Four Questions with Anthony Vallone, Sara Stepnicka, and Jon E. Livernois
By Nicole Rupersburg

I was able to spend some time with Anthony Vallone and Sara Stepnicka of ValloNicka Films, a Michigan-based film production company. I was introduced to them by their publicist Lee Runchey at the premiere of their film Sometimes in Life at the inaugural Detroit Windsor International Film Festival, where I was able to get them (as well as one of the starring actors, Jon E. Livernois) to answer thedetroiter.com’s Four Questions.

Anthony Vallone and Sara Stepnicka formed ValloNicka Films in 2000. Anthony and Sara met while they were attending college at Eastern Michigan University where Anthony was studying filmmaking and Sara was studying theater.  The two were romantically involved before realizing the other’s passion for telling stories visually.
 
Together they wanted to form an artisan production company that developed, created, and produced Michigan-based films for a global audience while also inspiring and helping to develop the film culture here in Michigan.

Since its inception, ValloNicka films have produced two feature films. The first, called The Mongol King (a crime drama), joined the ranks of El Mariachi as being one of the five lowest-budget films to be picked up for distribution. The second, Sometimes in Life (a drama about love and loss and unlikely friendships), just premiered at the inaugural Detroit Windsor International Film Festival and has just been announced for screening at the upcoming Trinity Film Festival here in Detroit.

ValloNicka Films is participated in Christopher Coppolla’s (as in film-industry-royals “the Coppollas”) PAH-Fest. PAH-Fest (“Project Accessible Hollywood”) is Coppolla’s traveling film festival which encourages independent filmmakers to tell their stories and helps make that possible by offering various local filmmaking competitions as well as a global audience for film screenings. ValloNicka will be participating in the “Mobiflicks” competition, in which filmmakers have three days to shoot and edit their films. They are using a story by publicist Lee Runchey called “Why the Granny Panty Told the G-String to Stick It.”

Jon E. Livernois is a passionate Detroiter and actor who lives in and loves the D. He had a starring role in ValloNicka’s Sometimes in Life, and it was the way he played his character that gave the film some necessary levity. He is fun and energetic, and brings a real presence to the big screen that we look forward to seeing more of.

Responses from Anthony Vallone (Producer, director)

Why Detroit? Visually, historically, and culturally rich – perfect for filmmakers trying to create projects for national and global audiences.

Why filmmaking? Michigan already has a deep history in producing numerous talented filmmakers both in front and behind the camera. I think it’s something in the water.

What is the future of filmmaking? I think with the technological advances to show your movie, no matter how big or how small, to a global audience is very powerful. Figuring out how to reach your market within that audience and deliver your project to them, is where the future lies.

What is the future of filmmaking in Detroit? Bright, if our most talented stay in the area or come back after being trained elsewhere, and we can manage to keep the film incentive here to attract production companies and allow our film industry to evolve and flourish.

Responses from Sara Stepnicka (Producer, leading lady)

Why Detroit? Why not Detroit?! There are so many beautiful sites to showcase in this area, and there is so much love and support for us to succeed here. I’ve lived in the metro Detroit area for 12 years now and want to see this area prosper.

Why filmmaking? Filmmaking is something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. It’s not glamorous, it’s hard work, and definitely not for everyone. It has to be something you really want to do or it shows.

What is the future of filmmaking? With filmmaking gone digital, it creates a lot more opportunities for a lot more people to carry out their vision.

What is the future of filmmaking in Detroit? It’s definitely on its way to creating a whole new economy in this area, when we need it the most!

Responses from Jon E. Livernois (Lead actor)

Why Detroit? It had to be Detroit because Detroit made me. I AM DETROIT! I owe this city so much.

Why filmmaking? Filmmaking seemed a logical choice in that I wanted to help tell stories that could be seen by many people at any given time.

What is the future of filmmaking? Filmmaking will only get better due to the fact that more people are able to tell their stories with the cost of films being more affordable. No need for fancy scenery or explosions, just good stories.

