Working for 20 years in TV and film as a writer director. Won Israeli Academy Award worked with HBO and currently with Disney and mostly having fun with indipendent spirt film.
How would you describe your work as a director
A big joy and a world of creating my imagination into a reality.
How did you get into directing
I always wanted to be a soccer player but didn’t make it professionally so I found myself making short films about sport figures and then discovered that what I do is directing.
How do you choose a project to direct
When the story moves me and I can imagine it in a motion picture, sound dialogue and music.
Briefly describe in a few words wrong impressions actors, writers,and directors have about directing
I’m not sure there are wrong impressions about directing – Everyone’s allowed to his own opinion and taste about it.
Do you take courses to increase you craft
Yes – I just did Joane Shekel’s workshop and enjoyed it. She worked on one of my favorite films “Little Miss Sunshine”.
What books do you read
Either good stories which inspire me in my writing or spiritual books which give me right perspective about life.
Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for
A right fit and who can deliver the story.
When you are offered a project what things do you put in place to do a good job
A good script that excites me.
Briefly explain your latest work
Is ThatYou? A road trip fiction following a search of a 60 year old man to his old girlfriend from 40 years ago. A film about the Road Not Taken in life.
What thing/situation helps you during production
Good and positive team.
Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production
On Is That You? I have decided to combine documentary elements to make the film and the story feel as honest as possible.
How do you advice directors to find projects
Follow a story that excites you.
How can filmmakers finance projects
With a good story that money people/investors will believe in.
What do you want from an actor in production
Honesty and confidence.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
Knowing he has everything in place and we share mutual trust.
What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry
Be persistent and passionate about a story that communicates well to others and make them feel, think and laugh.
Is That You? – Trailer from Dani Menkin on Vimeo.
Who is your favorite director
More then one – Steven Spielberg, Woddy Allen, Richard Linklater, Alexander Payne.
Why this director
They combine mastering their craft with a wonderful spirit.
What advice would you give to directors around the world
Be passionate and persistent with your craft and continue learning and growing while you tell stories that excite you.
Briefly write about your career
Dani Menkin is an Israeli Academy Award Winning filmmaker for 39 POUNDS OF LOVE. The film, written, produced and directed by him has been sold to HBO and was short listed for the Oscars.
His award winning film, DOLPHIN BOY was sold to over 20 countries around the globe and was recently bought by DISNEY for adaptation. Dani wrote, produced and directed the award winning film JE T’AIME I LOVE YOU TERMINAL, planned to go on theatrical distribution in U.S., and is also a creator partner for the Israeli cult indie film WISDOM OF THE PRETZEL.
Dani Menkin is a speaker and film juror at International Festivals around the world as well as a film professor in universities and colleges in Israel and U.S.
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