IFP/PHX Member of the Month: Stephanie M. Flores

[IFPPHX Admin]

	MEMBER of the MONTH
Stephanie M. Flores

IFP Phoenix features a Member of the Month – s/he is a filmmaker that has worked to set the bar high for film in Arizona.

This month features Stephanie M. Flores.  Stephanie works as an AD, Director, Editor and Writer.

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STEPHANIE M. FLORES
Residence: Phoenix, AZ
Age: 26
Occupation/Area of Expertise: Director/Assistant Director/Editor/Writer

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Amanda Melby (IFP): When did you first know you wanted to make films?
Stephanie M. Flores (SF): When I was a freshman in high school, I attended Anytown, a youth leadership program that focuses on diversity, awareness and social justice.  At this program I learned the stories of people’s lives and realized I wanted to make movies that got people to think and understand each other.

(IFP): What filmmaker, living or dead, inspires you?
(SF): I have always loved Steven Spielberg.  Looking at his films you can see his growth.  I am intrigued that he continues to create great stories, which both impact and appeal to mass society.  I also love Pedro Almódovar for his interesting stories and Michel Gondry and Luis Buñuel for their creativity.

(IFP): What’s the one thing you can’t live without on a set?
(SF): Organization, professionalism and ethics.

(IFP): What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten about making films?
(SF): I’ve been given a lot of great advice.  The one thing that sticks out in my mind is “when you are on set; you are auditioning for your next job”.

(IFP): What are the things you do to prepare for a film you're directing?
(SF): I am very thorough with pre-production that I know the story well and I’ve corroborated all my ideas before I walk on set.  I started studying film from the screen-writing standpoint and get into the details.  I also think the shots through to aid the story and with my editing background, I know exactly what shots I need. I also really think about the team I assemble and how they will mesh with each other on set.

(IFP): What’s the strangest thing you’ve made an actor do for a film?
(SF): For my 2^nd short, I gave the actors an audition piece, which was the climax of the film, the hardest scene, plus it had no dialogue.  When auditions came around, I had forgotten that I gave out a scene with no dialogue that during the first audition my team was confused with what was going on.

(IFP): What does the future of independent filmmaking look like?
(SF): It is uncertain.  I feel wherever there is a need to tell a story, indie film will live.  I hope it is a future, where filmmakers continue to develop and grow in their craft and raise the standard for each film they make and/or work on.

(IFP): What are your current projects?
(SF): I am currently the 1^st AD on the feature independent film “StarQuest”.  I am also a PA in the AD department on the Sony mini-series “Maneater”.

(IFP): Describe a highlight of your career so far.
(SF): Film has taken me many places.  My current career highlight is to be at the beginning of the career I want and being able to see a glimpse of the future from where I stand.

(IFP): Where can people contact you?  Do you have a website?
(SF): Http://web.mac.com/steffyflores/iWeb/Site/Home.html My demo reel is posted here: http://web.mac.com/steffyflores/iWeb/Site/Demo%20Reel.html

(IFP): What are the benefits of having an organization such as IFP Phoenix in the community – how has it directly or indirectly helped you?
(SF):  IFP Phoenix has allowed me to get connected and stay connected with the independent film community and has kept me up to date with what is going on for film in Phoenix.  It has also provided a space, which I have utilized for auditions for films I’ve directed and worked on.

Editor's Note: IFP/PHX offices are FREE to IFP/PHX members to utilize during the weekdays and very inexpensive to rent on the weeknights and weekends. More Info.



--as told to Amanda Melby of IFP Phoenix, February 28, 2009

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[Jon Bonnell]

Congrats to Steph for this honor and work well done on Star Quest!

[Amanda Melby]

CONGRATS Stephanie! It was a pleasure to work with you on Darkness of Light!

Amanda