What is the future of filmmaking in Detroit? Detroit is ready to be felt in filmmaking; we have so much to offer. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

My thanks to Anthony, Sara, and Jon for taking the time to answer these questions, and I wish them all the best of luck in future film endeavors. The filmmaking industry is on the brink of exploding here in Detroit, thanks partially to the recent bill passed by Governor Granholm allowing significant tax breaks for filmmakers to film in the state of Michigan, and thanks also to the tireless efforts of Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano’s office, fighting to build the film industry in the city itself, as well as organizations such as Detroit Renaissance, fighting to boost the Creative Class here in the City with projects like the Creative Corridor. Detroit is on the cusp of something huge, and it is all thanks to the people who believed in the City when it was the most difficult to do so.

We here at thedetroiter.com can certainly appreciate that.

Detroit artist Maurice Greenia, Jr., “Maugre” is currently exhibiting at MOCAD as part of their “Considering Detroit” Art Detroit Now exhibition.

Born in Detroit’s cultural center in 1953, Greenia continues to reside in the cultural heart of the city today. In the early 1990s, he put together his first and last name and began signing his name “Maugre,”, which he discovered later quite fittingly to be an archaic word meaning “to withstand in a defiant manner.” He considers himself an outsider artist, “I’m self-taught (sometimes naïve and sometimes knowing) with the wild and original sensibilities of a self-taught artist. This is a feeling that’s more than just about being outside the mainstream of the ‘art community’. I have a strong Surrealist streak and I’m a naturally surreal human creature. That said, I stand with other outsiders (who have been outside or who are still outside now) including native/aboriginal peoples, African-Americans, women, children, those who are called “mad,” all true artists everywhere, jazz and blues players, the victims who struggle against their victimization, the poor, the sad, the angry, the lost.”

An interest in poetry became a passion and spilled onto paper and canvas in the surrealist tradition. His monthly “Poetic Express,” featuring his poetry, drawings, and a comic strip called “surreal theatre” has been appearing since 1985. He’s been exhibiting regularly since then, initially at Willis Gallery and Space Gallery, before moving on to Galerie Jacques in Ann Arbor, run by the late Jacques Karamanoukian, who would help Greenia to show in France.

In 1996 and 97, he did a huge street art project on the abandoned Hudson’s building in downtown Detroit all in bright colored (or white) chalk. “Due to wind and rain damage, I’d have to go back days later and go over pieces in chalk again to restore them. I walked and took the bus there carrying a ladder so I could work higher on the building. This all started in response to artists having their murals on the building rudely painted over. It ended up with interaction between the homeless people living in the building, the people who wanted to save it and the people who wanted to tear it down. My work was imploded/exploded with the building when it was demolished in October, 1998.”

Greenia also helps to run Zeitgeist Gallery, and his freeform puppet shows and “Space Band,” both make regular appearances there. For more on Greenia, see his website here.

thedetroiter.com’s arts editor Nick Sousanis conducted this interview of thedetroiter.com’s famous four questions via the Internet from his undisclosed location. See a past review of Greenia here and here.

Why Art, specifically Why Surrealistic Art?

I make art because I can and maybe because I have to. I make Art to create a better reality than the one we live in. It’s an attempt to breathe a more Utopian air. I believe that worldwide, in the USA and too locally, art is not being allowed or encouraged to be what it should be. If Art was to play its full and proper role in this world, it would be one more force for improvement. True Art is usually toward love, life and dream flowerings. It is usually against cruelty, violence and exploitation. It’s in favor of a more complex and full picture of what it means to be a human being alive in this world today.

Why Detroit?

I’ve grown accustomed to this beautiful, sometimes cruel and difficult city. It’s my hometown and I’ve lived here most of my life. I’ve got roots, family and friends here. I appreciate the good things about the city, the possibilities unique to our situations.

What is the future of (surrealistic) art (in Detroit)?

