Joseph Anthony Francis — award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, director, and producer — chatted about his latest projects.
He also opened up about being a part of the digital age of filmmaking.
What inspired you to create your latest projects?
Growing up, I was always a fan of serialized dramas. Knots Landing, Dynasty, Melrose Place, and Revenge were some of my favorites. So I decided to write some of my own.
My dramatic series like Windy City, Blood & Betrayal, and Cortland Parkway are inspired by my love for those serialized dramas and are filled with twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Of course, these kinds of shows rely heavily on cliffhangers and I’m proud that some fans refer to me as “The King of the Cliffhanger.” More recently, I have become a fan of Christmas rom-coms like those featured on Hallmark.
Their heartwarming themes and celebration of Christmas traditions inspired me to write several Christmas film scripts of my own.
Recently, my film Dash Away All was purchased by a Canadian production company and is currently in pre-production, while another production company with ties to Hallmark has optioned three more of my Christmas scripts, which is very exciting.
I’m also very proud and grateful that my work has been recognized by film festivals all over the globe.
What motivates you each day?
I love storytelling. Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed reading stories of all kinds. Even more, I enjoyed hearing my parents and grandparents tell stories about family members and family history. Maybe that’s why “family” is always a theme at the center of what I write.
When a potential story for a script comes to mind, I let it develop naturally. I consider different ways that the story can unfold and then, when I feel like I have a good handle on the characters and plot, I begin to write.
Sometimes the writing process moves quickly; other times, it happens over the course of several weeks or months. It just depends on the project as each takes on a life all its own.
What was your favorite part of creating your latest projects?
For me, one of the most exciting parts of writing is bringing new, unique characters to life.
As people know, I’m a huge Charles Dickens fan. Few authors have been able to create a universe of diverse, interesting characters like Dickens did.
While his main characters like David Copperfield, Pip, Oliver Twist, and Scrooge are certainly memorable, his supporting characters are often even more intriguing and popular.
With his style in mind, I try to create realistic, well-developed lead characters who are surrounded by fun, sometimes quirky supporting characters who add layers to the storytelling.
My Christmas projects, in particular, offer great opportunities for including characters that help to fill the “world” in which the story is being told.
Even when writing my most recent vertical series, I have tried to include characters that fans will remember.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age?
Social media and the “digital age” have certainly had their impact on filmmaking and storytelling in general. I have been in casting meetings where people have suggested hiring influencers over actors.
Having a large social media following has become a consideration for hiring decisions. In addition, even “behind the scenes” creators like writers have to develop a social media presence.
Viewers and fans want to connect with them as well as the actors who star in the projects.
At events like ComiCon and ChristmasCon, writers and filmmakers are as much a part of the conversation as actors. Plus, the recent surge in popularity of vertical dramas has changed the industry as well.
Verticals tells fast-paced dramatic stories in small one or two-minute episodes with little time for character development.
Instead, vertical fans expect quick stories with lots of cliffhangers and melodramatic moments.
While many Hollywood projects take a long time to develop, vertical drama series are created and released quickly, providing many work opportunities for actors and writers. How that genre impacts the entertainment business overall only time will tell.
What do your plans for the future include?
Actually, my plans for the future include more of the same. I plan to continue to write more Christmas films and TV dramas as well as a vertical drama here and there.
All along, I have been a “one man show” in the sense that I do my own writing, marketing, pitching, social media, etc.
In the future, it would be great to work with an agent or manager who can help guide my career and promote my projects for me. That way, I could focus more of my energy on writing itself.
It would also be great to work with some of Hallmark’s popular actors like Andrew Walker, Jonathan Bennett, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and Ryan Paevey, all of whose work I greatly respect. I would also love to participate in the Christmas movie fan events as well.
What is your advice for young and emerging filmmakers?
The best advice that I can give is to be true to yourself, follow your dreams, and never give up.
Success in entertainment comes from perseverance and grit. Having a thick skin and dealing with rejection isn’t fun or pleasant, but can serve as motivation to keep going.
I remember when Rue Rue McClanahan accepted her Emmy award for The Golden Girls years ago. During her acceptance speech, she said that her mother always reminded her that every “kick” is a “boost.”
We must learn to use rejection as motivation to improve and keep going. In the long run, hard work and talent will pay off, so enjoy the journey.
What would you like to say to our readers about your latest projects?
I hope people will continue to follow my career because I think there are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon.
Already, 2025 has been a great year in the sense that four of my Christmas projects are moving forward.
I also have a few vertical series in development and I’m working hard to get my dramatic TV series into the hands of people who can move them forward.
I always keep my website up to date with film festival awards and people can follow me on social media as well.
For more information on award-winning filmmaker Joseph Anthony Francis, check out his official homepage, IMDb page, and follow him on Instagram.
