Meet Gilbert McDonald | Filmmaker

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

Hi Gilbert, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
““Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”” – Bruce Lee

No quote has ever meant more to me. As a martial artist and filmmaker, this quote has been the guiding principle my entire adult life. Life has a way of giving and taking, and all we can do is learn how to best navigate the ebbs and flows. I’ve endured my immense loss in my life, but I’ve always managed to grow as an individual with new perspectives. As a story teller, I always tell my students “find the perfect problem for your character’s imperfection.” That something I have to remind myself, from time to time. I believe the universe presents hardships at the “right” time to allow oneself to grow, and I’m time heal much like callus.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a independent filmmaker and instructor at the New York Film Academy. I am extremely excited to embark on my first feature length film. It was a long journey just to get to this moment. My passion for film became a career shortly after film school at the American Film Institute (AFI), as an instructor at the New York Film Academy. It’s been a tricky balance of sorts, managing making film and teaching film. Though I love both, I feel teaching had overtaken my trajectory toward creating. I absolutely love my students and their passion for creation, and I would say that is a leading factor into my decision to take the plunge into creating my own production company focused on creating low budget genre films, particularly science fiction and horror. I’d say the major lesson that I have learned is not to wait until you are ready, because in this business you will never be ready. Yes, be prepared, but if you’re waiting to be “ready” then you’ll be waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity – which rarely comes. Rod Serling is one of my absolute favorite writers because of his ability to create thought provoking stories while also leaving the audience shaken to their core. I want to bring that level of complex storytelling to a new generation.

Here is the link to the campaign page for my feature film “Crybaby Bridge.” https://www.every.org/wocunite/f/feature-film-crybaby

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I recently had a cousin visit me in LA for the first time. He asked me for the best, most authentic Mexican food in the city, his stomach was grumbling after a cross country flight, so me and my Mexican-American wife headed straight from LAX to Chichén Itzá. I’d recommend that food to any LA first-timer.

I’m not a big a drinker, but I would recommend 7 Grand for the best Old Fashions in the city. But I mostly go for the atmosphere, which really capture the downtown feel. I’d also recommend John Spar in Northern Glendale if one wished be transported back in time to the 1930’s. It’s art deco decor is worth the drive alone. You’ll feel like you walked into a set of “Chinatown.” I’d also throw The Cicada in downtown LA, if you’re looking to splurge a little bit.

But the top of my list of things to do in LA is literally the top thing one could do in LA, and that is to climb Mt. Baldy. When one thinks of Los Angeles, they often think of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu, or the sprawling skyline of Downtown Los Angeles. Yet, for my money, hiking in the Angeles Mountains is where you’ll really discover what southern California has to offer. Advanced hikers will spend a full day traversing Mt. Baldy, but I would also recommend hikes in Griffith park for beginners and intermediate hikers. Plus, there’s a ton of Instagram photos spots like the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. And if you’re a film buff, I’d recommend visiting my alma mater, the American Film Institute, located on Western Ave.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Major SHOUTOUT to my beautiful wife, Brizeida Rodriguez; parents Gil and Francine McDonald; producer Mauricio Arrioja; and sponsor, Cheryl Bedford (Women of Color Unite).

Others: https://wocunite.org  and https://www.every.org/wocunite/f/feature-film-crybaby