'When I was 16 I watched Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead and it changed my life.'
Whenever I interview a artist, I'm curious about who or what inspired them to get started. With a film director, I fascinated to learn the films that inspired them. Early influences are like makers that we don't, or maybe more specifically, we can't forget. I was marked by so many movies and so many books when I was younger. I was also inspired by so many visuals. Not only images of the male form, but also movie posters and promotional images.
I was also marked by Halloween, and especially the experiences I had as a kid and a teenager. I love that FH allows me to bring so many of those markers together, especially at Halloween. Tom from TR Pics is one of my favorite chroniclers of the male form. Not only are his images erotic and bold, Tom's use of color and light also brings to mind some of the iconic images of celebrities I used to save and collect when I was growing up in the 80's.
Tom's first shot with Carlos Suarez was back in 2017. Tom remembers that Carlos was creatively up for almost anything. Carlos arrived with a variety of different clothing options, so they shot some fashion, some fitness, and even some Pride shots during that first shoot. Their next shot was a year later, and Carlos wanted to do some 'pool' shots with a focus on health. Thanks to a mutual friend, they had a lovely pool to use, and also really nice personal gym.
With Tom getting busier with many new models, and Carlos busy with movie making, it wasn't until this past September they were able to shoot again. Tom says it was like old times. Tom describes Carlos as 'just the sweetest guy, very giving, a little quiet, but has definite ideas.' For this shoot, Carlos brought some props and a mask, and wanted to capture some fun, Halloween themed shots.
Not all behind the scenes creative, Sci-Fi directors and alien conductors want to come out from the behind the curtains. Carlos Suarez however, not only came from behind the curtain, but then proceeded to rip them off. Carlos shared his thoughts on modeling and shooting with Tom, as well as his experience as a movie lover turned movie creator, writer and director.
How did you first connect with Tom?
I first met Tom when I came across his Instagram profile over seven years ago. I really enjoyed his work so I soon became a fan. I have always wanted to model but just never really had an opportunity to do it. Working on films takes up most of my time. I was looking for images mainly to use for social media but also for personal use.
Did you have any boundaries around what you were comfortable shooting?
Yeah, I was comfortable with everything except full frontal nudity. I'm shy that way.
What was your favorite part about working with Tom and your time with him?
I have to admit the first time I collaborated with Tom I was very nervous. I didn't have much experience modeling but Tom kindly helped me through it and made me very comfortable in the studio.
What inspired the Halloween themed shoot?
I love Halloween. I have always wanted to do something creepy/sexy, something with barely any boundaries because working with Tom is a blast
Do you have a favorite Halloween memory?
Yes, my friends got married on Halloween a few years ago. All my buddies from high school that I had not seen in a while were there. It was a fun night and a great reunion. I understand that is not scary but still my favorite Halloween memory.
As a writer, director and filmmaker, what films inspired you growing up?
When I was 16 I watched Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead and it changed my life. My zombie fever started and I couldn't wait to make my own zombie flick. 28 Days Later was also a great influence in my filmmaking journey. Running zombies really freaked me out and I found them so interesting.
At what point did your dream of making a movie start to become a reality?
My friends and I wrote and made a movie just for fun called The Lotto Ticket back in 2009. At that point in my life I had never filmed a short film. This was my first experience working with a script and actors, who were really just my best friends. I learned a lot and it definitely was the beginning of bringing all my movie ideas to life. Soon after I made my first zombie flick, Infected.
Was it difficult to get started, finding funding and resources?
Funding is always the one of the biggest obstacles in any production. I like to plan accordingly and self fund my projects. -You seem to love Horror and sci fi, do you know where that comes from? Growing up I was really into horror films. Chucky, A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Halloween Series just to name a few. These films have definitely influenced my love of horror. Films like The Fifth Element and The Matrix are some of my favorite sci fi films and also have a big influence on me.
Curious what Ceashlands scene was the most difficult and the surprisingly easiest to film?
The driving sequence at the beginning of the film was quite a challenge. Any scene involving a moving vehicle and dialogue is not easy to film. The shots tend to be very shaky and audio is not always the best. The opening scene shoot went rather smoothly. I am not a fan of night shoots so I was really worried prior to filming the scene but luckily it all went great.
I loved the tone you set with the opening scene, is it harder to begin a film as a director, or end it? Ending it is harder. The story, the characters, It all has to come to a great conclusion and sometimes I find it difficult to do. I like to leave it to the audience's imagination, especially with Crashlands.
If you could intern with, or work beside one current famous director, who would it be?
Christopher Nolan, I am a huge fan of his work and style of filmmaking.
After watching Crashlands, which of your films would you suggest a fan check out next?
You can check out a couple of my horror and supernatural shorts, Devil's Mask and The Passenger. All are now streaming on Dario Studios, my official site and on the YouTube Channel.
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