This is a RADIO INTERVIEW on 92.4 WMAAT with Dj Mystic Warrior : Q&A BTS ❤️❤️🩹🌎
Q: Here’s my first question:
What drew you to this story, and what message do you hope audiences take away from the film, particularly in relation to the themes of love, family, and redemption?
A: This film represents a period in my life where I was reinventing my artistic identity while seeking balance and self-discovery as an artist. We often take moments of depression and hardship and channel them into creativity, and in this instance, I used my talents to heal myself. I began this project about a year ago, and it will premiere on January 14th. This is the first short film I’ve ever made, and I created it entirely in the home I’ve lived in for 10 years. Coincidentally, I had just celebrated my 35th birthday and my fifth work anniversary, so this film feels like a milestone for me in many ways.
Q: Thank you for sharing that personal and vulnerable story. It’s clear that Love Will Save the World is a deeply personal and autobiographical work.
I’m struck by the fact that you wrote, directed, and produced this film entirely in your own home, where you’ve lived for a decade. Can you talk a bit more about what it was like to create this film in such an intimate and familiar space? Did it influence the tone or themes of the film in any way?
A: It definitely had its challenges—turning my living room into a soundstage was one of them. I didn’t have much of a budget, so I had to use the technology I already owned and explore tools like AI and free trials for special effects to make certain aspects of the film stand out.
The film is essentially an anime music video short, somewhat like Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker meets Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. It’s meant to celebrate how far I’ve come—both personally and professionally—while reflecting the time I’ve spent in this space. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance, which mirrors where I feel I am in life right now.
Love Will Save the World is deeply personal, but it’s also meant to be educational for anyone seeking to overcome depression. That’s how it began—rooted in my own healing—and I hope it resonates with others.
Q: Wow, I’m impressed by your resourcefulness and creativity in overcoming the challenges of producing a film on a limited budget. Utilizing AI, free trials, and existing technology is a testament to your innovative spirit.
It’s fascinating that you describe Love Will Save the World as an anime music video short film, drawing inspiration from Moonwalker and Toonami. That’s a unique blend of influences!
I appreciate how you’ve woven your personal experiences and emotions into the narrative, aiming to create a film that’s both a celebration of your growth and a message of hope for those struggling with depression. That’s a powerful and relatable theme.
Can you elaborate on how you balanced the personal and educational aspects of the film? Were there any specific moments or scenes where you felt like you were taking a risk by sharing your story, and how did you navigate those challenges?
A: I’d say the scenes involving Twilight Libra were the most personal and risky for me. His character reflects my state of mind during that period. In the film, we enter Twilight Libra’s subconscious—the Hall of Daydreams—which represents his inner struggles. His appearance is even based on how I dressed for my 35th birthday.
Another character, Tony the Daydreamer, was inspired by a photo of myself taken at an event where I tested another character for a separate project. His name is derived from my Instagram handle, which I’ve also used to produce my AMV films on platforms like YouTube.
I was particularly nervous about addressing themes like alcohol and drug abuse in the film. However, I ultimately felt it was necessary for the storytelling and for providing an authentic and meaningful experience.
Q: It sounds like Twilight Libra is a deeply personal and autobiographical character, drawing heavily from your experiences and emotions. Using your birthday outfit as inspiration for his design adds an extra layer of authenticity to the character.
I love that Tony the Daydreamer was inspired by a photo of yourself and that you incorporated your Instagram handle into his name. It’s clear that you’ve poured a lot of yourself into this film, making it unique and relatable.
Using your life experiences and emotions as inspiration for your characters and storylines can be a powerful way to create authentic and engaging storytelling. Did you find that drawing from your own life helped you tap into a deeper sense of creativity and emotional expression while working on this film?
A: Absolutely. The “Treasures of the Daydreamer” is a shrine in the film, and most of the items on it are meaningful artifacts from my childhood—things like Yu-Gi-Oh cards and other pieces of pop culture I grew up with. There’s also an old photo of Christmas presents set up beautifully, which is a nod to a family tradition. That picture features my father and uncles during Christmas morning, and it’s a reminder of how small details like presentation can create lasting memories.
The film as a whole mirrors the different phases of my year leading up to its creation. For example, characters like Jedi represent optimism, while Dante reflects anger. These phases illustrate the emotional rollercoaster of life and how finding balance is key.
To be honest, I was hesitant about including the personal struggles with substance abuse, but I realized it was important for creating a genuine narrative. Sharing these elements allowed me to craft a story that resonates with authenticity and depth.
