Director Alex Karpovsky out for a stroll

Director: Alex Karpovsky
Festival Entry: Red Flag
Narrative Competition

Writer/director/star Alex Karpovksy reveals his sterling comic chops playing an indie filmmaker named Alex Karpovsky who, unexpectedly dumped by his girlfriend, takes to the road for a misbegotten mini-tour of film screenings and overly ardent groupies. ★ World Premiere.

Directed By: Alex Karpovsky
Producers: Alex Karpovsky
Screenwriter: Alex Karpovsky
Cinematographer: Adam Ginsberg
Editor: Adam Ginsberg
Cast: Alex Karpovsky, Onur Tukel, Jennifer Prediger, Caroline White, Keith Poulson, Dustin Guy Defa

We asked writer/director/actor Alex Karpovsky about everything from his inspirations to filmmaking challenges. We got the answers one would expect from the writer/director/star of the indie comedy Red Flag.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am an actor and filmmaker and dedicated stroller. I act in movies and on Girls, Red Flag is my fifth feature, and I like to walk right after lunch.

Who were your early mentors in filmmaking?

Hal Ashby, Werner Herzog, Albert Brooks, Coen Brothers, Woody Allen, Mike Leigh, Ross McElwee…

Who/what influenced your perspective and creative decisions for your film?

Growing up an only child with immigrant parents in a dark corner of the American experiment. Also, The Larry Sanders Show, Michael Winterbottom’s The Tour, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Going Places by Bertrand Blier (starring Gérard Depardieu).

What challenges did you face while making your film?

And Alex Karpovsky as... Alex Karpovsky, in a display of structured spontaneity. Perhaps.

My biggest challenge was negotiating spontaneity with structure. I liked to keep things loose and nurture an atmosphere that was conducive to impulsivity and risks, but we also had a preconceived storyline and character arcs that I didn’t want to wander too far away from.

It’s easy to think ‘bend don’t break’, but when you’re in the heat of battle and exhausted and seduced by the short-term thrills of a sensational but ultimately unproductive experimentation, things can get cloudy.

What’s been the coolest experience with your film?

Working with a cinematographer and actors (none of whom I knew very well) who were able to semi-immediately create and nurture such a vibrant and visceral energy. We shot this film off of a 35 page outline during a two week tour I was on with an earlier film – the fact that these semi-strangers offered me their faith and unwavering enthusiasm and complete creative commitment was incredibly cool—this was definitely the most fun I’ve ever had making a movie.

What are you most excited to do/see at the LA Film Fest?

I’m excited to see as many films as possible and meet as many filmmakers as possible.

Make sure you check out Red Flag at the Festival – get tickets here!

Find out more about the man himself at www.alexkarpovsky.com

June 15th, 2012 • No Comments