Meet Nicholas Pallos | Filmmaker

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

Hi Nicholas, how do you think about risk?
My experience has been that most things worth fighting for, include risk. Whether it’s an artistic battle, or a matter of the heart, risk is always present. So why not befriend it? A common view is that uncertainty is frightening, and to be avoided. I’ve worked hard to shift my perspective, to see risk as something that can greatly benefit me. This attitude has helped me achieve things I’m very proud of.

I remember being 17 years old, and having to make a decision between going to college, which felt safe, and pursuing my dream at the time, of being a professional drummer, and joining a touring rock band. The band seemed much riskier. Was there a career there? Was it just some fleeting dream? I embraced the risk, auditioned, got the job, and was off to tour Canada, the US, and Europe. I got paid to play music, travel, and see the world. The risk paid off. I was able to go back and pursue college after that adventure was over, so it was a win all around.

I realize how ephemeral life truly is. I don’t want to look back on it and have regrets. We have to consider our dearest goals. As a filmmaker, I’ve had the intention of making a feature film for a long time. Was it risky to dive in and try to do it? Yes. It has consumed years of my life. Taking a leap of faith involves the possibility of failure. But I embraced the gamble, and poured my heart and soul into this project. I believe that you have to take risks in order to achieve great things in life. I’m so excited to share my feature film, A COUPLE OF SECRETS, with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Writer/Director with a feature film, A COUPLE OF SECRETS, currently in post-production. I’m so proud of this film, and excited to share it with the world. A COUPLE OF SECRETS is beautifully shot, thought-provoking, heartfelt, and fun! It is an exploration of resilience, and of finding light even in the darkest depths of the human experience.

My intention as a filmmaker is to push the boundaries of the medium; to create films that are stunning, transformative, and inspiring. I view filmmaking as an alchemy of sorts – where simple ideas and basic parts are transmuted into a greater, cohesive, striking work of art. Most people want to have a profound experience when watching a film. I have every intention of fulfilling that expectation, in the most creative and unexpected ways.

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to utilize creativity to offer an audience a novel perspective. As a filmmaker, my greatest gift is having a strong, detailed, and unique vision. This allows me to take my audience on a journey they have never been on before. It allows me to present new ideas, and transmit them in a uniquely stylized way through the medium of film.

My journey into the world of filmmaking began at a young age, driven by a passion for storytelling. I pursued formal education in screenwriting and filmmaking at Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and the Detroit Filmmakers Coalition. These academic experiences provided a solid foundation for my craft and fueled my ambition to create meaningful cinema. After graduating, I immersed myself in the Los Angeles film industry, working in various capacities on both independent and studio productions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best things about living in LA is the vicinity to great dining spots. I love taking visiting friends to places like Kitchen Mouse, Kreation Organic Juicery, Real Food Daily, Sage, True Foods, and HomeState.

LA also has some of the most interesting esoteric places in the world to visit, like the SRF Lake Shrine, the Philosophical Research Society, the Rudolf Steiner Library & Bookshop, and the Besant Lodge.

Finally, I enjoy getting visiting friends into the car and heading out on exciting road trips. Some of my favorites include: Joshua Tree, Big Sur, Ojai, Desert Hot Springs, Idyllwild, Yosemite, Sequoia, and the Muir Woods. Also nearby beaches like Venice, Laguna, and Malibu.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m going to dedicate this interview to two people – both groundbreaking teachers – that have guided me along the creative path. First, the late Robert Huchingson, my incredible elementary school teacher in Detroit, who introduced me to creative writing. He taught in the tradition of Waldorf/Steiner, which was tremendously creative and inspiring. Robert was more than just a teacher, he was a father-figure, and I’ll never forget him.

Second, my creative writing teacher at Wayne State University, Chris Tysh. Chris not only knew exactly how to get me to dive deeply and fully into my writing, she also pushed me to share it with the world. She was daring and fearless as a teacher, and those things rubbed off on me. Without these two, I’m not sure I would have had the courage and momentum to pursue filmmaking.

Website: https://www.nicholaspallos.com

Instagram: @nic.palace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-pallos77/

Image Credits
Photos by Kat Gardiner