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Gemma Magazine has featured Filmmaker Kelly Needleman previously and we decided to highlight one of his many films again. It is called "On The Line" and, it is a sports drama with heart. Kelly is a Director, Writer, Producer and Photographer. He has been creative since a very young age and has not stopped. Granted, he is only twenty-two years old! When he was younger, his parents encouraged him to pick up a camera and that sparked a passion for landscape photography. His photos have won numerous awards. His strong ambition to create resulted in his work being published in National Geographic.
Kelly grew up in the beautiful countryside of Northern California and the environment alone ignited inspiration. He started taking serious landscape images when he was a freshman in High School. Everywhere he would go, he found unique perspectives. Kelly is still passionate about landscape photography. He said, "Now living in the vibrant landscape of Southern California only serves to ignite my inspiration, constantly urging me to venture out and capture its beauty." Kelly's passion for landscape photography was a natural progression into the film industry.
Kelly has also created his own company called Needleman Productions, where he showcases his movies. Kelly has been recognized as an award-winning film director with over 40 film awards. Needleman’s ambition is to tell timeless stories that change meaning as you get older. "Just like Tarentino says, I want to make movies that I would want to watch," said Needleman.
"On The Line" is a motivating and inspiring sports drama. The film follows a tennis player's journey as he navigates the ups and downs of his career. As a young prodigy, he deals with setbacks, failures, and personal struggles that contribute to his growth both as a tennis player and an individual. The film conveys the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. When Kelly had a moment, he spoke to Gemma Magazine about he inspiration for making "On The Line," having a strong mindset in the midst of adversity, and a bit about his creative process.
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What inspired you to make "On The Line?"
I watch many movies and, recently, many sports dramas that inspire me. I have played tennis my whole life, which I know very well. By merging my personal stories with tennis, conducting research, and imaginative exploration, I shaped a tennis drama film that mirrors my journey and encapsulates the universal themes of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. This process allows me to authentically portray the intricacies of the sport while infusing the narrative with emotional depth. The aim is to create a compelling cinematic experience that resonates with my fellow tennis enthusiasts and a broader audience, inviting them to connect with the challenges, triumphs, and profound human emotions.
"On The Line" is very inspiring but also touches upon the immense pressure of sports and the never-ending expectation of achievement?
Yes, absolutely, but it is also about redemption and discipline. It is meant to be a motivating and inspiring sports drama.
The film is also about having a solid mindset to achieve. Can you expand?
The film follows a tennis player's journey as he navigates the ups and downs of his career. As a young prodigy, he deals with setbacks, failures, and personal struggles that contribute to his growth as both a player and an individual. Ultimately, my goal was for the film to convey the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Whether winning a championship, overcoming personal issues, or achieving a long-sought goal, the main character's journey displays the significance of a resilient and robust mindset in the pursuit of excellence in tennis and life.
I understand the intense "pep talk," but it also seems like the coach wavers a bit between harsh and soft. What was your take on the coach?
In crafting the script, I envisioned the coach as a mentor figure for the prodigy, fulfilling a dual role as an inspirational guide and a catalyst for excitement leading up to the crucial match. While the coach's demeanor leans towards intensity, precisely, this catalyzes the player's success. The coach's primary objective is to instill unwavering belief in the player's capabilities, emphasizing that victory is within reach. This character embodies a harmonious blend of kindness and intensity, symbolizing a genuine caring for the player's well-being while concurrently igniting the motivation essential for triumph.
Do you feel the public puts extreme pressure on athletes, and what is the psychology behind that?
Athletes often face immense pressure from the public due to heightened expectations, emotional investment from fans, and constant media scrutiny. The public's high standards and financial implications tied to endorsements and contracts create a psychological burden for athletes. Athletes grapple with the need to consistently meet or exceed expectations for personal fulfillment and maintain financial stability and positive public perception.
What inspires you to keep making films? Do you always have ideas running through your head?
The inspiration to keep making films stems from a deep passion for storytelling and a fascination with the power of cinema to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and connect with audiences. Crafting narratives, bringing characters to life, and exploring diverse themes are fulfilling. I am always thinking of ideas and writing them down. I have a whole list of TV and movie ideas on my phone that I am constantly adding to.
You do so much: write, direct, produce, and edit. Do you have an aspect that you enjoy more than the others? With smaller productions like this one, I often take on many roles. I love all parts of the process, but directing is what I naturally gravitate towards.
How do you like acting?
"Acting is a fascinating and multifaceted craft. I had an amazing experience of starring in a sitcom pilot, which I also had the privilege of directing -- a truly enjoyable endeavor. However, my heart lies in directing and I envision myself more of my energy and passion to that aspect of the creative process. " (Kelly Needleman)
Please tell us a bit about your creative process.
The process often begins with inspiration from various sources such as personal experiences, literature, real-world events, or simply a desire to explore specific themes. Once an initial idea takes root, it undergoes conceptualization, where the core elements of the story, characters, and pieces start to take shape. Characters are integral to any level. I spend time developing characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs. Understanding their backgrounds and complexities adds depth to the narrative and helps create relatable and compelling protagonists. Character is the most essential part of a story. If you look at the show Seinfeld, for example, most of us aren't watching it for the plot but instead for the main characters. The characters themselves captivate our interest, and regardless of the storyline, we find ourselves devoted to watching anything they engage in.
To keep up with Kelly Needleman and his amazing films, you can find him on Instagram:
Website: https://www.kellyneedleman.com
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