When a corrupt detective discovers his beloved son, also a cop, is going to testify against him and his cronies, he is forced to choose between his safety or his son’s.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Anatoliy Kim

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I always believed that everything what happened to people is a result of their actions. “You reap what you sow” is a fundamental message of I DID IT FOR ME. I often devote attention to discussions about family bonds in my films, and this project was no exception. The foundation of the script was built on a dynamic between father and son, which I was able to craft from my own experiences with my family.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script development took me 4 months. I worked closely with my mentor Greg Marks. He helped me to find the right path for the film. In the beginning, it was a basic father and son story. But then it grow into the criminal world as I wanted to push the main character’s punishment to the limit.

In order to better understand the world of the film, I interviewed a number of police officers and law enforcement professionals. My questions covered both professional and personal aspects of their careers. That allowed me to get an insight into their lives which would greatly inform the integrity of the film and its characters. During this process, I gained immense respect for them and also learned that despite their incredible discipline, they are still human beings and can be soft, vulnerable and make mistakes.

Production went without major complications, therefore I had to improvise only one small part. Big thanks to my producer Marrietta Volynska and wonderful crew.

During post production I cut out one whole scene. It just didn’t give any important information and the character didn’t have strong motivation. I didn't realize that on paper. But when I saw the scene in the cutting room, it was obvious that I have to cut it out. We spent a good chunk of the day on that scene and it wasn’t easy to delete. But I knew it was the right decision.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has been selected by a few film festivals already. Audiences enjoyed it, which is one of the best parts of being an artist.

I was invited to Roger Marsh’s radio show to talk about the film. Also I Did It For Me won theDramatic Original Gold Remi Award at the prestigious 50th annual World International Film Festival in Houston.

So far I can’t complain about the reception of the film.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Actually I was a little disappointed with the final cut of the film. But after audiences started responding with warm feedback I rewatched it and told myself “It’s not so bad”. I am just always very strict with myself.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I just want to say thank you to the team at WE ARE MOVING STORIES!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We are currently looking for distributors.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

“You reap what you sow” is the massage of the film. Ultimately I want my viewer to recall it and hopefully be a little bit kinder to others.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Commit a crime in order to get something for yourself. Is it worth it, if eventually everything comes back around?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently working on a project called “THE VOW”. It’s a romantic comedy.

Interview: August 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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When a corrupt detective discovers his beloved son, also a cop, is going to testify against him and his cronies, he is forced to choose between his safety or his son’s.

Length: 10m 0 sec

Director: Anatoliy Kim

Producer: Anatoliy Kim, Marietta Volynska

Writer: Anatoliy Kim

About the writer, director and producer: Award-winning filmmaker from Kazakhstan. His films have been shown at numerous film festivals around the world, including Short Film Corner at 69th Festival de Cannes, 50th Wolrdfest Houston, 26th Woods Hole Film Festival. Currently based in Los Angeles.

Key cast: Randal Taylor, Jordan Jones.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ididitforme