John Vamvas and Olga Montes: A Filmmaking Journey Built on Passion, Perseverance, and Creative Vision
From acting duo to powerhouse filmmakers, John Vamvas and Olga Montes have crafted an inspiring journey in the world of theatre and film. After meeting in 1992 and quickly establishing a strong creative partnership, the couple took matters into their own hands when they couldn’t find the right roles for two-person plays. Their decision to start writing their own scripts propelled them to tour across North America, earning critical acclaim.
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Their journey has since evolved, leading to the creation of their indie filmmaking debut, Scarpedicemente, which has earned over 100 film festival awards and worldwide streaming recognition. Now, with a passion for storytelling and an unwavering belief in their craft, John and Olga continue to leave an indelible mark on the film industry.
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How did you first get into the industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in film?
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John and I (Olga) met in 1992 when I auditioned for a play he was directing/producing/starring in at Montreal’s most prestigious theatre at the time, The Centaur Theatre. Our acting styles really clicked together and when the play was over, we clicked as a couple. We then toured The Woolgatherer, a 2-person play, across Canada. It was so successful that we decided to tour another play the following year. We couldn’t find another one that worked with our acting style, so that’s when we started writing our own. Scarpedicemente was one of them — we toured it across Canada and the U.S. in 1996 to sold out houses and incredible reviews. At end of 2019, we were in talks of putting it back up Off-Broadway. When COVID hit and shut NY theatres down, we were so passionate and pumped about getting to play these characters again, we couldn’t wait any longer. We took Quentin Tarantino’s advice, “If you want to make a movie, make it. Don’t wait for a grant, don’t wait for the perfect circumstances, just make it.” So, with no grants and no backing, we took all the money we had, mortgaged our home, borrowed from our children’s university fund (we have paid it back!) and made our first film.
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As an actor/director, what do you enjoy most about the creative process?
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For the both of us, our favorite part of the process is finding the characters — the research, discovering their backstory, what they think, how they move, how they speak, etc. — and having that all come together where it gets to the point that you leave your body to lend the character yours to do and say what they need to.
John: As a director, I really enjoy the work. I see and hear the story in my head so I like to do table reads to get everyone to understand the script as much in depth as I do. We do a lot of readings, until everyone is off book. We then hold a reading for the whole crew: the cinematographer, art director, sound, etc. so that we can all be on the same page. I like to get in as many rehearsals as possible with the actors to block the scenes, get comfortable with the role and maybe find something new. I aim to make it so that when the camera is set and it’s time to roll, everyone is so confident in what they’re doing that they get lost in the moment and don’t feel that they’re acting. This makes it possible for the scene to feel real, for the unexpected to happen and to get the shot in one or two takes. Since I am often in front of the camera at the same time as directing, this system makes the process easier for me.
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Olga: As a producer, I do not see problems. I see solutions that need to be found. I love having to find solutions.
How do you cope with rejection and setbacks, and how do you celebrate your successes?
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John: Whenever I get a rejection, I let it be because I feel like something better will be coming my way. I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be at the moment. As for celebrating my successes, I don’t, I just thank God. I am grateful that I am here, despite not having any schooling for writing, directing or acting. I have had incredible mentors, though, and am a longtime film buff, studying films, directors, actors, etc.
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Olga: I used to get quite upset with constant rejection until we started casting for a film (that ultimately fell through) back in 1998. I realized that casting is much more than a great audition — film is about creating a palate/canvas and often the best audition is not the best choice. I always set out to do the best audition and don’t expect anything, that way I can keep fine-tuning my skills and be surprised when I land something. I don’t feel the need to celebrate successes, I am always grateful for everything, the good and the bad. You need to fail in order to succeed — or at least feel like you succeeded.
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What is your method or preparation process when approaching a new role or project?
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John and Olga: A lot of research and reading the sides/script over and over! We both try to be open minded and try to discover what we have in common with the character, what we have lived, and what we need to seek/research to better understand the character and let them in our heads and hearts. We use the same approach for a new project, we look at what we know and what we need to learn to get the project off the ground. And the rest is magic!
