Today as we dive into the exciting world of filmmaking with Kristian Mercardo, the talented director behind the enchanting romantic film, "If You Were The Last" In this exclusive interview, Kristian opens up about his love for movies, the magic of his latest project, and the behind-the-scenes stories that brought his vision to life.
A Family Affair: Kristian's passion for filmmaking has deep roots, nurtured by his family's love for the silver screen. He shares how going to the movies every week with his family in Puerto Rico was a cherished tradition, bonding over the magic of cinema. With an uncle who was a film collector, Kristian was exposed to a treasure trove of movies, sparking his early education in the world of film.
Falling in Love with Movies: As we explore the journey that led Kristian to filmmaking, he fondly recalls his childhood favorite, "Back to the Future." This iconic film left a lasting impression on him with its magic and clever storytelling. It's a movie that continues to resonate with him, a timeless classic that he can watch with friends and family, creating an enduring connection through the shared experience of cinematic storytelling.
The Pressure of Filmmaking: Moving from his love of movies to becoming a filmmaker, Kristian shares the challenges and joys of his career. He likens the process to pushing a boulder up a mountain, a difficult yet gratifying endeavor. For Chris, the filmmaking process feels like being at home, where he can be his truest self, bringing his creative vision to life on set.
Behind the Scenes: If You Were The Last: "If You Were the Last" is Kristian's latest project, and it's no wonder he's so excited about it. He highlights that the film offers an earnest portrayal of love, charming audiences and captivating them. Early reactions have labeled it an instant classic and a cult favorite in the making. Chris is delighted that the film resonates with viewers, especially those who are embarking on their own journey of love.
Bringing "If You Were The Last" to Life: Kristian reveals that he discovered the script for "If You Were The Last through his search for compelling stories. The script, penned by Angela Barroso, left a strong impression on him. He was drawn to the quality and innovation within its pages. The fresh take on storytelling and the depth of the characters made him eager to bring the project to life.
Collaboration and Creativity: When working on the script, Kristian emphasizes the collaborative process. While the script remained largely intact, he and the writer added some callbacks and mirror moments to enhance the narrative. The collaborative spirit extended to the actors as well, with moments of improvisation and punch-ups that elevated the scenes.
Exploring Visual Boundaries: One striking aspect of "If You Were The Last" is its vibrant and colorful visuals. Kristian discusses his enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. He wanted to create a colorful emotional space that resonates with the audience, tracking the characters' emotions through color choices. The film's colorful palette enhances the storytelling, adding depth to the characters' journey.
Nostalgia and Love: Throughout "If You Were The Last" there are references to the '80s and '90s, which Kristian explains are a deliberate nod to nostalgia. He believes that preserving something old can be a form of love. Sharing memories and cherished experiences from the past is a powerful way to connect with others, mirroring the language of love itself.
The Perfect Cast: The chemistry between the two lead actors, Anthony Mackie and Zoë Chao, was palpable during auditions, leading Kristian to believe they were the perfect duo for the film. Their on-screen friendship mirrors their off-screen relationship, as they became close friends during the production. Kristian is open to the idea of working with them again, either as a pair or individually, in future projects.
Favorite Character: When asked about his favorite character in the film, Kristian humorously mentions the lovable robot. He shares a personal connection to the character, as the voice of the computer is provided by a friend. This character represents more than just a piece of machinery; it embodies the ship's personality and becomes a third character in the story.
Unseen Scenes: While many films have deleted scenes that don't make it to the final cut, Kristian reveals that they ended up using most of the scenes they shot. The editing process aimed to maintain a strict rhythm, ensuring that every scene contributed to the film's overall pacing and storytelling.
What's Next: As for Kristian's future, he is developing several feature projects, with exciting announcements on the horizon. He teases the forthcoming Cheech and Chong movie and hints at the possibility of working with Anthony Mackie and Zoë Chao again. Fans can look forward to more captivating stories and colorful visuals in Chris's upcoming projects.