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Nocturnal Newz Spotlights actor/filmmaker John Charles Gerald, of JOHNNY from Midnight Releasing
Written by~ Allison Salonko
A new talent in the film-making industry is on the rise with director, writer, producer and actor, John Charles Gerald. His first feature film Johnny is a psychological thriller that fits comfortably within the horror genre and circulates around an abuse victim’s self-loathing and loneliness.
Taking his inspiration from a song and a puppet, Gerald’s talents behind and in front of the screen earned him 5 wins and 2 nominations at different festivals such as Chicago Horror, Miami Independent Film, Dumbo and Happenstance Film Festivals.
Gerald realized early in his film-making journey that he needed to take his work to California. Where, eventually, after saving money and making connections, was able to gain access to audio and film-making equipment. Finally allowing him to start the process of creating his first feature film, Johnny. While John Charles Gerald never went to any formal schooling for filming or directing, he was able to use his degree in audio engineering from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida to his benefit.
“Making a film is the best film school you can do, so if you want to be a filmmaker, if you're starting out or having thoughts or you're not sure how to do it, the best thing to do is just start filming.” ~ John Charles Gerald
Gerald was the “jack of all trades” during the entire process of filming, producing and editing the movie. With limited help, he found it stressful and sometimes nightmarish, but at the end of the day, the greatest filmmakers started in the same place he was.
“Christopher Nolan used to do everything himself and so did Frances Ford Coppola… James Cameron would even do camera work himself in the beginning. So it was really hard but strengthens you as a filmmaker and a director.” ~John Charles Gerald
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This writer, director, filmmaker and doer-of-everything took home numerous awards for his psychological feature film, Johnny
John Charles Gerald used his past childhood trauma as a way to connect his story to the film. Finding inspiration from real life challenges and experiences as well as imagination from some of his favorite movies, Donnie Darko and The Machinist were what led to the film Johnny and its characters connecting so well with the audience.
Our brilliant director, writer and doer-of-everything took inspiration from more than just other films and his childhood. He also used the birth of his own son to give himself the strength to address his inner hurt and demons through movie making.
“My son gave me the courage to turn the deepest corner in my heart into the most meaningful and rewarding accomplishment in my life.” ~ John Charles Gerald
Gerald has ideas to make more films in the future but for now says that he likes not forcing or rushing the process. “I’ve let it come naturally. Now I feel like I can finally sit down and write.” ~ John Charles Gerald
John Charles Gerald’s feature film, Johnny, was picked up for distribution by Midnight Releasing. You can find Johnny on several visual platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple TV, iTunes, Vudu, Tubi, some cable networks and the Google Play or Microsoft Store.
JOHNNY is now available from Midnight Releasing.
ABOUT MIDNIGHT RELEASING
Founded in 2009 by Darrin Ramage, Midnight Releasing is a premiere home entertainment distributor of quality independent genre films released only in the North America Region. With a following of thousands on social media outlets, Midnight Releasing continues to draw attention with each release.