Meet Frank Frascella | Writer & Director

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

Hi Frank, why did you pursue a creative career?
This might sound a little existential, but I really do believe storytelling is humanity’s oldest tradition. It has incredible power – everything in our lives and societies exist in a way because of the stories we’ve been told and the stories we tell each other. And the form that had the most impact on me growing up was visual storytelling, and more specifically, film. Why was I, a 5 year old child, crying when Anakin Skywalker and his clone army marched through the Jedi Temple and betrayed their brothers and sisters? Why was I shaking with excitement the first time the Riders of Rohan crest that hill to save Helms Deep? I was obsessed with this phenomenon, and that obsession eventually led me down the path of educating myself on HOW it was achieved. All of a sudden, I realized that I could actually replicate my imaginations with tools. On a screen. And share it with people. From that moment on I think I realized that it was sort of my destiny to become part of this conversation. To be able to move people like I was moved, change hearts and minds and help others peer into worlds they would never know so they can better understand our own; that is what it is all about. I am one voice in a vast ocean, but to be able to pass down the kind of experiences I had growing up in movie theaters – that is the dream.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

It’s funny, I still feel like I am learning what sets me apart from others in my field, and what I bring to the table that is special. But I actually like to live in this space, because then I get to surprise myself. Artists approach their creations in so many ways, whether it be to educate, inspire, warn, etc. I want to make films that I would want to see. And my taste is broad, much like my approach to storytelling. But at the end of the day, I want to see a human story, told with panache and finesse, that illustrates some sort of universal human truth or experience, for better and for worse. I’d like to think of myself as a maximalist storyteller in my approach. Take my next film “Apricot” for example. In essence, it is a simple story: a talented young chef struggles to grow her confidence during an intense service at a once legendary restaurant at risk of losing its coveted Michelin star. But my approach to telling this story is somewhat bombastic; I intend to have the entire film scored with improvisational jazz, the camera will move and swing as if it’s capturing a musical, and the sound design will sing like a performer or instrument in a larger symphony. I think I am at a stage in my career where I have all this pent up energy to express, and I want to loudly, confidently, and proudly showcase who I am. Much like the main character in Apricot.

And it’s been a difficult process to make it to this point. I really struggle with imposter syndrome, to an almost detrimental degree. I constantly find myself shocked at the idea that there are people out there who want to help me make my idea come to life, and offer up their own talents and vulnerability in doing so. I feel unworthy of that. But I think one of the biggest things I am learning to overcome in order to be successful is that if all these people are placing their trust, love, and support with me, it actually doesn’t even matter if I think I deserve it. I know I have an obligation to make them proud. To take what they have given me, and use it to make something larger than any one of us. To do anything less would be a disservice to the incredible people who I am lucky enough to be surrounded by.

And I think that touches upon what I want the world to know about me and my stories. Art is a conversation, each piece a product of what was brought into existence before, and a catalyst for what will come next. I am lucky enough to have a voice in the filmmaking space, and I do believe it is my duty to share my experience through storytelling in order to pay respect to everything that has come before, and to inspire whatever comes next. And if I get my word in that conversation, then hopefully I will have made some sort of meaningful, lasting impact that will stay long after I am gone. It’s all a bit heavy, but that is really how I see it.

And right now, I am so excited to be able to activate the next part of that journey with “Apricot.” In so many ways, it feels like the culmination of every lesson and experience I have gained so far. My first true statement in that cosmic conversation. And I’m just so grateful to have assembled such a dream team to help bring it to life. And like I said, it is my duty to do right by them. So for now, it’s back to work….

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

LA has such an incredibly diverse slate of things to do and see (and eat). For me, every trip for a first timer starts at Beachwood Cafe in Beachwood Canyon. You don’t get a better of the Hollywood sign as you go up Beachwood Drive. And then I always recommend driving through the hollywood hills after, stopping at the lake hollywood lookout for your classic LA/Hollywood insta post.

But tourist-y stuff aside, you have to immerse yourself in the city. Good Times at Davy Waynes or No Vacancy are great little clubs to dive into for a fun Friday or Saturday night. And then you have to end the night with some street tacos. I live in the Valley (and swear by it) so I recommend a trip to Pablito’s Tacos at the iconic Circus Liquor in North Hollywood. Speaking of the Valley, downtown Burbank is my absolute favorite casual spot to hang out. Go see a movie, do some shopping, hit up the street market on Fridays and Saturdays, and grab some dinner at Finny’s or Barney’s Beanery.

You also have to see some museum/art experiences. The Getty (both the museum and the villa) are free, and incredibly beautiful on their own with gorgeous and historically rich displays. The Academy museum is a must see as well. Highly recommend seeing a movie with a rooftop cinema club or at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery – a great way to chill and watch a classic movie outside. So many great art pop ups too – there is a recreation of an old german art theme park in DTLA right now called Luna Luna – a super fun little excursion!

I can’t leave out the fun nature activities either. Paradise Cove in Malibu is my go too chill beach spot. I really recommend a drive up to the Vasquez Rocks for a fun little hike. Though my favorite hike is the Santa Paula Punch Bowls. Can be a little more strenuous but has so many great little pools and a waterfall at the end to hang out at. LA really is a nexus for so many great adventures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I feel like I could write this list forever, truly. I really resonate with that saying “it takes a village” because it’s so true, about any endeavor, but especially in raising and fostering another human being and their hopes and dreams. And so when I look back, I am almost overwhelmed by the love and support I received from the people all around me. I am lucky – my parents are the most incredible, supportive, and empathetic people on this planet, and they have always helped push toward my goals, creative and career wise. Same goes with a lot of my friends I had growing up. So many of them would drop their own lives and activities on a random weekend to help me make my little films, no questions asked. No matter what I was asking them to do. They allowed me such freedom in that time to explore who I was as a filmmaker and who I wanted to be. I am so grateful for them – and they know who they are. I also do have to shout out Emerson College and the faculty there that helped push me into this career as a true professional. My BFA teacher Korbett Matthews, one of my mentors and faculty advisors Tony Ascenso, my directing teacher Theodore Life; all guided me with such grace and leadership. I also want to thank the organization of Film Independent for recently welcoming me as a member and offering a fiscal Sponsorship to my next film project “Apricot”. Film Independent is such a great organization and community for young filmmakers, and I feel so honored to have been welcome in this year.

Website: frankfrascella.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frank_frascella/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-frascella-167a10163/

Other: Learn more about the next chapter in my journey here: https://www.filmindependent.org/sponsored-projects/apricot/

Image Credits
Headshot Photo by Kathlyn Almeida