By Hellynn Jung

“A good director has to know everything,” he explains, “editing, photography, casting and more because you have to know what they have to do, those who work under you.”

With a mandate in all areas of film, director Gabor N. Forgacs possesses a broad expertise ranging from camerawork to directing feature films, producing and editing as well as developing technical innovations. With 20 years in the industry, the seasoned filmmaker has accumulated a synergistic approach to his work.

Moreover, he understands the values of producing a successful film such as meticulous budget management and a harmonious relationship with his crew.

“Respect and humility are very important in the film profession,” he said, “and I am lucky, for I already learned it in my childhood.”

Attributing much of his collaborative experiences to his education at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, he has actively worked in various positions including camera assistant for Vilmos Zsigmond in “Playing by Heart” with Sean Connery, Angelina Jolie and Dennis Quaid, as well as camera operator in “Underworld” featuring Kate Beckinsale. Furthermore, he has studied with some of the best including legends Billy Williams and Dean Candy.

Forgacs currently runs Parabel Studio Ltd., which he established in Hungary in 2004. Having developed his company into a leading production studio, he has more in store for the future of the company.

“Butterflies,” a Hungarian movie, will be released soon as it was recently completed; and “Beauty Never Dies,” about the intoxicating history of Countess Elizabeth Bathory will soon be launched.

His fascinating upcoming projects include the historical adventure film “The Great Khmer Empire.”

“I am very interested in every segment of eastern culture,” he stated.

His hobbies include reading books about culture and history as well as visiting exhibitions. And it is no surprise that eastern martial arts such as karate have been a significant part of his life. He leads a rather disciplined and diligent lifestyle as an early bird starting days off with walks, big breakfasts, and a large cup of green tea.

Still, the whole of his existence circles around movies. He enjoys spending time watching them when he’s not busy in meetings in the evenings; most of the time, they’re closely connected to projects he’s working on.

Forgacs claims to have an important list of 25 ideas he hopes to turn into films in his career. As for the content of that list, only time will tell.

With ambitions to impact the heart of the film industry to its core, he finished with an important message: “Everyone has a dream. You have to believe in it. You have to believe that it can come true.”