Inspiration Spotlight: Executive Producer Martin Zaharinov

What's your background and why do you want to work in film?
I have always had a passion for cinema and films. My father comes from a TV and journalism background. He used to anchor for the news in Bulgaria back in the early 90s and I always enjoyed seeing him on TV and envisioned myself being in his place one day. When the time came for applying to college I asked myself “What do I love to do most in this world?” After a year of deliberation, I decided to apply to film schools. Once I got to Emerson, I quickly realized that I love this school and that filmmaking is what truly makes me happy. I believe it’s what I was always meant to do.

Why did you choose Inspiration to be your first major production?
Inspiration, at a first glance, touched me on a personal level. I could relate to the story in a deep emotional sense, for reasons that I will keep to myself. Upon a second read I found that I really liked the characters, enjoyed the interactions between them, and was drawn into the story. As I was rereading the script, prior to my meeting with the writer, I found myself “watching” the film, seeing the scenes come to life in my mind. I really enjoyed it and I was actively looking for a major project to take on. I knew from the beginning that this will be an enormous challenge and that it will be either all or nothing, and when dealing with absolutes I said to myself: Yes, this is manageable and I can do it!

Explain what the executive producer does on a film.
The Student Executive Producer is the spearhead of any student-produced film. He/she (or they…it is recommended to have at least a couple of Execs) are the people who essentially put the film together from A to Z – the beacon for the rest of the crew to rally around. The EP handles all business issues, assigns responsibilities, and secures the finances for the film. The EP has final say and veto power of any and all decisions on a student-produced film, and is in charge of the entire team.

What are your goals for Inspiration?
Since I started this project, I have been quite vocal about how great I want to make this film, how good of an experience it will be, and how many grants we will be entrusted with. The naysayers rolled their eyes about us getting a Kodak grant. Or Panavision. Or Fotokem. But we got all three. Ninety percent of the things that I set out to do are taking place, and I must admit that I’ve been talking up Sundance since Day 1…

Tell us your five favorite films and why.
I'll give you more than five, since I rank a lot of them equally, but will keep the descriptions brief, deal?

1. The Fountain — I can write a book on why.
2. Beautiful Mind — Great performances, great story, great cast, great team, great interpretation, great mind. I can watch this over and over again, and I think it has one of the best film titles out there.

3. Shawshank Redemption — Amazing! The story is beautiful, the telling of it is even better. Morgan Freeman has always been great in everything he commits to. I don't think that I have ever seen a movie that has drawn me deeper into the world it depicts than Shawshank. By the time the movie is over I don't ever want to leave nor can I ever tell the passage of time when watching this film.

4. Forrest Gump — One of the greatest acting performances of all time. Tom Hanks is spectacular and magic always flows when he works with Zemeckis. Like Shawshank, Gump draws me into a world of running, war, shrimp, ping-pong, and drama that I don't want to leave once the credits roll.

5. Lord of the Rings (Return) — When have you enjoyed yourself more at the movies! Best entertainment ever!

6. The Prestige — Amazing story and cinematography! Nolan kicks ass directing this one. The twist is amazing and the film has one of the best plot structures I have ever seen! Plus I have always had a soft spot for and a fascination with magic!

7. Love Actually — Everyone needs a bit of lovin’…

8. Leon —Loved it as a kid and I couldn't get enough of it! Really hard to come by, but a great movie.

9. Seven Chances - Buster Keaton. Hilarious!

10. The Matrix - FUN!!!

And many more. All film majors have 50 Top Five movies. It just depends on the time of night you ask them the question!