I’d like to see Detroit finally blossom into a strong RENAISSANCE of creativity. If it really takes off, the rest of the world would look toward us in surprise! I’m talking about visual arts, writing, poetry, theatre, film, dance and everything else.

What is the future of Detroit?

I look into my crystal ball but the future is hard to see. We need to go beyond just automobiles and casinos. I’m hoping for renewal resources, green business, more gardens in the vacant lots and more trees, better mass transit and yes more art. I’m hoping that the roadblocks and monkey wrenches thrown in Detroit’s path can stop or at least slow down.

Considering Detroit opens May 10. See thedetroiter.com’s arts calendar for more details and other Art Detroit Now events here.

Photo of Greenia, courtesy JIM PALLAS.

"We will all rise beneath her wings." Art Photographer Answers Our Four Questions.

First, a few words from the artist …

My pseudonym DVS is an acronym for my studio, Dark Vision Studio, as well as a play on the word "devious", to which I define as "departing from the common norm". Simply put, I am an artist. Those four words summarize who I am...who I will always be...and how I am afflicted. Afflicted to always seek beauty within the shadows of life, find inspiration in those with amazing complexity and achieve serenity within the work that aspires from it.

DVS shared his answers to thedetroiter.com's famous four questions with Lee Runchey.

Why Detroit?

Detroit creates a unique breed of artist. Because we do not have many of the resources and opportunities other cities take for granted, we are forced to struggle through our individual hardships to stand and have a voice. This struggle makes us strong...unique...and gives us a commanding voice that is uniquely our own. We live within the shadows of our great industrial past shed from the light of our destined rising. Together we have despair and hope intertwined. Though this may seem tumultuous, it actually balances us. You cannot have one without the other. Like the night before the dawn, you cannot appreciate one with the absence of the other. So why Detroit? Because I see Detroit as the great phoenix that will soon rise from within its ashes to soar towards unmeasured heights...and with faith, we will all rise beneath her wings.

Why art photography?

Photography, for me, has been many things. In my black and white film beginnings, it was primarily therapy to express the inner turmoil from the tragic loss of a dear friend. I created sculpted androgynous figures in emotive postures that symbolically displayed what was going on within. I then created scenes for each one and photographed them as living entities to dispel the pain in tangible form. Now, within digital color, photography is a physical expression within the spiritual exploration of self. As I continue my evolving journeys of mind, body and soul, I try to convey my thoughts, visions and dreams within my imagery, now using actual persons. The challenge is then to give birth to these visions physically within the studio...honestly without digital manipulation through experimentations with real elements such as fire, hand-made wardrobes, unorthodox lighting fixtures and shadowplay. I came from film beginnings so I try to remain faithful to the essence of creation from the actual flaming heart in "Sacred Heart" to the swirling lights in "Maelstrom". All this while attempting to balance the image with the essence and persona of the model as overall, this art is a collaboration of two.

What is the future of art photography?

The future of photography, in general, is unfortunate with the wonderful advancements in digital technology. In the past with film, we took our time. We waited for or created the moments to preserve or merely immortalized candid moments of time. Now, many rush through taking many photographs in hopes to capture that one magic instant. Without much thought, we erase unwanted images that used to hold candid charm. We easily erase our history as well as an integral part of our lives. Photography, in a sense, has become homogenized, pasteurized and sterilized. I don't condemn it, mind you...I do it myself. The future of "art" photography, on the other hand, will depend on the ingenuity of those photographers who think "outside the box". Some are already experimenting with antique cameras retrofitting them with modern films. Some are using other technologies not design for photography to create the unconventional. As with anything else in life, never mind what is said you cannot do. Experiment, explore and have fun.

What is the future of art photography in Detroit?

I am currently working with other professional photographers on organizing a society of fine art erotic photographers. The group promises to be a collection of the finest photographers of erotica in the region as well as serve to re-cultivate the classic definition of words "fine art". It will also serve as a mentoring or guidance program to those showing promise within this genre as well as provide them exposure through printed annuals of collected works. It is in its infancy, but great names in the profession have seen its potential and signed on.

