Were you intimidated by the challenge of directing your first feature-length film or was it a natural progression from your videos and short films?

It really was a natural progression. I was a little unsure how the experience would pan out, but as soon as I got on set it felt like I was at home. The many years of experience I had behind me definitely prepared me in many ways, and there was also a great many things that I learned. The process was invaluable.

Do you have a favorite scene from the film?

I think I’d have to say whenever Michael Shannon [playing the role of Kim Fowley, the band’s eccentric manager] is in a scene. He really ignites the scene with energy. I could feel the other actors come alive in ways they hadn’t before when they played against him.

You’ve said that your parents always encouraged you to be creative artistically. How important was that encouragement in your path to becoming a director?

Very important. They didn’t see limitations, hence neither did I. My parents always referred to the world as small, so I was never overwhelmed by the idea of being a creative person in this small world. Surely there must be a handful of people that I can speak to on a creative level through my work. But most of all, my father taught me passion. He loves opera and singing is his life. I learned that if I don’t have passion for what I’m doing resonating through every vein in my body, it normally doesn’t turn out to be special, the kind of piece that withstands time. Directing a feature film takes a lot of time and takes a lot out of you. That passion has to be there in a magnified intensity.