WORCESTER – This is part of a series of interviews of those in the New England film industry, produced in partnership with HollyWoot Film Group. All answers are unedited and as provided by the interviewee.
Rob Levinson is a writer, director, and producer, based in Rhode Island, known for his films “Where Were You” (2019), “A World of Hurt” (2020), and “Therapy” (2021).
Levinson also completed proof-of-concepts for “Indescribable Urgencies” (2021) and “Amityville: The People of New York vs Ronald J Defeo Jr.” (2022).
He also penned the feature-length screenplays “Indescribable Urgencies” (2020) and “An Unspoken Truth” (2012). In 2017, Levinson formed the production company Out of Time Pictures, Inc.
Levinson is currently promoting his newest short, “Thursday’s Special.”
Q1: What is your favorite movie?
When I was 10, my mom took me to see the Bob Fosse masterpiece All That Jazz in 1979. Knowing I was a huge Roy Scheider fan—likely after some serious begging—she made it happen. Decades later, that film still resonates with me deeply.
Q2: Who is your hero?
My mom survived the Holocaust and immigrated to the U.S. with her father at age 9, arriving with nothing. She spent the next three years in foster care until my grandfather could provide a stable home. Her resilience and strength shaped the incredible woman she became and still is. And she and my dad are in Thursday’s Special!!
Q3: What is your preferred craft in film?
For over two decades, I’ve been writing screenplays and stage plays. There’s nothing more fulfilling than directing actors in a scene you’ve crafted, bringing your vision to life. Yet, writing will always be my first passion.
Q4: How long have you been working in film, and where?
I began my film career six years ago, directing my first movie, Outlaw, in 2018—a project I also wrote. We filmed in Exeter, RI, bringing my vision of Jesse James to life in the town’s unique landscape that stood in for Missouri.
Q5: What is your dream project?
Last year, I wrote a dramatic feature script titled Fade In, Fade Out. The story delves into the profound impact of an elderly, dying patriarch—a hardened white supremacist—on his successful son and daughter. I’m determined to bring this story to the screen!
Q6: The film that should never be remade is…?
The film that should never be remade is….? I’m a fan of nearly all the classic films, but I’m especially drawn to those from what I consider the best decade
in cinema—the ’70s. If I had to choose just one, it would be JAWS.
Q7: If you were overlord for a day, what would change about the local film industry?
I’d love to see local film producers be more open to giving outside writers a chance to have their screenplays considered. It’s inspiring to see companies like Artists Equity, founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, doing incredible work.
However, it’s unfortunate that they, like many others, don’t accept unsolicited material from outsiders. By broadening opportunities for emerging writers, we could discover fresh, untapped talent that could bring new and exciting stories to the screen.
Q8: What are you working on now?
Next on my agenda is promoting my short film, “Thursday’s Special”, and submitting it to festivals worldwide.
I’m also in production on my first documentary, “Resonating Voices: The Jimi Jamison Documentary”. Last year, I traveled to Memphis to interview Jimi’s family and closest friends, capturing intimate stories that highlight his incredible journey.
Q9: Where can we find your work and you?
You can follow my production company, Out of Time Pictures, on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Check out many of my films on our YouTube channel, where you can explore the stories we’ve brought to life.
Q10: What is the next step?
I can’t wait to share the premiere of “Thursday’s Special” with everyone who poured their heart and soul into making this film a reality!
Image Credit: Rob Levinson/ Facebook
