Meet Andres Irias | Writer/ Director/ Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andres Irias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andres, is there something you believe many others might not?
“Write what you know” is a line that’s been told multiple times to many filmmakers but I disagree with this notion. It is a great place to start when you are starting your career as a screenwriter. But as you grow, you are limiting your writing and money making potential. It is more important to write something that is interesting to you. This can be a mystery you’re dying to uncover, a subject you wish to learn about and so on. What matters is for the reader of your work to feel that contagious passion in you while reading your work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is set apart from others because I do not write what I know. I tend to risk myself and always push the limits as to what is possible under x budget at either a short narrative format, tv series or feature film. My objective is not to make Drama’s or story’s about my culture, country or skin color. My goal is to deliver large scale complex narrative entertainment with twists and turns that I wish to see. I am my own audience. Everyone else is simply invited to join.

With this mindset come many hurdles along the way, most of them revolve around financing… but after that, it comes down to “how are we gonna pull this off?” And thats where the right people come in. The perfect cast and crew that is unified towards a singular vision, with the objective of deliver the best project possible. None of this is easy, but it is a process, and one in which I continue to happily learn, especially when the result is worth it.

As an example, I’m currently deep in post production for a short titled #Ladyfinger, which won the Best Ensemble award at the 48 Hour Film Project. This short was conceived, written, shot and delivered in 48 hours. A massive challenge that had loads of hurdles along the way, but the cast and crew never flinched. Everyone worked hard to deliver against all odds a short that I am so very proud of. So much so that I felt the need to make sure we had the best final version possible for other film festivals and what with the final details we are setting in, I can truthfully say that this is one of the films I am most proud of.

At the same time, I’m in development of a TV-Series titled Walküre. The show is set during 1940’s war torn Germany. This show is a war epic, sci-fi, thriller. So much of this show is straightforward storytelling, but a lot of it in between if filled with loads of complexity and it all starts with the pilot episode.

This episode hinges on an ensemble cast in a single location in real time. Trying to play my strengths while also challenging myself, this episode needs to feel like theatre and move with a tense ticking clock pace, But such is the level of detail to execute this, that bringing on board the right people to help me pull this off, is detrimental. It starts with Veronika Dresko, our Producer. Her work is meticulous and on point in order to make sure that every department fires on all cylinders. Without her, Walküre would fall like a house of cards.

And to give a little tease, I’ve brought on board two actors whom I’ve worked with in the past- Octavius Prince (known for “Hayseed”) & Linda Collins (known for “The Prof”). Their work and chemistry was so good in our short film Perception, that I wanted to continue to peel those layers by subverting the kind of chemistry and performance they are required to deliver. Neither Linda or Octavius have had a role of such complexities that requires loads of nuance and precision. These two actors are integral to the tension of this plot.

We are excited to announce more of our magnificent cast and crew during the next couple of weeks!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d take them to simply one place, my church- Regal Cinemas in South Beach. Not only is it the only big chain theater in all of Miami Beach, its got history while it is modern as well. This theater beats out ANY AMC theater in the entire Miami area, from the screens, projectors, comfortable and clean seating, to their sound systems.

I am proud to be an advisor to this theater by guiding them on how to better their experience, as well as what changes and improvements to make. The scene of entertainment of Miami Beach is definied by few places and Regal Cinemas is one of them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many friends and collaborators have shaped me as time goes by through every project I develop, but it all trails back to my Mother and her undying support for me and my work. She’s my best and worst critic, zero filter whatsoever to give me her thoughts on my work (wether good or bad), and this truly makes me a better filmmaker.

Instagram: @andresi09

Image Credits
– Andrea Andronache – Keon Gaynor – Jack Kierski