USC Graduate, Tom Michaels, is Making Waves as a Filmmaker
Tom Michaels is an award-winning filmmaker and a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His two short films have found success on the festival circuit, and he strives for more, much more.
With Clint Eastwood as one of his idols, it is no surprise that filmmaker Tom Michaels resides in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the central California city where Eastwood once served as mayor!
Taking some time out of his busy schedule, Tom Michaels gave INFLUX Magazine a chance to get to know him better.
INFLUX: What are you currently working on that you can share with us?
TOM: I am currently in post-production for my latest short film slated for a 2025 release, and in pre-production for a Independent Feature film slated to begin shooting after the 2025 new year.
INFLUX: What are your hopes for your current projects?
TOM: To get them finished and come in under budget. Pre-production, in my opinion, is always the most difficult aspect when it comes to filmmaking. So many factors come into play from locations, actors, permits and hiring the right crew for your project(s). All those things are essential for a successful shoot.
INFLUX: What have been your greatest challenges as an indie filmmaker?
TOM: I would say the greatest challenges as an indie filmmaker is coming up with newly fresh stories for the audience. You want to do something people have not seen yet and/or looking to see something interesting on the screen. Originality is the key.
INFLUX: What has been your most significant accomplishment as a filmmaker?
TOM: I would say the most significant accomplishment to date as a filmmaker, screenwriter and actor is watching the audience reactions to my films and individuals coming up to you afterward acknowledging how much they enjoyed your work and asking what other projects are you working on. That puts a smile on my face.
INFLUX: Tell us about some of your past projects and where we can watch them if they’re available.
TOM: Well my past two projects The Devil’s Entrance and Older Self have been doing quite well. Between the two films they have won a total of 28 awards and 59 nominations to date.
Recently Older Self was nominated for Best Sci Fi film at the 2024 Pasadena International Film Festival. As a first-time filmmaker I couldn’t ask for anything better to the start of my career.
INFLUX: What goals to you have for yourself moving forward?
TOM: I guess, we as filmmakers, want to reach the highest pinnacle of success there is, but I always take it one step at a time. I know, for myself, I am currently in post-production for a short film I shot on 16mm film have and a independent feature film slated to begin after the 2025 new year.
INFLUX: What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out?
TOM: Make the films you want to make and ignore the naysayers. Create your own destiny and unique style of filmmaking. Be different and stand out from the pack.
INFLUX: Which filmmaker or filmmakers had a influence on you growing up?
TOM: I would say Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and John Carpenter. They each brought something very unique as filmmakers, which was a recipe for success. Hitchcock provided suspense and psychological warfare, whereas Kubrick provided unique production design with deep storylines and with Carpenter, if I can describe [him with] one word it’s environment, and with his original music scores, [he] combines with very intriguing storylines, it’s a recipe for success.
INFLUX: Do you have an all-time favorite movie?
TOM: That would be North By Northwest. I love everything about film. From the storyline to the cast of characters, and the wonderful look of 35mm in Technicolor, with it’s rich array of colors emanating the screen, [everything] makes it a perfect movie for myself, and it’s highly entertaining as well.
INFLUX: I there a specific filmmaker that inspires you?
TOM: Definitely. Clint Eastwood was, and still is, a huge inspiration to me. What he has accomplished throughout his career is simply remarkable. He became a successful TV star, then transitioned into a global box office movie star, and an Academy Award-winning director. Can’t get any better than that. I have a lot of respect for one Mr. Eastwood.
INFLUX: Who are your favorite actors?
TOM: I would say Clint Eastwood, Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Kurt Russell, and Sean Connery. Of course, you can’t forget the likes of Paul Newman and Robert Redford as well. That specific generation of actors will never be matched, especially with someone like Marlon Brando, who in my opinion is the greatest actor of all time. He was a magician on the screen.
INFLUX: What about actresses? Who are your stand-out favorites?
TOM: I would say ones like Geraldine Page, Joanne Woodward, Gena Rowlands, Barbara Carrera, Jennifer O’Neill, and Rooney Mara. I know there’s a few more I haven’t mentioned, but these specific ones stand out to me.
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