John Shepphird - Director - Jersey Shore Shark Attack

JSSA: Hi John Shepphird. Thank you for taking time out to answer some questions for your fans and the crew.

Absolutely.

JSSA: How long have you been directing films?


John Shepphird: As director my first feature was in 1992 titled Teenage Bonnie & Klepto Clyde featuring Scott Wolf, Maureen Flannigan, and the great Tom Bower.   I’ve had the opportunity to direct a number of films and television movies since then and collaborate with many extremely talented people.  Jersey Shore Shark Attack is my ninth film.  

JSSA: What have been some of your most inspirational moments in the business?

John Shepphird: I was very proud that a Christmas film I co-wrote and directed I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, which was also produced by Jeff Schenk from this film, became the highest-rated telefilm on the PAX Network and then went on to be scheduled annually in ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas series for over a decade.  It has a lot of humor and heart, and everything about creating that film was a great experience.

JSSA: What is your general philosophy about directing?

John Shepphird: Hire people you trust, both in-front of and behind the camera, and encourage all to bring their own unique contribution to the project.  It’s like a party, a big pot luck, everyone contributes something.  As a director my job is to bring all the departments together to shape the narrative, actors, camera, wardrobe, lighting, sound and post production with the time and resources we have at our disposal.  Directing is the art of collaboration.  


JSSA: What was some of your greatest challenges in Jersey Shore Shark Attack?


John Shepphird: It will probably sound cliché but working in and around water is very time consuming, in boats, actors in water, sharks, etc.  Coordination and planning were key and I was extremely fortunate that I had first assistant director John Stecenko on my team.  John Stecenko is the best first AD I’ve ever worked with.  His ideas were great, and his pre-production planning and scheduling were exceptional.  He never stopped for a second in his tireless efforts to maximize our resources and make it the best movie it could be.      

JSSA: What moments stick out for you as a pivotal point in this film?


John Shepphird: I really like the scene with Jack Scalia and Jeremy Luc in the police station as father and son try to come to terms.  Genre films, such as this, are great fun.  However I strongly feel between the action and escalation there needs to be moments of real “truth” in every genre film.  Everyone on earth can relate to conflict between family members, that’s a universal truth.  Jack and Jeremy did a great job in that scene.  It’s layered, and in between all the action, laughs, and fun we experience an exchange that makes us care about this estranged father and son.
   

JSSA: What do you want fans to get from this film?


John Shepphird: To have fun, and hopefully a few laughs

JSSA: What advice do you have for future directors?


John Shepphird: To learn as much as they can about all aspects of film production and how actors apply their craft.  Don’t be afraid to ask and learn from every department.  Take an acting class or two so you’re familiar with, and not afraid of, actors.  Pitch in wherever you see an opportunity and be willing to work for free.  Although I earned a MFA from Columbia University in writing & directing I was incredibly fortunate to volunteer as a crew member at the Sundance Institute June Laboratory for many, many years.  Watching other directors, cinematographers, and actors work was extremely valuable.  Then later, working as an editor, I began to understand what’s needed to make a scene work.  All of that was very helpful.  With the exception of wardrobe, hair, and make-up I’ve worked almost every job on a movie set and came away with a kernel of knowledge each time.  Now, as director, I understand the needs and challenges of every department and can make decisions based on realistic expectations.  Try to become familiar with the craft and tell stories the best you can.            

JSSA: Thank you again John.


Onward!