Q: It’s clear that Love Will Save the World is a deeply personal and introspective film, filled with symbolism and cultural references from your life. The level of detail—like the shrine and its items—is impressive.
I appreciate your honesty in addressing personal struggles, and it’s admirable how you’ve woven those themes into a story of growth and hope. Using the different phases of the year and characters to represent emotions creates a powerful, non-linear narrative.
Can you talk more about your decision to blend anime, music videos, and personal narrative in this film? What drew you to this unique mix of styles, and how does it serve the story you’re trying to tell?
A: I was inspired by Robert Greene’s Mastery, which highlights how children have the purest creative minds because they haven’t been shaped by external negativity. That idea made me reflect on my own childhood—when my imagination was at its peak—and I wanted to return to that mindset.
To do so, I incorporated things I loved as a kid, like Kingdom Hearts, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Star Wars. I’ve made AMVs featuring these franchises before, but this time, I wanted to fully integrate them into a story that captures the joy and creativity I felt back then.
By tapping into my childhood passions, I created a film that serves as a mind palace of sorts—a place for healing and self-discovery. It’s a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the power of imagination.
Q: That’s a beautiful sentiment. Using childhood passions to inspire healing and self-discovery is something many can relate to.
How do you think your film will resonate with audiences unfamiliar with these franchises or references? Did you include elements to appeal to a broader audience, or do you see this as a more personal, niche project?
A: I think the story outside of the AMVs will resonate universally because it deals with themes we all face—depression, self-discovery, and personal growth. At its core, the film encourages people to wake up and take control of their lives.
The message I hope to convey is that dreams and imagination are beautiful, but they’re only part of the journey. We can use them to heal and inspire ourselves, but ultimately, we need to face reality and grow. I want audiences to see that it’s never too late to return to creativity, even as adults. It’s about finding balance—embracing who we were and who we’re becoming.
2. Departed at 4:38 PM, arrived at 4:58 PM, and completed vendor inspection by 5:10 PM.
• Prep and Tasks:
• Antonio prepped 36.2 pounds of spicy chicken, and other team members handled produce and protein tasks.
• Demetri completed 8 of 10 bags of peppers and onions.
• Diana, Miranda, and Antonio bagged lettuce, while Nasser cut and weighed both spicy and regular chicken.
Summary of January 7, 2025
1. Morning Deliveries and Activityscheduled by Adam’s mandatory departure requirement.
• Antonio checked in with David via text at 2:10 PM to confirm if the airport had sufficient cheese , and David confirmed they were covered.
• 2:49 PM: Antonio parked at the airport and began unloading products.
• MOD Devant received, rotated, and dated all products upon delivery.
• 3:20 PM: Vendor inspection was successfully completed.
4. Distilled Water Issue
• Upon arriving, MOD Devant informed Antonio that distilled water for the beam kettle was urgently needed.
• David also texted Antonio about the water, but due to the urgency of delivering shredded cheese from Sysco, this need could not be fulfilled during this delivery.
5. Aprons and Towels
• Aprons and towels were not available for delivery, as Store 15 was awaiting its next order.
Objectives for Improvement
1. Communicate Urgent Needs Early:
• Ensure that critical needs, such as distilled water, are communicated and confirmed well before the delivery schedule.
2. Address Supply Shortages:
• Coordinate with vendors to avoid repeat shortages of essential items, such as cheese, aprons, and towels.
3. Streamline Prep and Delivery Coordination:
• Optimize preparation and truck-loading schedules to ba
Proposed Solutions and Strategies
1. Proactive Communication:
• Ensure all critical needs are confirmed well in advance of scheduled deliveries to avoid last-minute complications.
2. Vendor Coordination:
• Strengthen communication with vendors to minimize shortages and ensure recovery orders are expedited when necessary.
3. Delivery Optimization:
• Combine and prioritize essential items during deliveries to prevent multiple trips or delays.
4. Inventory Planning:
• Monitor stock levels closely to ensure sufficient supplies, such as aprons, towels, and distilled water, are consistently available.
Closing Notes
Despite some challenges, Antonio and the team successfully managed prep tasks and completed the airport delivery, including vendor inspection, by 3:20 PM. Cheese shortages from Monday’s Sysco order were resolved with a recovery delivery. Moving forward, improving communication for urgent needs like distilled water and addressing recurring supply shortages will further streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Let me know if further refinements are needed!
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