Season 2 Episode 3 – Daniel Hess – My Spirit Will Stay
Daniel Hess is a filmmaker who generally creates narrative and commercial films with his Baltimore-based production company, To Tony Productions. But he also created an experimental film, My Spirit Will Stay, which got this whole conversation started. Yes, Daniel and I have the same last name, but we don’t think that we’re related. But who knows for sure? I met Daniel through a site called PodMatch that connects Podcasters with guests. I was intrigued that another Hess, apart from Jared and Jerusha Hess of Napolean Dynamite fame, was into filmmaking–especially experimental filmmaking. So I reached out to him. We connected and this podcast is the result.
Daniel gave me access to his experimental film, My Spirit Will Stay starring Emily Classen, who is the sole actor in the film. I won’t spoil the film for you but we discuss it in the podcast. We also discuss Emily’s character and superb acting and on-camera presence as well. It is a rare actor indeed who can make such a part convincing, sincere, and engaging. Emily, as I put it in the podcast, fills the frame. Daniel’s writing and directing are spot-on in this in-depth dive into someone’s psyche and inner dialogue. Daniel also explains the origin of his production company’s name and we discuss creating an underground film group.
It was a pleasure to speak with Daniel and I wish him and his production crew the very best, even if we’re probably not related <wink>.
