Meet Dianna Ippolito: Director/Writer/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dianna Ippolito and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dianna, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
As a film director and screenwriter knowing a little bit about about a lot of other peoples jobs has been very beneficial. I can have discussions with composers and colorists and sound designers and casting directors and so forth much more easily now because I know how the process works, what kind of time and creative vision goes into their jobs, and why certain people end up rising above the rest. This can also be applied to film distribution. Over time I have leaned more and more about the decision making involved in buying and selling a film, which helps me be a better producer especially for my own projects. Knowledge is power.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I came to the world of screenwriting after being a still photographer. I was always interested in telling stories visually and segueing into telling a story with words was very appealing. It’s definitely one of the tougher roads to travel down, because what you love to write is always going to be subjective to other people’s tastes and trends in Hollywood. I am a passionate storyteller, so despite all the hard knocks I’ve taken along the way, I continue to dust myself off and get up, and keep moving forward. Many times the financing has fallen out for a project, or producers walk away after being attached to something you’ve written. It’s emotionally disappointing when all your plans fall through, but just loving what I do and wanting to succeed has kept me trying to reach for that brass ring.

My best advice is to be resourceful and resilient and never believe anybody knows better than you because mostly they don’t.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Los Angeles is such a fun, diverse city. I love all the shops and places to eat on Olvera Street in downtown LA. Great authentic Mexican food and cultural ambiance there.

If you’re craving a laid back vibe, tasty appetizers and cocktails then The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu is perfect. Go during happy hour and try all their mouth-watering apps and their signature cocktails. Soooo delicious and when the sun goes down you have the bonus of watching a beautiful sunset.

If you like tooling around going into unique shops I would recommend Abbot Kinney Blvd near Venice Beach. Lots of one of a kind boutiques and not far from the uniquely charming Venice Canals. You can stroll along, and take photos of the beautiful views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been helped in so many ways by the late author and screenwriter Blake Synder. His books on screenwriting, namely “Save the Cat” has helped me time and time again to refocus how I tell a story, and inspired me to be the best storyteller I can be by following his sage advice. He was my mentor in life and continues to be one even ten years after he passed away. I can’t say enough good things about him. His amazingly helpful books and his desire for everyone to be the best storyteller they can be resonates very much with me.

Website: www.diannaippolito.com

Instagram: @itsallhappeningfilms

Twitter: @diannaseye

Image Credits
Director/Writer Dianna Ippolito (left) with actress Chloe Bale on the set of her feature film “Close Your Eyes”