What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The best thing I love about my work is that it’s a very collaborative craft. One can do great things on his own but when collaborating together we can create wonders. That being said, no day is like the other. On an everyday basis, I am faced with different people, art, challenges, solutions, topics of discussion and much more.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Being surrounded by people sharing the same passion for life.
What is my greatest fear?
Getting isolated and lonely so much as to lose the desire of life.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
It’s got to be procrastination. It’s easy to get distracted in today’s world and gets more difficult as we go. I remember a time when I was a bit more disciplined with myself but today one needs to do an extra effort to bar himself from getting distraction. At the slightest distraction, artists are prone to procrastination.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Not exactly in my profession but we do share, in a way, a same same but different genesis: Hideo Kojima. Directly from my profession then there’s a person whom I got to know along the years and still admire to this very day: Mark Doneo who inspired me to start locally. Then there’s someone else who showed me a whole new perspective on film production: Michael Kissaun.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Procrastination when I’m alone and when filming on set I get so excited I start losing track of time and lose myself in the moment.
On what occasion would I lie?
I’d rather lie and take a blame myself than hurt the feelings of someone who is very close to me…though in time they would probably still get to know the truth from me.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Sometimes it gets to a point where you stop being in control. The fact that you have to play the political game while juggling creative work makes me cringe most of the time.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I think it was back in 2013 when I was directing a TV series called “Maskra” (Mask). We had 3 days of intense night shooting to film almost half an episode in one location and everything worked clockwork. The team was so focused and worked hand in hand that everything went smoothly. We all were super tired by the end but nothing could wipe out the big smile from our faces.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I don’t think I would change anything. I am what I am with my good things and not-so-good things. I try to embrace myself as I am and figure out life as I go along.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I think it’s the fact that I manage to create an environment where people from different walks of life and different backgrounds, but who share the same passion, get together and collaborate together with me to create something unique.
Where would I most like to live?
New Zealand or Japan.
What is my most treasured possession?
I don’t think I actually have one. Possessions come and go and when I was younger I used to hoard up stuff only to realise later on in life, that possessions don’t define your life. They are part of it but some times you just have to let go to make way for better ones.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I think it’s the ability to remain calm no matter what.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Not exactly in my city, but in my country we are a small island and anywhere can be our city. I think it’s our capital city, Valletta. It’s so rich with history and different architectural styles that I always find some form of inspiration when I go there.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Club Sushi in St. Julian’s
What books influenced my life and how?
“Directing Actors” by Judith Weston
“In the Blink of an Eye” by Walter Murch
“The Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkien
Who are my favorite writers?
JRR Tolkien, Haruki Murakami
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Any track from “Poets of the Fall”. They have wonderful lyrics and diverse music that would probably make the passing a lot easier.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Solid Snake from “Metal Gear Solid” series and Batman.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Christopher Nolan, Hideo Kojima
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy – giving special attention to the theme of camaraderie.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art is essentially my life. My lifestyle has come to revolve around Art. I am not saying I do a work of art in anything I do like brewing coffee in the morning but the fact that I try to stay with an open mind and let even the smallest of things be an inspiration for me.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My greatest partner in crime would be my partner in the business, Chris Farrugia. He and I had worked on a project of mine and immediately bonded after our first meeting. It took a couple of years to finish the project and after that we both pursued our separate ways for a time. Lately, we have reconnected and started working together again. I think we form quite a good team and it’s really important to have one such as him by my side.
Whom would I like to work with in 2019?
I am forming new wishes in this sector as on the TV series I am directing at the moment, I had the opportunity to form a dream team with writer Simon Bartolo and producer Louise Doneo.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2019?
I’d really love to meet Christopher Nolan but that’s my wishful thinking – although one can never say.
What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on?
I am currently directing my own TV series. This has been the project I look forward to in 2019 for a couple of years now. In the local language, it is called “Elf Metodu” which means “One Thousand Methods”
Where can you see me or my work in 2019?
One can find me on Facebook and my work is displayed on my Vimeo page:
https://vimeo.com/jamesoncucciardi
And to catch a glimpse of the aforementioned series, here is the Facebook page as well:
https://www.facebook.com/elfmetodu
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
A “passion” is a flame which goes through different stages and phases in life. It stays with you till you die. Given the right circumstances, even an extinguished passion can be rekindled. It’s like a phoenix that rises from the ashes.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?
The people I mentioned like Mark Doneo, Michael Kissaun, Chris Farrugia and Simon Bartolo have a great story to tell.
How can you contact me?
I am reachable via Facebook, LinkedIn and also via email jameson.cucciardi@gmail.com
The Hero's Journey 