Max Talisman will be directing and starring in Things Like This, a film he wrote.
Being a gay millennial man in the industry, he believed there was a need
to create a movie that didn’t tell a story about coming out or a story
about two men already established in life, but rather a story
of the in-between. He wanted to make sure that many GenZ
and millennial gay men can relate to the narrative he will portray.
He thinks there’s little content for the LGBTQ community
in entertainment, but he is happy with the many pioneers
who fight for diversity, and he wants to be part of the shift in film.

Photographer: Nathan James Styling: Ambika Grooming: Manuel Espinoza Tearsheet: Xi Lang — Photographer: Nathan James
Styling: Ambika
Grooming: Manuel Espinoza
Tearsheet: Xi Lang

Where did the connection of the arts come into your life as something to pursue? What led you to the film industry in the first place?
I grew up doing theater professionally in New York City and while I loved the direct connection with the audience that theater gave me, I craved the connection to a larger audience to make a difference. I needed to expand my reach. So, when I realized that film offered that ability through art, it became super clear where I needed to put all of my artistic efforts. I love acting and writing, it gives me a way to connect to people. Being able to grow the audience in this incredible way, that’s a gift.

Your current project, Things Like This, is set for production this year, how did the horror script turn into comedy, and what was your purpose/inspiration for writing it?
I would be writing something and all of the sudden what was meant to be terrifying would become hilarious. Characters would make side comments that were super funny, or even the villain would do something that was a joke. Then, all of a sudden it just became clear to me, it’s not what I was supposed to be writing at that time.

Around this time, movies like “Love, Simon” and “Alex Strangelove” were being made. While I loved both of these films, and I am so happy they were made, they started a trend of LGBTQ movies being made and solely dealing with the issue of coming out. But the thing is that coming out is just one beginning of a queer person’s journey. I’m sure to a straight person the idea of coming out seems fascinating, but for me, I just needed a movie about two gay people falling in love, without coming out being part of the equation. I didn’t realize how my need was in itself revolutionary until I started writing something that was what I was craving.

When I started writing Things Like This, I finished the first draft in a week. So much has changed in it since that first draft. But once I started writing, I could not stop. From the beginning, making this movie has been a necessity.

Photographer: Erick LaRokk Styling & Grooming: Ambika Tearsheet: Xi Lang — Photographer: Erick LaRokk
Styling & Grooming: Ambika
Tearsheet: Xi Lang

What is your specific role in the film, and what thoughts, or ideas, did you have when you first began to write it?
My role in the film is a romantic leading man. For me, having someone who is gay, and my size, playing a romantic lead in a feature is a game-changer. I always knew that it was something I needed to do. Challenge the ideas of what a leading man is, and what it can be. I know that I have the capabilities to be a leading man, I just needed the project, and the space to do it. So, I created that space.

You want to make a difference to the LGBTQ community in Hollywood. How does your lens on this film project impact your perspective? How do you hope to change it?
I hope to change it by opening the door to telling more queer stories, with diversity in what those stories are. I think we need to see queer or trans leading characters where their sexuality or gender identity is never the point of the story. They just are who they are. I am so excited to be leading a cast of incredible actors, and we have one of the most openly queer casts that have ever existed. Imagine being a young queer person and seeing this movie, with all of our actors. That’s beautiful. That’s exciting to me. That’s how I want to impact this industry.

You’ve had an exciting acting career with filming Super Dark Times, Orange is the New Black, and more. Do you prefer acting or screenwriting?
I actually prefer acting. I find it incredibly exciting to get to bring a character to life on screen. At the end of the day, I find it just as exciting to bring someone else’s writing to life as my own. I started writing to create more roles for people like me and I will continue to do that. I hope other people start to create more roles like that as well. That’s why I’m doing it.

How long did it take you to write your current project, Things Like This?
The first draft took me a week but after that, it was a year-long process. I don’t think you ever stop editing until you’re shooting it. That’s what I have learned.

What are your most exciting moments in Things Like This? What was your main intention behind the film’s genre?
The most exciting moments for me are those I have never seen on screen before. And in some ways, those are the quietest most simple moments. My main intention is to show a love story without any need to qualify it as a gay story. This is a universal love story, and any person will be able to relate to it. I can’t wait for all audiences to fall in love with our movie, and the deep love story within it.

What is your life motto?
Trust your instincts.

Can you link us with your social media’s?
Social: @themaxtshow
Website: maxtalisman.com

Interview by Alaina Randazzo

Max Talisman

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