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Director Menhaj Huda. Photo Credit: Rowan Daly
Director Menhaj Huda chatted about his film “Heist 88,” which airs on Paramount + and Showtime as of September 29.
In the movie “Heist 88,” a criminal mastermind (two-time Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance) decides to pull one last job before going to prison and recruits a group of young bank employees to steal $80 million dollars in a daring and brazen assault on the U.S. banking system.
How did “Heist 88” come about?
The screenplay for Heist 88 was written by Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, who was a producer and journalist from Chicago who covered the report of the robbery of the First National Bank of Chicago for TV, so he was aware of the story from that perspective.
Dwayne decided to revive it as a story that could work as a TV series and ultimately a movie with some embellishment, and it went through various iterations through development before I got to read the script as the director.
What inspired you each day as a filmmaker?
I’m inspired by stories that are slightly off the beaten path, with characters that we have not seen too much of on screen. Heist 88 is probably the only crime thriller with a Chicago House music DJ as a central character, and that definitely caught my eye and connected with me.
Filmmaking in general is not like any other job; it has so many different aspects to it, and that’s what I love about it, and the fact that you never stop learning the craft and the different skills required is the most inspiring thing about it.
Working with talent at the top level is also inspiring, whether it’s an actor at the top of their game, a designer, or a DP. It’s always humbling when you see your vision being brought to life by the combination of the team you’re leading.
What do your plans for the future include?
My plans for the future include directing more US shows and becoming known as a solid creative within the US film industry so that I can work on some of the biggest titles. I also want to direct my own movies and get my own TV shows off the ground, so there’s a lot of hard work ahead of me, which I relish!
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age? (Now with streaming, social media, and technology being so prevalent)
It’s great to be working in the digital age, as there are just so many shows to work on. We are still in the early stages of the digital age, so we need to keep an eye on how it’s evolving.
I am someone who had the privilege of shooting on film in my early career, and I still hold a soft spot for that medium. Maybe one day I will get to shoot a movie on film, even if it’s released digitally!
What is your advice for young and aspiring filmmakers?
My advice for young filmmakers is not to rush into making a film but to work on a crew, whether in production or post-production, to really learn the skills needed to make something outstanding when you feel ready.
If you have written a script that you are passionate about but have never directed before, it may be better for you to work closely with a seasoned director so that you can learn from them and enjoy the success of the film, rather than demanding to direct it, making mistakes, and risking not making the movie as good as you had imagined.
When you do get that chance to take the reins, I would advise you to follow your instincts and be adventurous with how you tell your story.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success for me is getting a large audience to watch the movies and shows I direct. There is nothing more satisfying for me than to watch my work with an audience and see them reacting, laughing, crying, and being shocked at what I’ve created.
I love entertaining my audience. It is always wonderful to receive accolades and awards from your peers, but commercial success and a large audience mean more to me.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Heist 88”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
“Heist 88” is a unique movie about a unique crime that took place at a certain time before the world changed forever, and I really want the viewers to enjoy the ride we take them on but understand what motivated all the characters to pull this off.
I guess I want them to connect with the characters and think about what they would have done if they were in the same dilemma.
To learn more about Mehaj Huda, visit his official website.
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