Nocountryforoldfilms
INTERVIEW WITH
Russ Emanuel of “The Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands”
How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
I’ve been making professional movies since 2002 when I founded my production company Russem Productions (www.russem.com). Since then, I’ve directed 6 feature films including “P.J.” (2007), “Chasing the Green” (2009), “The Legends of Nethiah” (2012), “Occupants” (2015), “Wisper” (2020), and will be completing my latest feature “Staycation” in a month. During this time, I also had the privilege and honor of directing many name actors including John Heard, Robert Picardo, Vincent Pastore, Glynnis O'Connor, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Jeremy London, Ryan Hurst, William Devane, Marina Sirtis, Sean Kenney, Armin Shimerman, and Gary Graham. Several of the latter mentioned actors I’ve directed in my latest completed project “The Assassin’s Apprentice 2: Silbadores of the Canary Islands” (2023), which is a sequel to “The Assassin’s Apprentice” (2018).
Why did you do this project?
I worked closely with creator/writer/executive producer Paul Hickman on both “The Assassin’s Apprentice” films who I’m very grateful for hiring me to direct. We met on my fourth feature film “Occupants” when we filmed Robert Picardo, who was a series regular of “Star Trek: Voyager” and the upcoming 2026 “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” TV shows. Robert Picardo would go on to star in the first “The Assassin’s Apprentice”.
(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?
It was in the six-figure range United States dollars.
Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?
It was funded through crowdfunding via Kickstarter and Indiegogo and through private investors. The links are below:
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/innomagic/the-assassins-apprentice-the-silbadores-of-la-gome
Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-assassins-apprentice-2#/
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?
We began mulling doing a sequel to the first “The Assassin’s Apprentice” around 2018 and we filmed in 2019 through 2021 and eventually completed in 2023 after doing extensive visual effects work on the film. Part of the delay for completion was unfortunately due to the Covid-19 outbreak which struck in 2020 and 2021 and pretty much everything had shut down.
Are you happy with the result?
I am extremely happy and am currently working with Paul Hickman on a third film.
What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?
We are currently in the middle phase of the festival circuit.
How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?
I always love the festival experience, whether it be in-person or virtually. Any festival that accepts my films I’m extremely thankful for, as it helps my career and provides publicity for each of those accepted films.
Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.
I was inspired by such filmmakers as Steven Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, and George Lucas in terms of their visions and styles as an auteur. For example, the use of shadows or the expansive vision of a saga of films.
Your favorite movie?
“The Empire Strikes Back”.
Favorite series?
“Star Trek: The Next Generation”.
Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?
I sincerely hope I continue to be able to make films. Ideally doing a third “The Assassin’s Apprentice” or a sequel to my latest feature film “Staycation” which is already written.
Do you have any other project in mind?
I have another idea called “The Dollhouse” which is in its early stages of conception.
What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)
That people continue to be able to watch films, whether in the theaters, television screens or digitally. And that if they happen to see any of my films, I truly hope they are entertained and not bored.
Your best experience in a movie theater?
It was the 2016 screening of my feature film “Occupants” at the Shriekfest Horror Film Festival, where it screened at the famous Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, to a full audience who seemed to really enjoy it. We went on to win one of the top prizes at that festival, for “Best Sci-Fi Feature Film”.