Award Winning Film Producer Mike Montagna Reveals Latest Production Interviews A

Italian-born film and television producer Mike Montagna knows how to make an award-winning film. His latest masterpiece is ‘Viral Chica’, the screenplay penned by Alejandro Quiros and is set to scoop up recognition on the international film festival circuit.We sat down with Mike to discuss the feature film which follows a talented young singer who dives into the glamorous yet ruthless music industry, where she must fight to maintain her artistic integrity and discover her true self while facing personal and professional challenges.Welcome Mike! Tell us about the movie ‘Viral Chica’.The film chronicles the journey of a gifted young singer as she steps into the dazzling yet ruthless music industry. She must navigate a complex web of personal and professional obstacles to preserve her artistic integrity. Central themes include the conflict between artistic authenticity and commercial success. The protagonist, a talented young singer, grapples with industry pressures to conform and commercialize her music, risking the loss of her unique voice. The narrative delves deeply into the price of fame, highlighting the personal sacrifices and emotional toll that accompany the pursuit of success. Strained relationships, mental health struggles, and the constant battle to maintain one’s integrity are central to her journey. Self-discovery is a crucial element, with the protagonist’s journey becoming one of profound introspection and growth. As she navigates the chaotic and often exploitative nature of the music world, she must come to terms with her true self, values, and identity. The film examines power dynamics within the industry, shedding light on how young artists can be taken advantage of and the importance of wise navigation through these challenges. The protagonist encounters various figures who either seek to exploit her or offer genuine mentorship and support. These relationships play a critical role in her development, with characters providing guidance, encouragement, and serving as cautionary examples of what can happen when one loses sight of their principles. Mentorship and support systems, including the crucial role of her parents, are pivotal in her journey.Visually, the film contrasts the superficial glamor of the industry with the protagonist’s internal struggles. High-energy singing scenes and performances are juxtaposed with intimate, reflective moments that delve into her emotional and psychological battles. The visual style is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the excitement of the music scene while also providing a stark contrast to the protagonist’s personal turmoil. Ultimately, the film delivers a powerful message about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to one’s art and self in the face of external pressures and adversities.It is a story of personal growth, the struggle for artistic integrity, and the enduring power of self-belief. The protagonist’s journey is one of overcoming obstacles, finding her voice, and understanding that true success lies in staying authentic to oneself, regardless of the industry’s demands.How did you tackle your role as Producer?My role as the producer took on a very hands-on approach, ensuring that every aspect of the production ran smoothly and efficiently. This involved a daily presence during filming, where I oversaw operations to ensure that both the artistic and logistical elements were being executed as planned.My responsibilities extended to coordinating with the heads of various departments—including cinematography, production design, and costume design—to ensure that their work aligned with Alejandro Quiros’s vision and the thematic needs of the film. I was also deeply involved in problem-solving on set. Whether it was adjusting shooting schedules due to unforeseen delays or addressing budgetary constraints that impacted production choices, I was integral in making quick, effective decisions that kept the project on track without compromising artistic quality.My role included mediating between the creative desires of the director and the practical limitations imposed by the budget, often requiring innovative solutions to ensure that the film’s quality was not compromised. Furthermore, I facilitated communication between the director, the cast, and the crew, ensuring that everyone was clear on the day’s goals and how they fit into the larger production schedule. This involved regular briefings and debriefings, which helped in maintaining a cohesive and motivated team. In terms of logistics, I managed the intricate details of shooting permissions, especially when filming on location. This required negotiations with local authorities and compliance with various regulations, ensuring that our shoots went as planned without legal or ethical breaches. Additionally, my role extended to overseeing the daily rushes and feedback sessions with Alejandro and the editing team, providing another layer of quality control before the film moved into post-production. By being actively involved on set every day, I played a pivotal role in not just managing but actively steering the film towards the realization of our creative vision, ensuring that each scene, each shot, and each performance resonated with the authenticity and depth that the script demanded.This hands-on management was crucial in delivering a film that not only met our creative and commercial goals but also provided a platform for meaningful discourse on the intricacies of the music industry.What brought the project to your attention?I became involved in this project after being captivated by the initial screenplay penned by Alejandro Quiros, which was introduced to me through a mutual connection in the film industry. Recognizing the screenplay’s potential to offer a fresh and impactful take on the music industry, I was immediately drawn to the depth and authenticity of the characters and the narrative.Intrigued by Alejandro’s unique vision and the script’s exploration of complex themes such as artistic integrity and the personal costs of fame, I reached out to him to express my interest.During our initial meetings, Alejandro and I discussed our visions for the film extensively. We explored how we could collaboratively enhance the script’s narrative arc and deepen the emotional resonance of the characters’ journeys. It became evident that our creative philosophies aligned well, and we shared a common goal of crafting a film that could resonate emotionally with audiences while also offering a critique of the music industry.Convinced of the project’s potential, I formally joined as a producer. My role then expanded into assembling a team that could realize our shared vision. This involved engaging experienced professionals from casting directors to location scouts, all chosen for their ability to contribute uniquely to the project. I also spearheaded efforts to secure funding, negotiating with investors and presenting the project in a way that highlighted its commercial viability and artistic value.Furthermore, I took on the critical tasks of scheduling and budget management, ensuring that every aspect of the film’s production was meticulously planned and executed within financial constraints. This included overseeing the day-to-day operations on set, resolving any issues that arose promptly, and ensuring that the production adhered to all planned timelines and quality standards.Overall, my involvement has been a comprehensive commitment to steering the project from an inspiring screenplay to a fully realized film, ensuring at every step that our artistic vision was not compromised by the practical challenges of film production.Where does the film take place?We filmed in Los Angeles, which provided a dynamic and versatile backdrop that enriched the narrative and visual aesthetic of our project. Los Angeles, with its rich history in the entertainment industries, offered authentic locations that resonated with the themes of artistic pursuit and the music industry’s allure and challenges.I find the subject matter is highly interesting. When can we see it?We are about to finish the post-production… So, we’ll see you this autumn in film festivals around the world!The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced that award-winning producing partnership Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, co-founders of Number 9 Films, will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the 72nd EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday 10 February in London. The Outstanding British…Your email address will not be published.

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