Off of the 219 exit in Windber, Pennsylvania, sits a seemingly vacant warehouse. The outer coat of paint is faintly chipping, a stair is absent from the front set of twelve, and piles of junk, standing eight feet high, surround the premises.

 

This isn’t a junkyard, though it might resemble one; this is the office of Jack Horowitz, undercover film director. For the previous fourteen years of Mr. Horowitz’s life, machinery, loud noises, and calloused hands accompanied him to work everyday. But now, at the age of forty-three, a new lifestyle awaits Jack: movie director.

 

At what point in your life did the decision to become a movie director enter your mind?

A particular day stands out. I got home from work, which I absolutely dreaded, looked down at my hands, noticing all the cuts and creases, and a moment of clarity hit me. This wasn’t what I wanted to fill each day with.

 

At that time, what was your current profession?

I worked in a warehouse, five, sometimes six days a week, loading and unloading boxes into trucks. It wasn’t exactly glamorous.

 

So, you decided it was time for a change then?

Well, it wasn’t something that occurred overnight, of course. After that day, though, I did quit my job, and I think the very next day, I rented a camera to see what I could do.

 

Why delve into the fiercely competitive field of film? Has film always been a passion of yours?

Film, in general, has always been something I’ve enjoyed. Whether it’s a [Martin] Scorsese film or a tape recording of my daughter’s dance recital, I’m interested. After working with the theatre department in high school, the thought of directing always sat in the back of my mind. I think the way a camera can capture an event, through articulate shots and angles, is simply beautiful.

 

You mentioned high school theatre. Any particular productions I might have caught you in?

Maybe a mediocre performance of Bye Bye Birdie or something. I didn’t expect a storm of roses to flood the stage, but we managed.

 

Are you gearing up for an encore performance in this abandoned warehouse?

The audience would probably be more appreciative than the ones I faced in high school. But, no, I’m actually running some tests on how over and under exposure can effect this dilapidated shack.

 

Is this part of an upcoming project, or just a leisurely experiment?

The answer is a little bit of both. While I do plan on using this technique with a few of my projects, right now, I’m just enjoying the Sunday breeze.

 

Has it been hard making the transformation from warehouse worker to Quentin Tarantino?

During the five months it’s been since quitting my old job, I’ve loved every second of my life. When you’re stuck in the rut of living a life you don’t want, the days seem to double in length. So the transformation has been easy because I don’t wake up miserable anymore.

 

Is becoming successful in your new field something you worry about, or are you strictly in it for the enjoyment?

Well, life would evidently be more enjoyable if fame accompanied me on this journey. But, to properly answer the question, I’d have to say no.

 

Is failing something you worry about?

No.