Event Recap: Don Hemingway Advanced Screening and Q&A

On April 1st, The Los Angeles Film School and Jeff Goldsmith hosted an advanced screening of Dom Hemingway, the story of a brass criminal trying to tie up loose ends on the other side of prison, starring Jude Law. The film was equal parts funny, moving and entertaining, and left the audience erupting into applause when the credits rolled. The man responsible for that cinematic experience, Writer/Director Richard Shepard, then settled in for an amusing and informative Q&A session.

Shepard’s first notable work was 2005’s The Matador, and since then he’s directed episodes of 30 Rock, Girls and won an Emmy for his work on Ugly Betty.

“Just do work you’re proud of,” he said to the audience at our screening, reflecting on the writing process. “Everyone who is creative is scared. It’s part of this business. ”

Shepard, whose films are known as being character-driven, said he’s encountered a lot of actors who instinctively shy away from a role if it’s too overwhelming; “It’s not a bad thing. It’s actually a very good thing. Jude [Law] got cold feet at a certain point during Dom Hemingway. It just means the role scares and challenges them, which is exactly why they should be doing it.”

Dom Hemingway hits theaters today. Check out the trailerhere!