Los Angeles, CA – Executive producer/actor Omar Hansen stars, and is one of the producers of the TV series Sangre Negra: The Battle Begins which stars an all Latino cast and which will soon be available for streaming. The series is a cross-generational family saga described as a cross between Dallas and the underworld intrigue of The Sopranos. Omar, who is of Indian descent has also produced several independent films and of recent, more Latino content with a different perspective than usually found in Hollywood films.
In the exclusive interview for Latin Heat Omar shares with us part of his journey as a producer.
LATIN HEAT: As an executive producer what draws you to produce Latino themed content?
Omar Hansen: I love working with people that have different backgrounds and cultures. One of many jobs that I had before getting into films, was an aircraft inspector working for a major airline and aerospace companies. In this capacity you meet and work with people from Cuba, Mexico, Spain, India, Egypt, Germany, Vietnam…people from all over the world. Each had their own way of solving problems and viewing situations, very refreshing.
For example we all like to breath when flying at 40,000 feet right?. We had this problem when the pilot would push one of the engine throttles one of the air conditioners would turn off. So no air conditioner means no air no breathing in the cabin. This individual from Mexico figured out the one of the check valves was clogged not allowing airflow. The valve was replaced everything worked great. Moral always be willing to listening to all points of view.
LH: What kind of stories do you plan to bring to life?
OH: I would like to make movies or TV shows that are commercially successful such as super-hero, Sci-fi. Once investors see that you have a proven track record they are more likely to trust you with money. This in turn will allow you to make independent movies.
LH: What are some of the projects you have produced or are producing.
OH: Currently executive producing Sangre Negra TV Series. I just produced the indie films Ghost Goggles, Treasure Hunters, Asylum and Seventy Nine. I am also very fortunate to be working with an amazing business partner Berenika Maciejewicz. Together we have several projects in the works. Our company is Rocker Entertainment.
LH: You have a dual career also as an actor. How do you reconcile both?
OH: As an actor you have to be emotionally available for whatever the story requires and to react very truthful and believable. For the business side as producing, directing and financing it’s pretty straightforward- get it done. Make a profit, produce a great product come in under budget! So essentially I have mastered keeping acting separate from business the one never crosses over to the other, never!
LH: What do you want to accomplish in terms of international content in Hollywood?
OH: Planet earth is made of so many people with their own unique perspectives. So the best way to weave this together is to come up with storylines (movies) that take characters or situations to other countries. A lot of what we consume in United States is built overseas. We as filmmakers need to make films that appeal to a broad audience. So I would like to be known as the international man.
LH: There are thousands of scripts floating around in Hollywood. How does a script catch your interest as a producer?
OH: Can I visualize it? Will the audience connect with it?. Does the story flow? For commercial films, can I get two more films out of it – sequels. In character driven films, has the character reconciled or learned for him or her to change. I mean we do all have certain values, beliefs that sometimes really challenges that.
LH: Describe the challenges you face when dealing with talent that often doesn’t understand the business side of “show business”?
OH: Actors, they just like to show up do their scenes and leave. That’s what actors think show business is, glamour, red carpet etc. As producers you have to see the total picture such as budgets, marketing what can we afford. Always thinking on your feet a lot! Be example, on locations if you have to shoot a sunny beach scene, then it rains for two weeks you have to work arounds that, like can you shoot other scenes out of sequences.
LH: The way films are marketed and distributed has changed a lot in the past five years. How have you adjusted to those changes as a producer?
OH: The internet, social media and platforms of how content is delivered all over the world. I mean you can go directly to consumers and target your specific audience in a state, city or town. Everything is available twenty four hours a day. So you really don’t have to be held down to traditional modes of distribution.
LH: Discuss the relationship between production value and actual budget.
OH: You always try to get the most bang for your money. A good example of this is we did a film in the philippines and I was able to use the jungle has a backdrop for the scenes. So no set expensive set designs that can take up to a month or longer to make. This can really blow your budget. Long story short high production value with little money. LH: Please share some words of wisdom for independent filmmakers.
OH: Just keep believing in yourself, always be kind and humble and be open minded. Surround yourself with smart people that have a vision for greatness. Be strong because at some point you will have to make a decision to let go of someone. One single bad attitude can bring the whole production down.
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