Call Answered: Caytha Jentis Interview: Finding The One

Caytha Jentis is a Screenwriter and Director whose work is dynamic and heartfelt. Her screenwriting credits include Dream House, Exposed, and And Then Came Love.

Caytha wrote and directed, The One, an edgy romantic gay dramedy, starring Jon Prescott. After sold-out screenings at Cinefest, Frameline, Ridgewood and Qfest, The One will be released theatrically on October 7, 2011 playing The Quad Cinema in NYC, and then on DVD on October 18, 2011.

Caytha is going into production for the feature film Bad Parents, so be on the look out for that in the coming year!

In this interview, Caytha answered my call to share:

• What made her want to write and direct The One
• Who inspired her to become a director
• Her favorite part of the creative process in putting a film together
• Best advice she has received
• So much more

The One is available for pre-order now through TLA Video!

Caytha Jentis at The One movie premiere NYC

1. Who or what inspired you to become a director? I actually am somewhat of a reluctant director as I never quite imagined myself in that role. I am much more of a producer-director than a true auteur director. But after working with several directors who did not truly understand my work, I realized that the stories I tell were best served with me at the helm. That said, once I took on the role, I loved it. And I truly love that filmmaking is a collaborative process and respect that the entire team contributes equally to the finally product.

2. Who is the one person you haven't worked with that you would like to? Well…there are a lot of people I haven’t worked with whom I’d like to…Let’s see….Alex Skarsgard?

3. What made you want to write and direct The One? I wrote The One after spending several long boozy nights with friends discussing “true love,” and on one of those nights, the story came to me. It was the fastest script I’ve ever written and was almost possessed by the characters and their story.

Most of my scripts are somewhat complex and in writing this, I wanted to see if I could tell a simple story well. Initially I wasn’t going to direct, but then I realized it was time.

4. What is your favorite part of the creative process in putting a film together? Of course casting and auditions were a lot of fun. Writing a script that called for handsome athletic men in their late twenties…need I say more?

Also I enjoy post cause it actually is somewhat controlled and the least amount of stress. You know what you have.

That said I love the entire “problem solving” aspect of filmmaking. To me it’s a puzzle that keeps getting solved and you don’t know ‘til the very end if you’ve completed the puzzle.

5. What have you learned about yourself from being a director/writer? I’ve learned that I can do it. I’m very hard on myself.

L to R: Ian Novick and Jon Prescott in a scene from The One

6. Favorite place to write? I don’t really have a favorite place. I take my lap top with me everywhere. If I’m inspired it can happen anywhere. If I’m not…well….

7. Favorite way to spend your day off? I don’t really do days off, but I do love my softball team right now.

8. Favorite skin care product? Wow. Anything moist and thick that smells clean and fresh…Hmmm. That sounds naughty.

9. Favorite website? Ugh. Facebook. Know that’s lame.

10. "Mary" or "Rhoda"? Rhoda.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. What's the best advice you've ever received? Get the train out of the station. Pick a production start date and make it happen. My advice to first time filmmakers is every morning you have to wake up, look in the mirror and say “what can I do today to move a mountain?”  If you don’t believe you can, go back to bed.

12. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Can I say Alex Skarsgard again?

More Caytha Jentis Interviews:

2025 (Read Here): Flying Into Cirque du Gold Standard
2021 (Read Here): Pooling To Paradise

Left to Right:
Paul Focazio and Me (Adam Rothenberg)
The One Movie Premiere NYC