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Jeremy: "Interesting. you know, you wrote a script. Did the first movie that you made was that self-produced? you have somebody else come up with the script or you come up with the script and direct produce, act, all of the above?"
Vega: "So I wrote, directed and produced. I had a friend of mine who, a friend of mine from elementary school who invested in the project by not charging us for the location. So he gave us access to his whole basement for the whole film. so that was, that was really helpful. I had a lot of other resources, plus the money that I spent.
In today's episode I interview filmmaker, writer and producer Vega Montanez on his creative process for filming and funding his first major independent film Burden of 9 Lives which can be seen on Prime Video and Tubi.
Vega Montañez’s journey into indie filmmaking was never a deliberate pursuit but rather a natural progression from his passion for storytelling. He views independent cinema as a crucial phase in a filmmaker’s career rather than the final destination.
Montañez reveals his creative journey, sharing how "The Burden of Nine Lives" evolved from a conventional action screenplay into a groundbreaking narrative exploring Latino family dynamics, community bonds, and authentic representation. This transformation showcases how independent Latino filmmakers are reshaping Hollywood's approach to diverse storytelling.
The story follows Jimmy, played by Steven Staine-Fernandez, a man on an unyielding mission for vengeance after narrowly escaping a deadly trap that killed his cousins. Set in the gritty Neo Rhode City, Jimmy’s pursuit of justice leads him into violent confrontations with two rival drug kingpins—Gabriel, played by Rico Hundo with explosive intensity, and Russell, portrayed by Luis Berrio with cold calculation. The film’s high-energy action sequences bring to mind the relentless pace of John Wick and Crank, immersing viewers in a pulse-pounding narrative.
OPEN, host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Vega Montanez, Writer and Director, and Luis Berrio, Actor, and Steven Staine Fernandez, Actor, as they highlight their film, "The Burden of Nine Lives".
The comparisons to John Wick and Crank feel justified, as Montañez amplifies the tension and action in inventive ways that surprise and thrill.
The film’s strength lies not only in Montañez’s storytelling but also in the performances that bring his vision to life. Each actor delivers a compelling portrayal, adding nuance to their characters and enriching the film’s emotional depth.
Raising funds is a critical step in bringing your film project to life. As an aspiring filmmaker, mastering the art of funding is as important as honing your craft.
Bored with streaming the same old, same old? Forget Hollywood’s predictable narratives. Vega Montañez, the Dominican-Puerto Rican filmmaker with heat, is here to ignite your streaming experience.
Over the past weekend, I attend to a movie premiere like no other for an independent film, and I must say was highly impressed. The energy was amazing, and just overall you felt the love from the team to the cast members. There’s nothing like a proper rollout that goes well.
OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is taken behind-the-scenes of the film, "The Burden of Nine Lives", when Vega Montanez--Producer, Director and Writer--and cast members Steven Staine Fernandez, Ashley Rose Nicholas, and Luis Berrio join the show to speak about the film's premiere.
Losco Studios presents the Red Carpet Premiere for Award-winning, Bronx-based Dominican writer/director Vega Montanez’s latest action film “The Burden of Nine Lives,” at the Florence Gould Theater, 55 West 59th Street, New York, NY, on November 11, 2023 at 6:00pm.
On this week's episode of OPEN, Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Tracy Shelton, Executive Director of Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation/KRVC, a Bronx-based not-for-profit, and Pete Maddocks, Actor, and Vega Montanez sit down with Bob to speak about what went into producing their film series, "Wake Up Call".
I think the one thing that sets me apart as a creative is my focus on growth through execution. I feel like a lot of artists I see in what would be considered my peer space, are looking to grow and then execute. Everyone is focused on making it big to show you how great they are as opposed to making great things that become the catalyst for success.