Is There Anything This Former Kenoshan Can’t Do?

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by Lisa Adamowicz Kless

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Javier C. Rivera reminds me of the Renaissance men of years gone by; he seems to be able to flow from one art form to another almost effortlessly. Javier and I met about twelve years ago as students at UW-Parkside. We became fast friends, and I always had a sense that one day he was going to accomplish some great things. We lost touch for a while, but fortunately, we reconnected and recently started catching up. I was amazed to see just how right I was–in just a few years time, he‘s become an accomplished director, author and musician. Though Javier moved to Austin, Texas about three years ago, he spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Kenosha. So sit back, relax, and allow me to introduce you to a former local who’s making his dreams happen.

Click the Arrow to listen to “Something Inside”

Lisa: I’m really excited about this interview! You know I’m one of your biggest fans, which I’m sure will become very apparent to anyone who reads this. You’re a former Kenoshan, so I’m eager to “re-introduce” you and your work to the rest of the community, so to speak. For those who don’t know you, tell them a little bit about yourself and your time spent here.

Javier: Since 1996, I’ve edited and directed short films, television programs, documentaries, psa’s, training videos and just about any other type of project. I’m also establishing myself as a film and video trainer, graphic designer, musician, and DVD author.

Lisa: Personally, I think you’ve accomplished a lot that you should be proud of. You have one project that you’re really focusing on lately though–the production of a DVD to accompany a children’s book you wrote, entitled Sometimes I’m Sad. You’d like to package your DVD and book together, to present to publishers. I think it’s a pretty creative approach; can you explain your idea a bit more ?

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Javier: The book project is my latest endeavor. This is my third children’s book that I’ve written; the first two have unfortunately been overlooked. So the basic idea with this book is to produce all the elements prior to publication including the illustrations, which will be done by Hui Min Liu, an incredible and unique artist.

Most publishers or agents would strongly recommend against this but I’m taking a chance. Along with the illustrations, I’m also producing a short film to be packaged with the book, which by the way will also be available in Spanish. When the final package is complete, I will send them to publishers and agents in hopes that they see the marketability of a book and a DVD companion.

Lisa: You’re definitely a very multi-talented man! Besides writing children’s books, you also released a CD , entitled “From The Ground“. Which, by the way, has been playing in my house almost daily since I got it! I have to tell you, I was really impressed by the fact that your CD, and even individual tracks, are available for purchase on iTunes. How did Tino Ghost come about?

Javier: Thank you for the compliment. Several years ago I was asked by a friend to write original music for her film. That gave me a little more confidence as a musician and I eventually started writing more music. In 2006, I released a debut album under the name Tino Ghost.

Lisa: As if all of this isn’t enough, you also direct! I know that directing has always been more or less your “first love”. What sort of directing projects have you worked on?

Javier: It was clear to me many years ago that directing is my number one passion. It’s the one job where all my skills are being utilized. Some of my favorite projects were The Scare (a documentary which was recently picked up by B Side Entertainment and will be available for download on their website), Everybody’s Business (training video), What Went On Inside (short film), and Portable Videoconferencing and You (promotional video). All of these projects were very different from each other as far as genres and challenges. Each also played a part in making me a more versatile director.

Lisa: How would you say your time here in Kenosha helped or influenced you and what you’ve accomplished so far?

Javier: Kenosha was good for me. A lot of my personality and work ethics came from that little mid-west town. I lived in Kenosha from 1980 – 2005 and in those 25 years I saw a lot of changes both to the city and to myself.

There was always something amazing about living so close to Lake Michigan. Sometimes I think it’s because to me it represented exploration.

I discovered a lot of my passions as a child, everything from writing to music to filmmaking. I’m told that my projects often have a down-to-earth feeling. If that’s true, I know it must come from living in a small town. I’m proud to have lived in Kenosha because of what it made me today.

Lisa: You’ve said that you’d like to direct a feature film. Is that one of your ultimate goals for the future?

Javier: My ultimate goal is to be a fulltime filmmaker. I’m happy where I am right now but I want my directing career to be more than a part-time business. I never feel more in my element than I do when I’m on set of a production.

My past and current projects can be found at the following websites:

www.javiercrivera.com
www.tinoghost.com
www.sometimesweb.com

Lisa: Thanks for taking the time to do this! I hope the readers will take a few moments to look at your websites and explore your projects in a little more detail. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for you.

Javier: My pleasure, and thank you for this opportunity to share information about my work.

Lisa Adamowicz Kless is the newest member of the Kenosha Writers’ Group

6 comments ↓

#1 melinda on 04.07.08 at 9:27 am

Enjoyed the interview….looking forward to more!!!

#2 Trisha on 04.08.08 at 8:53 am

Talk about ambitious. Way to go guy!!

#3 Michelle on 04.08.08 at 9:34 am

Great interview. Insightful questions to capture the nature and feelings of Javier’s goals.
Catching a glimpse of a former K-Towner it is always interesting to see someone from my hometown stretching to make their dreams happen and still remember where they came from.

#4 Tony on 04.10.08 at 3:01 pm

Like this guy’s done a hundred projects. Look at the list on his website: www.javiercrivera.com.

#5 K on 04.10.08 at 10:47 pm

I went to school with him! I wondered what happened to him. He was so quiet then it’s nice to see him grow this much.

#6 “Sometimes I’m Sad” DVD Trailer . . — Art and Creativity in Kenosha on 11.17.08 at 2:18 pm

[…] director and musician Javier C. Rivera recently completed work on the DVD companion to his children’s book, Sometimes I’m Sad. […]

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