PATRICK NEWALL
Amazing producer
MIHM-Tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from and what inspired you to pursue a career in the Entertainment industry?
PN-I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York from a blue-collar family upbringing in the heart of Brooklyn. In high school I discovered theater but I was never a film geek but I fell in love with storytelling in movies and theater. I studied at Brooklyn College and then drove across the country with only $1,200. Once I arrived, I was in a car wreck and got whiplash. My insurance company gave me a settlement of $7,500 and I used that money to produce my first short film with a friend of mine, this would be my first project. I wrote a screenplay called, “Borough of Kings”, and I produced and acted in the film and fortunately Lionsgate picked it up, thus becoming a huge stepping stone in my career.
MIHM-Are you still acting?
PN-I try to do only small parts, but sometimes, if the right parts are right for me I occasionally do those but now my real passion is producing.
MIHM-Your latest movie, “Extraction” was a big hit on Netflix. How was your experience working on that movie?
PN-“Extraction 2” was a big hit on Netflix. I did the first movie with Sam Hargrave. It was a great collaborative experience. It really gives filmmakers the opportunity to make groundbreaking action. The best stunt teams came from all over the world. The first movie was filmed in India, Thailand, and Bangladesh, while the second one was out in the Czech Republic and Austria. It was an amazing experience to be able to be super committed – from stunt driving, to fighting and action sequences…all with immense examination on choreography. We really wanted to bring something unique to this movie. Filmmaking is very collaborative. It’s essentially a team. You must play well together. Even so, some of the best collaborations are always with people who are always pushing each other to be dynamic. This experience has always been a deep passion of mine. Having strong opinions and a strong conviction has always been the pinnacle for me.
MIHM- Will there be a third movie?
PN-It is only in the early stages as the WGA strike delayed the writing, and it’s all about availability and timeslots that need to be sorted out.
MIHM- Tell us something that nobody knows about you.
PN-Am I really that interesting? If anything, I’m a pretty chill guy but I can get anxious when it comes to filmmaking. But even so, I try to be calm about certain emotions that come out of it.
MIHM-What is your Zodiac?
PN-I’m an Aquarius born on February 13th.
MIHM-How was it working with two of the hottest men in Hollywood – Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Gosling?
PN-They were really hard-working actors. Chris Hemsworth was incredibly committed, smart, and a great collaborator. He’d work late at night for stunt work, training and rehearsals . His work ethic is incredibly impressive. Ryan Gosling was extremely committed, super talented and easy to work with, and a real gentleman to everyone. Both actors were very nice to everybody and well prepared on set.
MIHM-Define what success means to you?
PN-It’s different for everybody, for me, I do what I love. I like to work and be challenged by people I respect and admire. As for monetary compensation, I’d want to be able to provide for my family and have career satisfaction. This is something that really challenges me and I strive for it. I believe success is something you’re constantly pursing for.
MIHM-Define Happiness.
PN-Yeah absolutely, I believe happiness comes along with success. I’ve worked many years to get into the business, and I studied with Larry Moss. He said, “It’s getting up in the morning and doing things you don’t want to do.” I also remembered from a couple years back someone said, “A key to success in this business is happy to be there and easy to work with”.
MIHM-What are you working on right now?
PN-We have another movie called “The Electric State” with the Russo Brothers with Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, and Giancarlo Esposito – just to name a few. I am also in early prep on of another movie called “Eden” being directed by Ron Howard with a stellar cast and being filmed in Australia. We will be shooting at the end of the year and into the first quarter of next year. I also have some other projects in development.
MIHM- How long do you think you’d survive in a zombie apocalypse?
PN-I’d like to believe I’m pretty resourceful, but I’m no survivalist. I’ve had my share of fights in Brooklyn but with my rudimentary firearm skills I’m not so sure I could fight my way out but maybe I can talk the zombies to leave!
MIHM- What would you do if you only had 24 hours to live?
PN-I’d be with my family. No doubt about it.
MIHM- Do you think aliens really exist?
PN-I would say it is arrogant to think we are the only lifeforms in this universe, but I don’t have any proof that they do exist. I wouldn’t be surprised if we found something. I haven’t met any lifeforms though.
MIHM-Have you done or thought about doing a Sci fi movie?
PN-“Electric State” does have a Sci Fi component to it. I’d be interested. Absolutely.
MIHM-Anything you want to add.
PN-I’d love to speak on behalf of those wanting to do filmmaking. If it is your path and destiny, my advice is to set yourself to be in the business for a while. Rarely is there anyone with overnight success. Always learn your craft. After working with the top people in the business, I’ve noticed they also work hard and perform that way. If you want to be in the business, you must behave like that. Learn, get into classes, collaborate with others, watch movies, learn from movies, understand what you want to do. Visualize it.
MIHM- Who is your favorite director?
PN-I’d say Robert Redford is someone I admire. I was in awe of the talent and how much he’s accomplished even as a person in general. Working with The Russo’s is an amazing experience as well. David Lowry, Ron Howard, and many more. Sorry I didn’t answer your question, but I’d say, with absolute certainty, my favorite director is the one I’m currently working with at the moment.
MIHM- How do we follow you?
PN-I’m not very active on social media. I’m on Facebook and I also do have Instagram, but I don’t look at it very often. You can reach out to me on Facebook.
You can watch the full interview in the “Magic Image Entertainment YouTube channel/PatrickNewall”.
“A key to success in this business is happy to be there and easy to work with”
Interview by Joss Gomez
Transcription by Joshua Azali
Editing by Kevin Boot
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