Meet Russell Emanuel of Russem Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Emanuel.

Hi Russell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi here’s my bio.

Russ Emanuel is an award-winning American director, producer, and independent filmmaker, having directed such actors as John Heard, Robert Picardo, Vincent Pastore, Glynnis O’Connor, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Jeremy London, Ryan Hurst, William Devane, Marina Sirtis, Sean Kenney, Armin Shimerman, Olivia d’Abo, and Gary Graham. He grew up in both Japan and the United States and graduated from U.S.C. to study Cinema-Television. He founded Russem Productions (www.russem.com) in 2002 to promote his films including GIRL WITH GUN (2005) and documentary RESTORATION OF PARADISE (2014). Presently, STAYCATION (2024) – the sequel to ROUTINE currently in post-production – marks Emanuel’s sixth foray into feature filmmaking, after directing P.J. (2007), CHASING THE GREEN (2009), THE LEGENDS OF NETHIAH (2012), OCCUPANTS (2015), and WISPER (2020). And THE ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE II (2023) is Emanuel’s first sequel film he has directed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every film has it’s own challenges, such as combining two shoot days into one or trying to make sure to get a performance from a name actor without going overtime so we don’t have to be charged time and a half. The biggest one for me was the passing of several of my friends who were instrumental in making my films happen. They include my late composer Neil Argo who passed away in 2017 and my writer/editor/director of photography friend the late Emile Haris who passed away in 2023.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My company Russem Productions makes feature films including the ones I have directed. We have made films since 2002. Currently, we are in pre-production on two future feature films looking to film next year.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes I do take risks every time I make a film. Each film comes with its challenges. For example, on my last feature film Staycation (now retitled Apocalypse Death Party for our October 31, 2025 distribution release), we filmed during the heights of Covid-19. Because of that, we were super careful as to (hopefully) not get anyone infected and luckily that was the case. Due to restrictions with the unions, we had to film with a Covid Compliance Officer and also had to film piecemeal over 2 years (30 shoot days total). That created challenges like matching continuity with the actors and sets but we made it work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.russem.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russem31/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staycationthemovie
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russem
• Twitter: https://x.com/russellemanuel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/russem
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1479322/