Or Die Trying executive producers Sarah Hawkins and Myah Hollis caught up with fellow executive producer, Karl Holtz, to talk about his experience working in the film and music industries.
ODT: You're producing different projects across the country, but where are you currently located?
Karl Holtz: Rochester, NY.
ODT What’s your favorite film?
KH: Hmm.. that’s a tough one, you know, because there are so many great films and so many genres to subscribe too. Could my favorite film be "Bridge On The River Kwai"? Could it be "Dancing With Wolves" or perhaps "Gladiator", or a "Bourne" or a "Batman" movie....Sounds like a bunch of potential men in films, right?
However, what really comes to mind are two films. Totally different, yet a great sense of cinematography, direction, storyline, and just great acting… so I’d say, "My Cousin Vinny" and/or "the Usual Suspects.”
ODT: What inspires you most?
KH: At 49, I'm stoked to wake up alive every day and breathe. Next would be being a father to a very powerful and strong daughter! Third is the ability to create... whether it be music, film, delicious food I eat, or my garden I relax in.
ODT: Tell us about your rock and roll days! How has being in the music industry informed your career since or informed the way you approach new projects?
KH: Practice, practice, practice, then jump in with your boots tied tightly. Recording is so similar to being on set in a movie: lots of takes on set verses lots of re-recording tracks of songs. To me, you can’t let your ego get in the way in either experience, whether music or film. You have to follow through and make it happen until it’s done right. Sometimes it hurts in the moment, however; when you hit it, you're better off for pushing yourself.
ODT: As an executive producer, what types of attributes do you look for in a film or series?
KH: I look and lean towards really, super duper talented people, honest humans who are gifted and artistic; dream-makers and risk-takers that make my boat rock. Those are the people that intrigue me and allow me opportunity to be persuaded to assist.
ODT: Aside from producing and supporting women in film, you’re also an actor! We’re excited to hear about your debut leading role in the upcoming short, FILLING IN. Tell us about your experience on set!
KH: Oh jeez... practice, practice, practice. Jump in on set, get schooled, do it again and then again until the director tells ya you hit it. It’s important to respect and enjoy the people you are surrounded by. It truly helped me as a new actor with no acting experience other than my day-to-day acting within society.
ODT: What do you love most about acting?
KH: FEAR! The fear. It’s similar to playing live in a band in front of people. Playing in a band live is different than film... with film, you can do as many takes of a scene as many times as needed, but playing in a band live, you've got one shot; that moment, that’s all you’ve got. Film is similar... because you just don't want to f*ck up in front of your peers and the entire crew that is counting on you to make it right.
ODT: You are a huge advocate for women in film, and an outspoken feminist; giving opportunity to women in film and exposure to changing the gender gap here in Hollywood. How would you encourage other men to champion for women in film?
KH: For me, it’s a given. As a man, I am lucky to have had the experiences in life that created who I am today. I don't care if you are male, female, black, white or dashingly creative with rainbows; to me it’s a no-brainer. Supporting and/or championing WOMYN in film has to be from the heart. It’s about respect. There are no gender differences with me when it comes to life, or directing and film. Create!
As far as other men supporting WOMYN in film, it has to be the breath that man takes. It can't be forced. Man has to feel it in his heart and know WOMYN are strong. WOMYN give life, they nurture.
ODT: What do you think is the most effective way to go about changing the systematic gender problems in the film industry?
KH: I can't answer that whole heartedly because I don't know. It’s like going back to 1981, and asking how do we accept the changes in society so that same sex couples can be married, or transgender people can be accepted. All I can say, is, fight, fight, fight.... wait and then fight again. It’s all about time.
ODT: What dream(s) are you most fighting for?
KH: Well since I’ve quit Monkey Wrenching, I’d say waking up in the morning breathing is huge. Raising a healthy daughter who is strong in her convictions and is fair to those around her as she becomes a WOMYN, is huge; kind of like all of you all in ODT!
