for me when it’s time to work, but I have to say that one actor stands out as not only a great talent, but a gentleman as well, in front of, and off camera. His name is Anthony James. In addition to appearing in over twenty-five motion pictures throughout his career, Anthony appeared in Norman Jewison’s 1967 Academy Award winning film, "In the Heat of the Night" as "Ralph Henshaw" and in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Academy Award Winning film, "Unforgiven" as "Skinny Dubois".

Some years ago Anthony and I co-starred in an action film together in Vancouver, British Columbia entitled, "Slow Burn" (reviewed by Variety on May 16, 1989 at the Cannes Film Festival/Market). He played a Mafia hit man and I, a police detective. The basic storyline is the Mafia hit man kills my partner and I set out to avenge his death. In front of the camera I found Anthony to be honest, sensitive, definitely present , but not intrusive, and very giving. Somehow, performing with him brings out the best in you. Off camera/set he is a fine gentleman, a very accomplished artist (abstract art), and is able to intelligently discuss topics other than acting and movies (how refreshing). Though Anthony has retired from acting ("Unforgiven" was his last film), we still talk to each other frequently.

LOVE SCENES! WE SEE YOU DO THEM IN SOME OF YOUR MOVIES. HOW DO YOU DO THAT WITH SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW AND IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA? I MEAN, THAT’S GOT TO BE TOUGH!

What do you mean tough? Love scenes are the most fun part of making the movie! Just joking! You’re exactly right. It is very difficult to do correctly. In my movies I use love scenes as a venue by which to strengthen a relationship between certain characters (while in their moment of sexual intimacy) and the audience. It contributes to caring about their complete relationship. I also like to keep the scenes erotic, meaning it’s what you don’t see that is erotic. It’s not about the bodies. It’s about the closeness that they share. That’s why in my love scenes, I don’t need to show too much. Then, there’s the music. The music always tells the audience how to feel. With the right music, I can take the audience anywhere. As far as the actresses I do this with are concerned, everything is discussed with them beforehand. When I do a casting for a love interest who is going to be performing a simulated love scene with me, they know exactly what is required of them before they even respond. When I cast the right actress, we discuss where we want to go with the scene. It is like a dance. The basic moves are worked out, and again, like a dance, you respond accordingly to your partner’s movement. Also, the camera moves. There’s always several stops, starts, lighting changes, etc. And, a lot is done in the editing room. Seconds on the screen can be many hours in production.

I’VE LOOKED FOR YOUR FILMS IN THE VIDEO STORES AND SOME I CANNOT FIND. WHAT DO I DO? HOW DO I FIND THEM?

If the films are in release in America you can either ask the video store owner to look them up in a catalogue and order the title you’re looking for or you can let me know what you need and I can make sure you get it. Please understand, this is all a function of the distributor’s "penetration power" and strength in the video marketplace. Many smaller video distributors cannot compete with major studios’ video releases because of the lack of funds to allow them to be competitive.

The video store owner only goes "where the money is" when it comes to the massive marketing and advertising campaigns used to release a picture. Why? That is how they rent movies, by getting it to the people through marketing and advertising. Also keep in mind, video stores must rent videos to stay in business. I am here because of you, the people, and as long as you continue to ask for Ivan Rogers movies, our distribution network (cinema, video, and television) will only keep getting stronger!

YOU HAVE AN EDUCATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS VIDEO OUT ON THE MARKET. YOU HAVE A 2nd DEGREE BLACK BELT IN KARATE. YOU KICKBOXED PROFESSIONALLY. WHY DON’T YOU MAKE A MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE?

Let’s put it this way. I was very involved in martial arts and kickboxing for some years. And, I still from time to time will promote a pro/am kickboxing event because I feel like giving something back to something I got so much out of. But, to make a martial arts movie? No. I enjoy watching a good martial arts film. I think they’re fun and definitely entertaining, and I have used martial arts in a few of my movies. I just don’t have the desire, the passion, or the interest to involve myself completely in that genre of film. So, I leave it to those who do!

I WROTE A SCRIPT. WILL YOU READ IT?

Only if it is a vehicle for me as either an actor; an actor/director; or an actor/director/producer. At this point in time I am interested primarily in making Ivan Rogers movies.

DO YOU GIVE SEMINARS? DO YOU MAKE PERSONAL APPEARANCES?

Yes. I give workshops on screenwriting, acting for film, and film production. I also give seminars on the business of filmmaking. As far as personal appearances, yes to that too. Very often. If you would like to arrange for any of these, contact my Secretary, Marisa Caldero, via e-mail with your request. She can provide you will all of the necessary information to make it all happen.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT MAKING MOVIES?

Nothing I would consider special or out of the ordinary, other than try to relax (which is often very difficult to do with the demands of this business and the people involved) and clear my mind. It seems to take me weeks, and sometimes months, to get the last movie out of my head. I also spend time writing verse, which is very calming. As a matter of fact, I have a collection (of verse) that I started writing in the 70’s that I am putting together with some of my black and white photography. I am working toward having the works published as a book. It is entitled, "My Life’s Impressions". Hopefully you will see it in the not so distant future in bookstores, and/or , right here on The Ivan Rogers Official Web Site.