Could you briefly describe your project for our audience?
(Rodrigo) NOPS is an immersive experience in a shift of a, not so common, police officer and the way he deals with his job.
What were your main aspirations or goals when creating this project?
(Gui) I’m a big fan of the TV show and everytime I watch them a distorted, unpolished version of the episodes comes to my head, always exposing the fragility of the human kind, my aspiration is to share my vision.
(Rodrigo) When Gui showed me the script, I had a great time reading it, I thought “Okay, we can do something really unique here.” And that was the reason I accepted, I always wanted to do a project that would make me laugh my boots off… and that was my goal from day one, to get everyone to have a great time.
Share some memorable moments from the shooting process or any pleasant surprises.
(Rodrigo) We were in Gui’s living room, doing a table reading and I remember it was incredible to see everybody’s reactions, and what emerged in the process. Before the shoot we couldn’t find an older actor and I was afraid that my dad wouldn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera for some reason, but he surprised me a lot. With Gui, I was already confident that he was going to deliver it, we worked before, but I loved the connection that the two of them created and I think that was a pleasant surprise.
Who is the primary target audience for your film, and what do you hope they will take away from it?
(Rodrigo) Old-school cops (laughs), now seriously, I think it will appeal to young people who are fans of the classic true crime series.
(Gui) I’m sure everybody will have fun watching, with different perspectives of course, even if you never watched an original episode.
What makes your project an appealing choice for potential distributors?
(Gui) A single episode is too little to express everything society experienced with the police, the subject has potential to be developed to become a serial.
(Rodrigo) Betting on a concept that tickles our brain into “what more can they do?”, not only criticise the use of force, but also to address themes that are very relevant to the generation we live in is a very prominent investment, mainly cause I saw the other episodes and it gets better and better.
How would you define your unique filmmaking style, and what distinct qualities characterize your film?
(Rodrigo) Action defines it, the idea of doing something scripted as a moment-to- moment documentary gives me the truth I need. I’ve always loved going as “personal” as possible, seeing and getting to know our main character’s space, if he’s messy, if he is a show off, if he has a different personality when he’s surrounded or alone… that kind of thing. I also love to get to know how people around him react to his impulses, and to use the actors’ improvisation to explore where we can go.
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
(Gui) Life beats down and crushes the soul, art reminds you that you have one, Stella Adler.
(Rodrigo) As a little boy, I always had the dream of reaching the “big world of cinema” with the films my father showed me, and I always tried to find out what could make me evolve in this world… and I can assure you that every week I have more ideas and dreams of one day making a living out of it.
Do you have a filmmaker or source of inspiration who has influenced your work?
(Rodrigo) Perhaps the best answer I can give is Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now”. It was a movie I saw when I was in ninth grade and I remember feeling an awe – IT WAS HUGE! And thanks to that movie, I researched the actors and the director, with that I discovered the “Godfather” saga and created a cinematic web that is still evolving today.
(Gui) For me a source of inspiration are Lawrence Olivier, Brando, Nicholson and Pacino, who I also saw performing also as Shylock in Merchant Of Venice.
Share a couple of your favorite films and what resonates with you about them.
(Gui) Serpico was definitely an inspiration for the main character in NOPS.
(Rodrigo) I stick with “Apocalypse Now”, every time I see this movie it makes me afraid of what is possible in this cinematographic universe. The Godfather I, II, III are a compilation of why I have always loved mafia movies and cinematographic power. Once upon a time in America was one of my best cinematic experiences ever, it’s such a well-made movie that it gives me so much pleasure to watch. To finish Paddington 2, I’m not going to give any explanations, just because I really connected with the character, and because it’s one of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen.
Where do you typically find inspiration for your film projects?
(Gui) Society screams the need to express itself, you just have to be able to hear it.
(Rodrigo) Pinterest (laughs), The other space is the History of Cinema classes at my university, when we watch films from the “Nouvelle Vague” or “German Expressionism”, they give me a boost in my imagination in terms of art and aesthetics that I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
Learn more about
Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31159447/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk
Gui: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10632954/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Rodrigo: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14834308/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10632954/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Gui’s Page: https://www.flowcode.com/page/guipimentel