“If you have the vision and the drive, you will make it”-Eric Zoa

Exclusive Interview with Eric Zoa -Filmmaker

Eric Zoa was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon in 1985. He grew up in Israel from the age 5 till he graduated then went to study in Paris, France.  He majored in Communication and caught both the acting and writing bug. He went to film school in Paris from 2010 to 2014. In 2014. He starred in a first short film that he also wrote named ‘Les Chemins vers l’hostie’. He followed it up (in 2015) with his first starring role in a feature film that he  wrote as well called ‘Je les aime, Je les aime tous,  Tu le sais’ produced by two independent companies KN5 Production and Tornado Productions. In 2016, he joined the Acting Conservatory in DC for two  years. In 2017, he wrote and co-directed  his first play called ‘Karma Instantane’ along with Elodie  Esteve, which was held in Paris at La Folie Theatre. In 2018, he adapted his play into a screenplay called ‘K.I.A.B’. He produced, wrote, starred and co-directed his first film with the talented Oleksii Osyka.

NY Glam: What projects are you currently working on? 

I’ve been looking for a distribution company on my first feature film ‘’K.I.A.B’’. I’m currently working on raising money for the next feature film I want to make called ‘Andre’s Gang’ a thriller in a movie theater.  I ‘m actually working with a line producer this time so hopefully I’ll soon be approaching production companies.

NY Glam: What makes a film great for you? Are there certain qualities that make a film better for you? 

The story. I swear, it really truly is all about the story.  You can’t walk without a good spine. Well, the same goes for movies. It’s all about the script. A good film for me should at the very least have two things: Don’t be boring and be entertaining. The icing on the cake would be to have a message : Have something to say.

NY Glam: As a screenwriter, what is the most important aspect of building a character?

The  most important thing is to have a complete character arc, whether it is ascending or not.  

NY Glam: Top 3 favorite projects that you have been involved in? 

‘Je les aime, Je les aime tous, tu le sais’ which is a French film I wrote and in which I starred in as well I played a cop. We had so much fun shooting this psychological thriller in the snow. It was intense scary and fun. Gaultier Barra one of  the co- director is so talented and is one of my best friends. Shooting this movie was like going camping.

The second one would be co-directing my first feature film ‘K.I.A.B’ a claustrophobic thriller this time. We shot the whole film in one location. I produced co directed wrote and starred in it as well. Easily the hardest project I had to do yet. Thank god, I had Oleksii Osyka co-directing the film with me. This guy was a godsend, so talented.

Finally, writing and co-directing my first play in Paris called ‘Karma Instantane’. Doing this project was like‘war’. 

NY Glam: Do you express yourself creatively in any other ways? 

I love acting. I used to draw a lot when I was a kid. I have to get back to that. Probably why my first screenplay was about painting .  I have to learn martial arts and Tango too at some point. Maybe painting as well. We shall see…

NY Glam: What advice would you give to someone who wants to have a career in filmmaking? 

Use every tool you have at your disposal, even if you have to shoot in one room. If you have the vision and the drive, you will make it. No matter what.

NY Glam: What can we expect from you in 2020? 

‘Andre’s  Gang’. The thriller in the movie theater. I’m so excited for it! It’s very original,  fun, scary and contemporary. Other than that more plays, more screenplays and hopefully more acting.

NY Glam: Where can everyone keep up with you to learn more? …social media…website 

You can follow on Facebook :Zoa Eric or twitter: @zoaeric1or the Facebook page of my film @KIABMOVIE.

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