Fast Forward Friday with Lisa D’Apolito

For this week’s Fast Forward Friday, we interviewed director-producer and NYWIFT member Lisa D’Apolito. Her feature documentary  LOVE Gilda – the Eternal Spirit of Gilda Radner was recently accepted into the Conscious Cinema Lab in Sedona.  To learn more about LOVE Gilda, click here and if you are in New York City and want to  celebrate Gilda’s Birthday Bingo Bash on Friday June 17th click  here.

Q: What are you currently working on?  Tell us about it.

I am working on a feature documentary, LOVE Gilda – the Eternal Spirit of Gilda Radner.  In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Weaving together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends and rare home movies, LOVE Gilda offers a unique window into the funny and whimsical world of a beloved performer whose greatest role was sharing her story.

Q: What was the inspiration and impetus for doing this project?

I was doing fundraising videos for Gilda’ s Club, an organization that offers support for people with cancer and their families.  Many people I had interviewed had a deep connection with Gilda Radner.  I realized that Gilda’s legacy lives on over 25 years after she died from ovarian cancer and I wanted to learn more about her.  I started the film when I was in Joanne’s New York Women in Film workshop and with her support.

Q: Who are your artistic heroes – who have had an impact on you and your work?

 l have always loved the great female actors like Vivian Leigh and Katherine Hepburn.   But, now I have to say Gilda.   She was an amazing writer, a good person and always found the humor in even her darkest times.

Q: What keeps you motivated and inspired as an artist?

Getting out in nature and the ocean help me clear my mind and I feel inspired.

Q: What other projects would you like to tell us about?

I am in the midst of finishing up LOVE Gilda but I would like to do other films about other women who are inspirational.

Q: What is one instance of knowing you are living in your vision? 

When I wake up in the morning and I know I am going to work on my film and not going to a job that makes me unhappy.

Q: If there were no barriers to entry, what is one thing you would be doing?

I would move.

Q: What has been big your biggest obstacle in achieving your vision?

My sometimes fear.

Q: What do you do to stay connected to your creative self?

I love to cook.  I love museums.  I love to be with creative people and hear about their projects.

Q: If you could let go of something that has held you back, what would it be?

My self doubt.

Q: What is your favorite piece of art?

 Joan of Ark painting by Jules Bastien-Lepage at the MET.

Q: What person do you most admire, living or dead?

Gilda Radner.

Q: If you could be known and celebrated for one thing, what would it be?

That I was honest and tried to help.

Q: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Intuitive.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?

Salami.

Q: If you could sit down with yourself 15 years ago, what would you say?

Never be scared to go for your dreams.

Q: Where would you most like to live?

By the ocean.

Q: What is your idea of success?

To have a wonderful home, travel and have an Academy Award.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?

Swimming or looking out at the ocean .

Q; Final Thoughts?

Thank you Joanne for your workshops and coaching.   I have also made some wonderful life long friends from your groups.