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

Hi Shawn, how do you think about risk?
Everything is a risk somehow, with fear of failure screaming loudly, and triumph whispering excitedly ‘yeah, but what if?’. As filmmakers, that optimistic wonder, paired with constant film study and setting your team up with careful planning can make the whole experience possible. We admire someone who has the guts to take risks in movies, that’s inspiring.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Caleb Jon and I started Devil Red Films with a love of cinema, inspired by older production companies like 60’s Hammer Horror Films, the 70’s martial arts legends behind The Shaw Brothers and The Cannon Group, who made wild action pictures in the 80’s. Caleb creates lots of atmosphere in his photography, like powerful baroque paintings, he has been able harness that into his lighting and cinematography in our films. Corey Jackson joined up with us on our first feature film “Taste The Blood Of The Ninja”, and he’s brought a fountain of knowledge to the crew, He really wants to push ideas in our shots, he’s keen on solutions. I’m a director, writer and producer, but mostly enamored by all aspects of making movies. To tell our stories sometimes I might need to shop around for specific 70’s costuming, or maybe I’ll be decorating a set inside a fortune tellers hut, and occasionally I just need to make the cast and crew breakfast before filming, I love all of it. Caleb, Corey and I have had many obstacles in trying to get our films made, it’s rough seas the entire time, but if you’re around passionate detail oriented people who can ride the storm out with you, special things can happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Mayan Theater building on Broadway is absolutely gorgeous inside and out, You can’t help but feel transported back in time, its a romantic and nostalgic place. I would also tell them to go to the Denver Art museum, they have a huge Gustave Dore’ painting that will break your heart. Oh, and go to Benny Blanco’s pizza on 13th!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would check out Makile Rivera, he’s a Tattooer, Artist and Traveler. He’s one of the most funny, generous and hardworking people I’ve met.

makilerivera22@gmail.com @makileriveratattoo

Website: www.devilredfilms.com

Instagram: @devilredfilms

Other: Gutsy Podcast presented by Devil Red Films: https://open.spotify.com/show/46eQJP1pIDWALRgc7ieBgN

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.