Meet Peter Nepi | Filmmaker – 8Ball Films

We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Nepi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, why did you pursue a creative career?
Because I hate myself. No, in all seriousness it’s one of those situations where I truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Movies have always spoken to me in a way nothing else can, and has moved me emotionally in ways that have changed my entire life. To even be in a position where I can find resources and people to help me share my creative vision and messages through film is a massive opportunity that a lot of people don’t get, and I don’t take that for granted. If I can move even one person with my art the way that art has moved me, I have succeeded. It’s an insane amount to work to make independent films, and shouldn’t be romanticized or taken lightly, but I would go insane if I wasn’t putting every ounce of energy I have into it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When writing and directing, I usually tend to go the route of comedy or horror, but it tends to lean comedy. When producing, I like to do a wide spectrum of stories of all kinds, focusing on diverse backgrounds and taking on the challenge of helping somebody achieve their vision. When I write and direct, I thoroughly enjoy portraying messages through my filmmaking, not forcefully, but there’s no better feeling to me than making a positive impact on the viewer and hoping that my art stays with them. At the end of the day, that’s why I do what I do. Having a wide variety of films under my company is something I’m very proud of, with a ride range of talented writers and directors. I’ve always been making films, whether it be as a child with my neighbors in the backyard on a camcorder, the high school news, or music videos, but the first time I could really put “pen to paper” in the realization of my goals was through my network and education gained from attending Colorado Film School. My path has been in no way easy, and gets harder the more I learn and the more I push myself, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Countless sleepless nights, blood sweat and tears, all the cliches, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I want the world to believe in independent filmmakers in all sorts different places again, and I believe those floodgates are going to reopen for a lot of hardworking artists again soon.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I worked event staff for concerts and sports in Denver for the last 6 years, our music and sports scene is one of the best in the country. As a die hard fan of each sport we offer, you can’t go wrong taking somebody to any of those games, and why not show them the best basketball player in the world (Nikola MF Jokić) play in person? Red Rocks (where I worked) as well, the most beautiful amphitheater in the entire world, is a must see, with a wonderful staff who will treat you like family. My favorite bars include the Holiday Bar in Morrison, Inge’s Alpine Tavern in Glendale, more relaxed dive-style bars, and if you want a fun night partying, check out the Milk Bar in Denver. Check out Denver Biscuit Co and Coloradough Pizza for much time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is to the teachers that have helped me along the way. A high school business teacher named Mike Erickson who taught me to believe in myself and my career, Jim McCord and Matt McGregor, high school history teachers who always believed in me no matter how much I was goofing off. The incredibly talented staff of professors at Colorado Film School when I attended, Grant Hughes, Aaron Koehler, Matt Baxter, Justin Lewis, Dirk Olson, Geoff Chadwick, Kyle Steinbrinck, Aaron Burns, just to name a few. These people had a profound impact on me through their teaching and care for their students.

Website: https://www.8ballfilms.com

Instagram: @eightballfilms

Linkedin: Peter Nepi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@8ballfilm

Image Credits
Reid Sanders