Rob Diamond, director/writer/producer, sat down with MormonMedia.com and gave his insight on film and his background.
How long have you been in the industry?
RD: 26 years. I did my first commercial for Coca Cola when I was 17. I grew up as a surfer and was on the beach in Southern California when some of the producers tapped me on the shoulder. The commercial was about a summer love story. Me and a girl walking on the pier, hand in hand on the beach, and swinging in a swing set. It was a great way to break into the industry.
What was it like being a successful model in the ’80s?
RD: It was a blast. I’m grateful for those times. It prepared me for the film industry. Besides print work, I did a lot of commercials including Levis 501 Blue Jeans, Minute Maid, Coke, Honda, Toshiba and numerous others. I spent a lot of time working in Los Angeles and Japan.
Once you started doing films, you worked with Mickey Rooney. What was that like?
RD: It was an honor to be able to work with a legend. Mickey is very energetic and has lots of Hollywood stories to tell, especially with him and Judy Garland. Just watching him work taught me a lot.
When did you start teaching acting?
RD: I taught my first film acting class in 1997 and fell in love with it. I instantly developed a huge passion for teaching others.
How long have you had Rob Diamond’s Actor’s Lounge?
RD: I’ve had Rob Diamond’s Actors Lounge for over ten years now. I’ve trained thousands of actors over the years and enjoy every second of it. It’s been a great blessing in my life. Teaching is a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously. The people who find my class find it for a reason, and with that in mind, I bring my whole heart to each and every class I teach.
Can you give us some names of people you have trained?
RD: Matthew Reese (Beauty and the Beast, The Eleventh Hour, Tears Of A King, Rescued, Once Upon A Summer), Kari Hawker (The Dance, Christmas Angel, Propensity, Blank Slate), Jennifer Klekas (White On Rice, Snowmen, Minor Details, The Eleventh Hour), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Sky High, Grindhouse, Live Free or Die Hard, Final Destination 3). These are just a few names. Many of my students have landed speaking parts in hundreds of films over the years, which I am very proud of.
What was the first thing you wrote and made into a film?
RD: It was a feature film called “Three Days To Live.” I wrote the screenplay in less than a week and shot it in three weeks. We filmed in Utah, Nevada, and California on a very low budget. It was a very difficult, but amazing experience. The drama behind the scenes was probably better than the movie, but I learned so much from the process and wouldn’t change a thing. I wore a lot of hats including location scouting, casting, editing, writing, directing, and producing.
Your new film is called Once Upon A Summer. What can you tell us about this film?
RD: It’s another true story about my friend and writing partner, Andrea Curtis. It has all the elements that great stories should have; laughter, tears, joy, and hope. I couldn’t resist. It’s a tale of two little girls who come from a broken family and have the adventures of a lifetime one summer. The years pass and one has a terminal illness. The women meet and take a stroll down memory lane. I love the film. There’s something for everybody – both old and young alike.
What are some things you’re proud of in this latest LDS film?
RD: I think it’s realistic and paints LDS people in a positive light. It’s not corny and over the top. We’re real and we have flaws. It’s universal in its message of love and hope. Even non-LDS people will enjoy the film. It doesn’t preach.
What do you hope people come away with after seeing this film?
RD: My hope is that it touches their heart and tickles their funny bone.
Will you continue to teach even if you keep making films?
RD: Yes. I love teaching. Passing along our knowledge and experience blesses all parties.
Do you have a preference for teaching or making films?
RD: Not really. They both have their rewards.
What changes in the industry would you like to see?
RD: My hope is that independent cinema continues to thrive.
Out of your body of work what are you most proud of?
RD: I can’t pick just one. Each film I make has a special place in my heart. The one I’m working on is always at the top of my list. So right now it’s “Once Upon A Summer.”