It started at age 10, just writing short stories and doing skits with my cousins. Later we got our hands on a video camera. Directing came naturally to me. because I was always gathering my friends on the weekends to take part in the short films I was making and taking the work seriously, even if everyone else saw it as a hobby. My style tends to be a bit relaxed: Let the actors breathe in their performances, map out the shots ahead of time with my cinematographer, and be as hands-on as possible on set. I’d compare my style to the visual moodiness of Michael Mann mixed with the emphasis on interesting characters like Richard Donner.
indieactivity: Do you hire a casting director, or not? What criteria goes into your casting?
André Joseph (AJ): I only hire a casting director to fill out the background players or supporting roles if they come highly recommended. Otherwise, I like choosing the casting myself based on how the actors connect with the characters on the page. Oftentimes, I’ll even be open to alternate interpretations of a character during auditions just to test the actor’s range.
The Last Vendetta | Official Final Trailer
What went into the casting process for “The Last Vendetta”?
André Joseph (AJ): Since this was the third in a trilogy, it was no problem getting the returning cast. Some of the new additions to the cast, including Mako San, Beavin Lawrence, Troy Sill, and Lissette Cancel, were actors I had worked with on previous projects with whom I had positive working relationships. Others, such as Melissa Goitia, James Navan, and James Gavin, either auditioned over backstage.com or were recommended by actor friends.
Without giving anything away, tell us a little bit about the script. How did you come up with the idea?
André Joseph (AJ): Chris Corulla and I had initially discussed The Last Vendetta as the installment where we would find out who was responsible for the death of DEA Agent Keith Miller’s wife. Then COVID happened, and we were going back and forth online, trading script pages.
It was during this time that Chris turned me on to a documentary called “The Last Narc” about the scandal surrounding the kidnapping and murder of DEA Agent Enrique `Kiki’ Camarena in the ‘80s. The real story fascinated me enough to add the subplot of our characters’ boss, James Marks, going missing just as he’s about to be confirmed to a high political position.
Who is “The Last Vendetta” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
André Joseph (AJ): The Last Vendetta is for anyone who enjoys intense action movies like LETHAL WEAPON and BAD BOYS, as well as the films of Michael Mann, including HEAT and MIAMI VICE.
How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
André Joseph (AJ): It was roughly a 21-day shoot from March to July of 2023.
How long was the post-production process?
André Joseph (AJ): Post-production was roughly one year’s work. A good chunk of the time was spent on visual effects with two different VFX teams in New Zealand and South Africa working on it.
The film had a lot of talent working behind the scenes as DPs, sound designers, composers, etc. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
André Joseph (AJ): I pride myself on working with talented people from every different background and culture. They bring their life experiences to the project just as much as their practical experience as filmmakers. Whether they learned in school or took the “do it yourself” approach at home, every new project has a new challenge, and they usually meet the challenge at 100%.
What are your goals with “The Last Vendetta”?
André Joseph (AJ): We currently have the movie streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, both in the US and the UK. We hope to expand further internationally, continue to build a fan following for future projects, and expose the industry to the talented actors and crew who took part in it.
The Making of THE LAST VENDETTA
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
André Joseph (AJ): I’m planning to tour my award-winning short DISMISSAL TIME to schools sometime this fall. Additionally, I have a Christmas-themed dramatic short called BROOKLYN LIGHTS that will be made available on streaming platforms this holiday season. Other projects, including a western genre feature, are still in the works right now.
What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey? Any special courses, workshops, or helpful books they can read?
André Joseph (AJ): Get an affordable camera or use your phone to start. Learn as you go, using any resources made available to you, and work with what you can afford. While books are great for expanding film knowledge, there are so many great YouTube tutorials out there that simplify every aspect of filmmaking and post-production today.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
André Joseph (AJ): The one who stands out the most is Richard Donner because he never limited himself to just one genre of film. Whether it’s Superman, The Goonies, or Lethal Weapon, he puts the characters first before the story. Additionally, his films always end on a high note to feel inspired with hope rather than disappointment.
What advice would you give directors around the world?
André Joseph (AJ): Audiences are hungry for new stories. More than at any time in history, we have an opportunity to present our unique perspectives to the world without going through gatekeepers and middlemen.
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