Meet Richard & Imelda Pines

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard & Imelda Pines. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Director Richard A. Pines grew up in Middletown, New York. His penchant for the Southwest and American History brought him to Arizona, where “Cochise Legendary Warrior” was filmed.

His acting experiences inspired him to work on the other side of the lens as a director. “Bequest,” — a dramatic short film, garnered multiple awards –18 wins; 10 nominations, including—Culver City Film Festival 2018 Best First Short; Chandler International Film Festival 2019 Best Arizona Film; Golden State Film Festival 2019 Best Suspense Short & Silver State Film Festival 2019 Grand Prize Best Cinematography Narrative Short.

After “Bequest,” he wrote “Purgatory Plains.” It was selected as Best Feature Original Screenplay in several film festivals-still looking to produce it. He also directed 34 episodes of “The M.E.L. Show.” His most recent release “Apache Girl” has garnered 21 wins and 17 nominations in multiple categories worldwide.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Shooting on Location for Cochise Legendary Warrior was a challenge. Hiking and carrying all equipment including weapons was a challenge, The elevation of the Dragoon mountains, Dragoon, Arizona is roughly 7,000 ft, We were shooting at the base, also the stunt work was a challenge as we had our actor take a fall off about 50 feet in winter conditions.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Prior to directing, I worked on stage, television and films. I was honored to have  received the Aubrey Award for Best Supporting Actor in “To Kill a Mockingbird”  Theater Scripps Ranch, San Diego, California, in 1998. My television credits  include Renegade, In Plain Sight, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and the  Academy Award-winning film, “Gods and Monsters where I got my start as an  extra. 

As a recently retired teacher, RicMel Productions will be working on the sequel  to Purgatory Plains-Rebirth of Purgatory Plains. We will also be shooting our  fourth film entitled, Ana May Wong Stardom through Discrimination with  Imelda in the lead role as Ana May. I am super excited to be utilizing a green  screen effect, to bring this Bio-Pic to life. 

What were you like growing up?

I was the sports guy. High school Football-Quarterback, Baseball. I also made people laugh always joking around! I stayed loose, and at such a young age, it was an easy thing to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: ricmelfilms.tv and melpines.tv
• Instagram: @rapines12
• Facebook: @richard pines
• Twitter: @ricmelfilms

Image Credits
Rob Jensen
Imelda Paclibar