You can view DVS' diverse portfolio of art photography as well as other artistic mediums at “www.dvsdetroit.com”.

DVS, BT Charles, Chris Maher and Danielle Kaltz will display their work for “Hush”, the first series in The Dirty Show photographer showcase, at Pulse, 156 Monroe, Detroit. The opening reception is Thursday March 8 beginning at 6 pm and runs through March 31. Please see our arts calendar for more information on this and other arts listings.

For a look at previous Four Question Interviews from our archives, click here.

"Nowhere to go but up": Artist/Curator Answers Our Four Questions

Graem Whyte. Many know him as a sculptor - creating works mathematical in nature to the more whimsical, like his recent Chewbacca series. He finds employment at CCS as a technician in the foundry, but on Wednesday nights, he serves up Ghetto Blaster and other Detroit brewed originals as the bartender at Motor City Brewing Works. In blending his art with his Wednesday night job, Whyte created the difficultly titled, weekly art showcase, "This Week In Art." Over the last several months, we've been proud to sponsor this weekly gathering of artists - a salon of sorts for this age. Over that time we've seen established artists try out new ideas and the less established get one of their first big showcases. There's been video, music, and even self-portraits drawn by all the guests of Whyte's and fellow artist, now his wife, Faina Lerman's wedding. We caught up with Whyte during his own show, the final one of 2005. Now in celebration of "This Week In Art's" ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Whyte answers thedetroiter.com's famous four questions.

(For an extensive and excellent look back at the past year of This Week In Art, check out Rebecca Mazzei's article in the MetroTimes here.)

WHY DETROIT?

Well first off, I've grown up here and lived here all my life.

And second, as an artist, it's conducive to making art. It's cheap, rent is cheap. And there's a great environment for making art.

WHY ONE NIGHT ART SHOWS?

These started out as a way to get people in the bar. As an artist this seemed like a natural fit, to have one night art shows. They're quick, they're easy. Most people go to the openings anyway. And we can't have art up for more than one night as it is because we brew in the same space that we show art.

(Owner) John (Linardos) had had a few things here before - glass shows and other miscellaneous things. There has also been Five Shows in Five Days (at the Detroit Artists Market) that Phil Burke and Roe Peterhans put on. I was in the third or fourth. And I co-curated the fourth or fifth one. This was sort of the same idea. It's great energy - there's a nice buzz that happens when it's only for the moment. It's kind of ephemeral. It's a nice way to get people to really check out the art. Because a lot of times when there's a month long show people keep putting it off and then after a while they never check it out.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF DETROIT?

Hell if I know.

But seriously, I think Detroit has a lot of room to grow, there is a great creative base in the city. There are a lot of artists and musicians. There's an environment that fosters creativity in a certain way. So I think if anything is going to happen, it's going to happen as a result of creative endeavors. It's happened in other cities. A lot of times you look at cities that have made comebacks, and the first people that go into decrepit areas are artists. They fix up those spaces and then others come in. Obviously the city has nowhere to go but up. People have been saying this for a long time, but I think it's still true.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF ONE NIGHT ART SHOWS IN DETROIT?

Well the future here at the Brewery I think is looking up. We're booked up until August. We're garnering a lot of interest from local artists. It's a great place to show for artists who might not show otherwise, and it's a great place to show for artists who might not have a gallery behind them.

As far as the broader art scene goes, I think it all depends on the galleries. Hopefully the Brewery showcase can be a catalyst for other venues, other spaces, which we really need more of in this city, to really provide the art community with what it seems to need, as evidenced by the turnout that we've been getting at these shows.

- Nick Sousanis ws@thedetroiter.com

Check out thedetroiter.com’s Famous Four Question interview with Timothy Dugdale, writer/publisher, and President of Atomic Quill Media: a “(somewhat prickly) Renaissance Man” in our old format please go here.