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What motivates you to keep pushing forward in such a challenging industry?
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The love of this art!
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Which two actors or directors would you most like to collaborate with, and why?
John: Quentin Tarantino, because his films are dialogue-heavy, artsy and f***ing entertaining! My dream would be to work with Denzel Washington one day, though. To me, he is the best actor on the planet. I can learn a lot from him.
Olga: I would also like to work with Tarantino one day because from what I have learned about him, I love the way he works with actors. I wish I could be in a French (France) film one day, though, I love they way they tell stories. Another dream would be to work with Cate Blanchett some day, she blows my mind.
If you were not pursuing a career in film, what other profession might you have chosen?
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John: Although I grew up owning/working in restaurants (I am a really good cook!), I cannot imagine doing anything else other than acting/writing/directing/filmmaking.
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Olga: I am perfectly fluent in English, Spanish and French and work as a freelance translator/interpreter for clients such as the United Nations. Although I love and am grateful for this job to make ends meet, I would not be able to exist without my art.
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What advice would you give to aspiring actors and directors who may be on the verge of giving up?
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Don’t! If you really love it and you feel you’re good at it, just keep going because it will happen one day. And if you want to speed things up, make it happen for yourself. Nowadays, thanks to digital filmmaking, it’s possible to create without a lot of money. After being on the film festival circuit for almost 2 years, we met so many others that did just that and succeeded and continue succeeding! Most importantly, though, don’t ever expect to please all the people.
What words of inspiration or resilience would you like to share with others in the industry or those just starting out?
If you have a project you truly believe in, trust yourself and do not get sidetracked by others who think they know better than you. Learn to say NO. Filmmaking is about collaborating, not losing your creativity. It’s easy for others to come along and “cross a t and dot an i”, don’t lose your voice. No, you can’t do it all, but find people that can best elevate YOUR project and make it be the best it can be. That are excited about the work/project, and not about what makes them and only them look good. There are many extremely talented people out there that are also looking to collaborate and stay true to the work. You will find them. It goes both ways, though. If you are on someone else’s project, trust them and their vision and give them your all.
BIOGRAPHY
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Husband and wife, John Vamvas and Olga Montes, started as an acting team in 1992. They soon began writing their own scripts for lack of finding two-person plays they could tour across North America. They’ve written and toured four full-length critically acclaimed plays to packed houses across Canada and the United States, including, Bad Boy, which they were invited to perform Off-Off-Broadway at New York’s Creative Place Theatre in the heart of Times Square.
In 2001, they were approached to star in and help rewrite the dialogue for the short film, Things Never Said in Playa Perdida. Playa won the audience award at the New York Short Film Festival in 2002 and tied first place at the Festivalissimo festival in Montreal.
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John and Olga wrote WHEREWOLVES, a horror screenplay in 2010. It was quickly optioned but the project subsequently fell through. They then adapted WHEREWOLVES into a novel, edited by award-winning Canadian writer/poet Shelley A. Leedahl. The novel enjoys continued sales on Amazon and the screenplay is at the top of the list among their next projects.
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The couple has now turned to indie filmmaking, Scarpedicemente, a feature, is their first film project. Scarpedicemente has to date garnered over 100 film festival awards, has found a sales agent, and is now streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime, Freevee, Tubi, Fawesome and Plex.
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John and Olga live in Montreal, Canada and have two children, Daphne (23) and Achilles (17).
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To learn more about John and Olga and stay updated on his latest projects, be sure to follow him on IMDb and through his social media channels.
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Scarpedicemente IMDb
Disclaimer: All responses and images featured in this interview were provided directly by the interviewee. The views, opinions, and statements expressed are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Rodartin S.L. Any inaccuracies in the responses are unintentional and the responsibility of the interviewee. Images are published with permission and remain the property of their respective owner(s). Unauthorized use, duplication, or redistribution is prohibited.
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