FLAUNT: TY HODGES / 'VENUS AS A BOY'
Seven is considered a lucky number for many and one of those many is actor, writer and director Ty Hodges. Known for roles in Disney’s Don't Look Under the Bed and Even Stevens, the entertainment veteran has just completed his 7th film, Venus As A Boy which he starred in, produced and directed.
Read our conversation about his film below!
Describe the essence of Venus As A Boy.
The essence of Venus As A Boy is a story about a journey to self-love inspired by a Bjork song. I wanted to make a film about a man we rarely see on screen.
What was it like to see this project go from preproduction to completion?
To see this project go from preproduction to completion has been a blessing. It's for sure been a process, and I realized that, as creatives, we have to learn to be present and patient in the process. When you decide to make a film, you are signing up to commit a lot of time to a lot of meetings, a lot of people, and a lot of ups and downs while battling non-believers. Making a film - a good film - is like a miracle to me. This is my 7th film, and I honestly feel this was the first time I was forced to embrace the process because I had no other choice. Trying to make and finish an independent film during a pandemic was a process in itself...and, my producing partner Gian Franco and I had to believe in our mission and embrace all the things we could not control. Believing is how we were able to make this film regardless of what was thrown at us.
What drove you to working on this film?
This project was born from a deep purge in my journey towards personal liberation and freedom as a man, as an artist, and more importantly as a human being living in America today. At a time in the world where there seems to be so much division, I wanted to write a film that can capture a universal theme that will connect us all exploring the journey to self-love and identity. Everything comes back to identity. I've always been intrigued by the exploration of masculine and feminine energy because it's a universal topic that connects us all, and that balance is so important when it comes to human connection and human interaction. In society, we are often put into boxes for the way we look; our race, our gender, our religion, or any other beautiful attributes that make us different and unique. I've always been rebellious against that idea of putting people in a box. My parents have always held me accountable to be an individual and to always be truthful to who I am, and not let myself be limited by other people’s opinions. As a man, I have always found freedom in vulnerability and sensitivity, which is not a common narrative in society for men who look like me - especially on screen.
Do you have a favorite memory from the set?
My favorite moments were every day on set. It felt amazing to come to work with a group of passionate individuals who all shared the same goal to make this film. But one moment in particular that does stand out was the very first day on set. We shot last scene of the film on our first day of shooting. The entire cast was there, my family and close friends were there for support and I remember standing in the room and looking at all of these people gathering together for a script that I wrote. In that moment my heart felt so full of gratitude that I honestly got a little emotional.
Without spoiling anything, was there a favorite scene you shot?
My favorite scene we shot is probably the shrooms scene. Olivia and I were so committed to making sure this scene looked real, like we were really on shrooms. We both just went there and didn't care how we looked. It was so much fun because we had the entire crew laughing so hard as everyone was watching us in real-time while cameras were rolling. I think that day opened everyone up to feel comfortable with each other because they saw the two stars of the film not taking themselves seriously and being like two wild kids, completely free in the scene. After that, the vibe on our set shifted to us being like a big family making a movie.
How was balancing being a producer, director and actor in this film?
Balance is very important to me. In a film where I'm wearing many hats, I’ve learned to manage wearing many hats by being vulnerable while also super confident in all of my decisions. As the filmmaker/Director, you must be clear in your vision because everyone is looking to you for leadership, so I always make sure I am prepared with my shot list, direction, and choreography of each scene. As an actor, I’m expected to know my lines, so I must be off-book. As a producer, I must show up for my producing partner, Gian Franco, who looks to me to make daily decisions that need to be executed off-camera. As the writer, I know the story inside and out, but I also need to let the actors breathe life into my words. I enjoy multitasking, so there is freedom when I'm in that space. This is such a vulnerable place to be in, and I have to submit to the process and simply become a vessel. I've learned not to be swayed by ego or anyone else's ego, because if I get caught up in all of my titles while making the film, it can distract me from showing up to each job purely and completely. I never put weight on titles. I focus on the goal and task at hand for the greater good of the film.
What makes a film great to you?
A great film makes me feel like I'm having an experience of watching real people in real human situations and I walk away impacted by the story.
You have been acting since you were a teenager, how has the process of becoming a character changed for you over the years?
Growing up in this business, going from being a teen actor to an adult actor, it’s not the easiest transition to make. I believe taking a break from acting to get behind the camera helped me develop more as an actor. It also confirmed my appreciation and respect for the craft. When I was younger, I wanted to play any character regardless of whether I was right for the job or not. Now, I would say I'm a bit more selective of the roles I want to play as I have to connect and feel the truth in any character I choose and it feels good to have more life experience in order to make that decision. Acting is a deep, soulful process for me, and if I don't find the human heart in the character then the project probably isn't for me.
What has been the motivating influence for you to continue your career as a filmmaker?
I would say my faith, my family, and the support from my loved ones. Outside of that, it’s people in general. I find people fascinating, and I fall in love with strangers all the time. Not from a romantic point of view, but from the realization that everyone has a story. As a human race, we wake up every day facing the same world but the only thing that separates us is our past. This notion brings me so much humility and compassion for others because it's so easy to think that the world revolves around you. Film connects people, and I feel so honored to be able to work in a medium where I can connect with people I may never meet to tell a story. I constantly keep my eyes open as all of my films have been influenced or inspired by a person's story or from just being in their presence.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career?
Every moment in my career thus far has been rewarding because I haven't given up. Every day I wake up focused on gratitude, love, and peace for my own mental health and sanity. I know I have a purpose and I'm called to be great. There are so many ups and downs in our business, and I've learned to not put things, people, opportunities, or rewards on a pedestal because I'm always looking at the bigger picture within my bigger purpose. It's easy to battle with self-doubt when you're only looking for rewards, so it's important for my own personal agency to stay diligent and focused on the work. There is so much I want to do in my career, and I'm confident rewards will come, but rewards, accomplishments, and material things won't bring you peace. I believe if you have a deep passion for and calling toward something, as long as you show up with good intentions and good vibes, the accolades and the rewards will come effortlessly and all of your dreams will become your reality. The key is to stay true to yourself, and not get caught up in the hype of it all.
Photographed by Emily Sandifer
Groomer: Jayme Kavanaugh