Joseph McKelheer in demand; he's an actor, writer and film producer with an impressive film library under his
belt. He's here today to speak about himself and his films.

ME: Joseph, can you speak about how you got into writing and producing for film? 

JOSEPH: I think most producers get to a point where the sense of urgency to make a film is so great they'll do almost anything to make it happen.  For me, that 'anything' was writing. I never fancied myself as a writer, but my producing partner, Eben Kostbar, and I didn't have the money to hire a writer or the patience to find one that would do it on spec so we camped out at a coffee shop and did it ourselves.

ME: Cool. I mean, writing isn't all that easy so congrats on winging it writing. Can you speak about your film Hamill? What is it about? What inspired you to write and produce this story?

JOSEPH: HAMILL is a true story based on the Deaf UFC fighter Matt Hamill.  The story follows his journey to become the first Deaf person to win a national championship in wrestling. The film is really about turning adversity into opportunity. It's about embracing who you really are, being true to yourself and never giving up on your dreams. My
partner, Eben Kostbar, had first seen Matt on television and brought him to my attention, but the inspiration to write and produce this story really came when we first met Matt at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont.  It was the first time either of us had ever been introduced to deaf culture. It was mind blowing!  I couldn't believe I was in my thirties and I knew nothing about this community, this world.  Not only did we want to tell Matt's inspiring story, but we also wanted to show the world this amazing and unique culture through fresh eyes. 

ME: Well, it's definitely different and there really hasn't been enough movies about the hearing impaired. Is there a particular message you'd like to get across with this film? How do you hope the American and later international
audience will receive it?

JOSEPH: The message is simple: be true to yourself, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams.

ME: Punto! Can you tell us where it was filmed it and if you have any stories while filming?

JOSEPH: The film was shot entirely in Rochester, NY, except for a half day at a live UFC event in Las Vegas. Like any independent film there are many stories.  Eben and I have been working on this film for four years now and there is a new story every week; but the thing that stands out the most is that we had a mixed Deaf and hearing cast and crew. We went to great lengths to make sure our Deaf friends would be proud of this film and we couldn't have done it without them, particularly our Deaf producing partner Catherine MacKinnon. 

ME: What are your plans next in terms of writing and producing and acting?

JOSEPH: I have several projects in development and one in an early stage of pre-production, but I'm always looking, so send em' my way.

ME: Cool, Joseph. Thanks for sharing. Everyone check out the multiple film projects of Joseph McKelheer. He's got plenty in the works. Good luck Joseph. Looking forward to see your films!

Interview by Vanessa McMahon August 17, 2010

actor Joseph McKelheer

trailer to Godspeed here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfHiwEpdM90