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Sukanya interviews Mac Jameson, an Irish American actor-director, discusses his filmmaking journey, challenges, and upcoming projects with Emerald Strike Film Co., emphasising collaboration, communication, and audience feedback, exclusively for Different Truths.
Mac Jameson, actor, director, and co-owner is an Irish American, who grew up in the south. At a young age, he started finding work as an actor but growing up in the east coast, was never a lot of work for an actor. He began boxing in amatures and then went on to compete professionally. Even starting a gym in the process. Later, coming back to filmmaking and acting and then starting the Indie film company Emerald Strike Film Co., not long after!
SBM: “Midnight Transient” showcases a unique narrative and setting. What inspired the concept and how did you develop it from the initial idea to the final script?
MJ: So, I and the other writers had many different ideas early on, many months before production, on how “Midnight Transient” was going to go. My go-to partner in early concepts of the story was my co-star in the film Leanna Knisley. Who mainly does costume and clothing design,so She is a natural Creative. We went around a lot with the setting and how the story would go.
When we did end up with the first few drafts, those drafts would go to a new writer on the team and tighten certain aspects. Like most of my films, at least the characters’ traits are based in some personal reality, this being my mentally coping with Depression, often wondering who I was when I was in different parts of my life.
Obviously, the film itself is more classic horror styled.
SBM: Emerald Strike Film Company has produced a variety of short films. Can you discuss the overarching themes or styles that you aim to explore through these projects?
MJ: Our Job at Emerald Strike Film Co. is making sure we can provide work on the east coast where it is truly needed. We try to maintain in-house efforts, Covering primary costs and so much more.
I myself, along with others, noticed that most indie films tend to paint their pictures on a small scale, and I knew I did not. In “Midnight Transient” you can wonder how much more there is we didn’t see? And often there is a feeling of needing to watch it over since there are details you may have missed. Any film I make will seem to be tied to each other in the same universe. The upcoming “Follow the River ”, Our physiological war thriller, is the same. You won’t get it all in the first viewing and you’ll be left wondering more. Emerald Strike is only now really making work we want to show, and moving hell and earth to do it.
SBM: Each film seems to embody distinct thematic elements and genres. How do you approach the genre framework for each project, particularly balancing suspense with deep character studies?
MJ: The rule I live by when I make a story, or approve of others, let the characters lead us through the story. That way the characters will be interesting and we want to see where they go and what will happen! I am an actor first, director and all else after.
SBM: How do you navigate the casting process across your films? Are there specific attributes you look for in actors to bring your complex characters to life?
MJ: The thought was a series of films with the same lead actors as different characters each time. These were early days but we still stick with certain actors since we know what we will get! But moving forward I’m excited about finding and working with new actors and I can only say they need to be the person on the pages first.
SBM: Could you share any behind-the-scenes challenges or memorable moments from the productions of your films?
MJ: Since “Follow the River” is set in 1968, in the Vietnam War, we had to film for seven months in an overgrown, hot climate. Often far away from anything or anyone, that meant moving and transporting all the gear, equipment and props in these rigid environments. I remember one day of shooting, where we were behind in time and had to catch the golden hour in the next shot. For reference I am a direct person but not mean, so I was yelling for everyone to move to the next position, and the other lead, Tony Wilkerson, walked up to me in his calm, southern charm kind of way and said ‘Mac, don’t yell, it is hot.’ Then he smiled and started walking. That is a favourite moment of mine.
SBM: Working with an indie film studio like Emerald Strike Film Company must present unique opportunities and challenges. How has this partnership influenced your filmmaking process?
MJ: Since I and others are responsible for Emerald Strike Film Co. I feel deeply responsible for all matters involved. As an Actor, you’re always concerned with your own efforts, but since we started down this road, I have become more involved in all process. I used a term I had heard before recently when “Midnight Transient” was about to go public, saying in the phone call with Archie, our audio chief, that we ‘failed better this time.’ knowing that we try to do better every time and knowing perfection is always a goal.
SBM: With “Midnight Transient” and other films available on various platforms, what responses have you received from viewers, and how has the audience’s feedback influenced your approach to new projects?
MJ: Not enough, I always like to hear input on work. especially when it’s constructive or positive! Haha!
SBM: As a director, ensuring your vision is realized on screen can be demanding. How do you effectively communicate and maintain your vision with your production team?
MJ: As simple as it sounds, the number one key is communication. If everyone communicates well then, we are in good shape. I play text and email tag often, and remember to remind each person to talk about wants, needs and concerns. The people who don’t communicate or can’t, over a time. We find a way to not have them involved or work with again, since it’s so essential. At the end of the day, all I can do is lead by example, and ask kindly. The rest is up to them, I just protect the film.
SBM: What new projects or genres are you excited to tackle in the near future? Are there any upcoming films we should be on the lookout for?
MJ: Very Excited about upcoming releases and new work! We have some stuff greenlit and some on the table to be approved. Can’t say much but some really great stories are coming soon!
SBM: Finally, for those inspired by your work and aspiring to enter the film industry, what advice would you offer them?
MJ: Challenge and evolve your thought process. If there isn’t work, go make it, or support the ones taking it on the chin to make it easier for you. These things take you out of your comfort zone and can be very tricky. but they will make you a better creative and artist along with being more appreciative of others’ work.
SBM: Can you tell us about the origins of Emerald Strike Film Company? What led to its creation, and what were your initial goals?
MJ: When we did our first film three years ago, “2022” it was just an effort. three to four years later we have come a long way and have so much of what we need to make great things. Now we can provide work and work with a stronger process!
SBM: When did you realize that filmmaking was the career path for you? Were there specific films or experiences that influenced your decision?
MJ: There are so many films I love deeply, but I started as an actor with a camera at twelve years old. As I grew older and had work here and there, I changed careers and was a pro Boxer for a few years. a true testament to my method acting Haha, when i came back to acting, directing was a requirement to make the work well.
SBM: Throughout your career, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
MJ: Too many to count, one day I’ll write a book.
Depression is an uphill battle, always, but I strike a kind balance these days, not having large sums of money early made me and the team a lot smarter about making choices and making work. That made me stronger as a creative and great at problem solving which is a primary requirement in this business.
The biggest issue I and eventually everyone will run into is people and their problems. It’s true it’s not your problem, until it threatens months of work and time. Then you will have to find a way, or part ways. I love people, but I know life is tough and we are different for different reasons, so I always try to remind myself of that and seek peace.
Photos sourced by the interviewer
