A Conversation with Gregory Hatanaka & Nicole D’Angelo

Moderator-led Q&A; interview

Moderator: Gregory and Nicole, thank you for sitting down together. You’ve been working side by side for over 16 years, starting with Blue Dream in 2010. Can you talk about how your creative partnership began?

Gregory Hatanaka: Blue Dream was really the first time Nicole and I worked together in multiple capacities. She wasn’t just acting-she was producing, handling makeup, and involved in the day-to-day logistics. That film was very ambitious for the time, and Nicole jumped right in.

Nicole D’Angelo: That film was a crash course for me. I was young, but Gregory trusted me with responsibilities that pushed me to grow. It set the tone for our relationship-Gregory always gives me room to learn, contribute, and challenge myself.

Moderator: Since then, you’ve collaborated on scripts like Darling Nikki and Acrylic. How do you approach co-writing and developing material together?

Nicole D’Angelo: It’s very organic. We toss ideas back and forth until something sticks. With Acrylic, I felt a very personal connection to the material, and it became my directorial debut. Gregory encouraged me every step of the way.

Gregory Hatanaka: Nicole brings a unique perspective-especially as a woman director-into stories that might otherwise be overlooked. She sees angles I don’t, and that’s what makes the collaboration valuable.

Moderator: Nicole, you’ve stepped into directing. What does it mean for you to put women’s stories onto the screen?

Nicole D’Angelo: It’s essential. The industry has historically lacked authentic female voices, and I want to change that. Whether it’s relationships, identity, or resilience, I want women to see themselves on screen. Acrylic was just the start.

Gregory Hatanaka: And she’s fearless. Nicole doesn’t shy away from telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Moderator: How do you balance your artistic collaboration with the business and producing side of things?

Gregory Hatanaka: That’s the tricky part-keeping the artistry intact while making sure the budgets, schedules, and distribution align.

Nicole D’Angelo: We balance each other. Gregory has decades of distribution experience. I’m often more hands-on with the logistics of production. Together, we cover both ends.

Moderator: What was it like making Quarantine Girl during the actual Covid epidemic?

Nicole D’Angelo: Intense. We were living through it while making a film about it. There was this eerie realism-like we were documenting a collective trauma in real time.

Gregory Hatanaka: We kept the crew small, followed all precautions, and used the restrictions to our advantage. It made the film feel raw and immediate.

Moderator: Gregory, how are you as a director when Nicole is acting for you? And Nicole, do you understand the roles he gives you?

Gregory Hatanaka: I challenge her, but I also write or choose roles that highlight her strengths.

Nicole D’Angelo: He pushes me, sometimes in ways I resist at first. But later, I realize he saw something in me I didn’t. There’s trust there-even when I roll my eyes at him.

Moderator: You’ve also built a troupe or family of collaborators. Can you talk about that ensemble?

Gregory Hatanaka: Yes-Chris Spinelli, Lisa London, Jay Hewlitt, Masashi Ishizuka, Luca Toumadi-Luca’s not only an actor but an award-winning chef, which is great for set morale.

Nicole D’Angelo: It’s a real community. These aren’t just colleagues-they’re family. Everyone contributes beyond their role.

Moderator: How do you oversee and collaborate with directors in the family like Jamie Grefe, who has made over 30 movies with you?

Nicole D’Angelo: Jamie is incredible-he’s like a brother to us. We give him freedom, but we also share notes and ideas. It’s a mutual trust.

Gregory Hatanaka: He’s been integral to our creative family. He’s someone we lean on, and he leans on us.

Moderator: Rich Mallery is another long-time friend and collaborator, known for thrillers like Feral. How does he fit into the mix?

Gregory Hatanaka: Rich is family. He’s been part of our circle for years, and he has a distinct voice as a writer and director. His thrillers, like Feral, bring a psychological edge that complements what we do.

Nicole D’Angelo: Rich is fearless-he pushes boundaries in his work. He’s also a close friend, and that trust translates into the creative process. When he’s on board, we know we’re in for something bold.

Moderator: Louis DeStefano has worked as both cinematographer and action star in films like Another Way to Die, Backfire, and Boiling Point. What’s it like working with him?

Gregory Hatanaka: Louis is a powerhouse. Behind the camera, he has an eye for movement and pacing. In front of it, he brings the physicality and charisma of a classic action star.

Nicole D’Angelo: He’s versatile, and that’s rare. He embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking-wearing many hats.

Moderator: Your projects also feature cult talents like Shane Ryan-Reid, Saint Heart, and Johnny Mask. How do these personalities fit into your world?

Nicole D’Angelo: They bring edge. Shane Ryan-Reid is a cult icon. Saint Heart is a rising star in both movies and music. And Johnny Mask is a legend from the 1990s-his presence adds history and continuity.

Gregory Hatanaka: They expand the family while keeping that cult, underground spirit alive.

Moderator: You’ve worked with veteran Joycelyne Lew and director Scott Hillman, whose Baby Cat has cult traction. How do they contribute?

Gregory Hatanaka: Joycelyne is a seasoned actress with range and poise-she grounds our work. Scott Hillman has a unique vision. Baby Cat shows how new voices can still make waves in the indie world.

Nicole D’Angelo: They’re both part of the larger family fabric. That’s what makes our collective exciting-it’s a blend of veterans and fresh voices.

Moderator: After so many projects together, how would you describe your working relationship today?

Nicole D’Angelo: It’s still evolving. We’ve grown up together, in a sense. I’ve gone from makeup artist to producer to director, and Gregory’s been there through it all.

Gregory Hatanaka: We’ve built something enduring. It’s not just about movies-it’s about trust, loyalty, and a shared vision.

Moderator: Finally, what excites you most about the future of your collaboration?

Gregory Hatanaka: Continuing to push boundaries and tell stories that might otherwise not exist.

Nicole D’Angelo: And making sure those stories include voices-especially women’s voices-that deserve to be heard.

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Wrap-Up Gregory Hatanaka and Nicole D’Angelo have built a creative partnership that spans over 16 years, beginning with Blue Dream and expanding into dozens of films as directors, producers, and collaborators. Alongside their family of actors, filmmakers, and cult icons-from Chris Spinelli and Lisa London to Rich Mallery, Jamie Grefe, Louis DeStefano, Shane Ryan-Reid, Saint Heart, Johnny Mask, and Joycelyne Lew-they’ve crafted a cinematic universe that blends artistry, independence, and resilience.

Gregory Hatanaka is a veteran director, producer, and distributor, known for championing independent and cult cinema. Nicole D’Angelo is a producer, actor, and director, whose debut Acrylic established her as a bold new voice in indie filmmaking.

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