Interview: Jill Gevargizian of Sixx Tape Productions
We like to take time to highlight women we see out in the world doing their part to make the world a little nicer. In this Real Nice Lady Spotlight, we’re talking to Jill Gevargizian, a filmmaker and hairstylist, about her experience in the horror film industry.
Job Title/Profession
Filmmaker (director, producer, writer) and Hairstylist
Favorite Drink?
Water
Favorite Food?
Sushi
Karaoke Song?
“Worst Behavior” by Drake
What song are you listening to on repeat right now?
Can I be honest? HAHA!? ok. P*$$Y Fairy by Jhené Aiko
Female icon you would be for Halloween?
Carrie
What first attracted you to your current profession?
It's always been my dream to bring stories to life that have an impact on people.
What kinds of characters and stories do you find yourself drawn to when you're directing films?
Characters that are layered, troubled -- with characteristics that are confrontational. Like Sling Blade for instance- Billy Bob Thornton's character, Karl, killed his mother, but we learn why and while we can't exactly justify murder, we understand. He's not presented as a monster. It's much easier to think of people who do such scary things as shallow, evil beings - but it's just not that simple. I'm interested in exactly that. Trying to see behind those things, why they happened, what led to it. I'm sympathetic to, maybe, a scary degree. But I just don't believe anyone is inherently "bad." And I'm interested in telling stories about people who you may write off otherwise.
Who are some of your favorite directors and favorite films?
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) by Tobe Hooper is my favorite horror film of all time.
Romeo + Juliet (1996) by Baz Luhrmann was the film that changed me forever and made me want to make films.
Se7en (1995) by David Fincher, a perfect film. Fincher is one of my biggest inspirations all around, the master of the thriller.
What is your favorite thing about your industry? Your least favorite?
I love the connections and friendships that are made when collaborating with others, it's very intimate. My least favorite thing is the business side, the money we need to be able to create, finding it is sometimes impossible.
What do you want for the future of your industry?
More representation and opportunity for everyone.
You said you want to see more opportunity for everyone in your industry, who do you feel like is missing from the industry or not being represented?
I've got to be real here - I do not feel passionate enough about this topic to speak on it. My thing is, and it might sound selfish, but I just focus on my own work. That's all. I am not super concerned with the state of the industry, meaning I'm not the type to let myself be down about opportunity or lack of. Instead I focus on making my own opportunities and trying to make a difference within my own projects - by making sure we are working with a super diverse crew. And hopefully that motivates others to focus on making more of their own opportunities. I've learned you can't wait for them. You kinda need to proceed like they aren't coming, so what are you going to do about that?
What advice would you give other women trying to succeed in your industry?
Believe in yourself, and don't think of yourself as any different or less than anyone.
What was a formative moment in your life that made you who you are?
I was at a horror convention in Indianapolis. I saw a few short films that looked like Hollywood production quality and met the people who made them. In that moment I realized normal people could do this and I was so inspired.
When do you feel the strongest in your life? When do you feel the most vulnerable in your life?
I feel strongest when doing what I love, on set directing.
I feel most vulnerable when I share my work in public: watching my films at a film festival for instance.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
All over - but it starts with reading and other films that have similarities. I find the themes in the project I'm making and find other work with those same themes to see how they brought them out. I make lists of films to watch and study. I share them with the crew. Also books/articles. For each project I have to look in new places, because I'm never telling the same story. But, then to go back on that, I am always looking up to the greats and their process no matter the project. Like Barry Jenkins, David Fincher, and Kathryn Bigelow. I'm all about the process and the planning. In filmmaking, most of the decisions are made before you film anything. You spend months, maybe years, crafting a project. Every project is it's own unique journey - and that's part of what I love about it. It's always new.
Who are five women that inspire you?
Kathryn Bigelow (director)
Najarra Townsend (actor)
Jen & Sylvia Soska (directors)
My mother, Deidra Gevargizian