Yvette Fintland interview with the Executive Producer and Director of the film "I Used to Be Your Neighbor."

Paul Read, the film host and homeless advocate based out of Los Angeles California, takes us deep into the homeless communities on Skid Row and Los Angeles County.Background and Motivation

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13266266/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2641008/?ref_=tt_ov_dr_1

 What inspired you to direct I Used To Be Your Neighbor, and how did your personal or professional experiences influence your approach to telling stories from Skid Row?

My inspiration for directing “I Used To Be Your Neighbor” came from my firsthand experience volunteering to feed the homeless throughout Los Angeles County. That work made me realize the urgent need for an educational film about homelessness, one that featured insightful conversations I hadn’t seen in other films on the subject. My goal was to inform the public without degrading those in need, particularly on Skid Row or anywhere in California. Unlike previous films, I wanted to highlight critical topics that had never been explored at the depth we achieved. This project was never about personal gain or recognition. Instead, I sought to raise awareness and funds to support continued education, donations, and programs designed to help individuals transition off the streets, find jobs, and secure housing. I was able to accomplish this without paying volunteers, crew members, or myself, relying entirely on my own resources while keeping investors and sponsors out. That decision ensured that everyone involved was dedicated to the right reasons, rather than personal or financial interests.

Photo credit: Scott Chandler Productions

Production Challenges
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the production of the documentary, especially while filming in sensitive environments like Skid Row?

I’ve received strong support from local community members who understand and appreciate my work. The City has also been encouraging, including the Skid Row Mayor, Kevin Call, who has actively helped house and feed people in Skid Row. Advocate Paul Read has remained deeply involved, consistently addressing the challenges faced by the homeless community. Beyond filming, I personally take part in feeding efforts and contribute in any way I can. Fortunately, I haven’t encountered significant production obstacles, aside from the delays caused when COVID- 19 hit, forcing us to pause and setting back post-production and the project's release date.
 

Collaboration and Community Impact

How did the partnership with Paul Read and organizations like Northern Summit Productions shape the direction and impact of the project?

Paul Read has been a dedicated advocate for the homeless community, consistently attending court hearings on homelessness in Los Angeles, California. He has built strong relationshipschange. My independent film company, Northern Summit Productions, is currently developing multiple projects, including TV shows, feature films, animation, documentaries, and podcasts. Among these is “I Used To Be Your Neighbor” along with additional homelessness-focused documentaries and podcasts highlighting issues beyond California, all of which are in active production.

Portraying Homelessness
How did you ensure that the voices and stories of people experiencing homelessness were represented authentically and respectfully in the film?

I prioritized respecting the rights and privacy of individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring that only those willing and able to speak on camera participated in interviews. I followed strict guidelines to maintain their dignity, often avoiding facial exposure, especially during outdoor feedings unless they expressly consented. Every instance required legally granted permission, involving extensive release forms to uphold their integrity and protect their personal rights.

Photo credit: Scott Chandler Productions
Role of Volunteers and Donors

Can you share more about the role volunteers and donors, such as Stephanitely Styles, Casey Cunnigan, and others, played in both the documentary and ongoing efforts to support the Skid Row community?

Over the past four years, this project has come to life with the invaluable support of non-profit organizations like Making It Happen. Pattee Colvin, an incredible co-producer, played a key role in organizing large-scale food distributions. Additionally, drive-through food donation pickups were coordinated during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on various areas throughout LA County.. Bee A Little Better, founded by Steven Wu and Byron Takeuchi, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Skid Row community. The group gathers every Thursday at 6:00 pm at the Escondite Bar & Grill. Prominent Skid Row residents Stephanitely Styles and Casey Cunnigan actively encourage donation drop-offs at the Whitehouse tents, where contributions are then distributed to those in need at the heart of Skid Row. Special thanks go to attorney Matthew Umhofer for his advocacy on behalf of homeless communities in Los Angeles County, as well as to the generous food distribution companies whose donations have made a meaningful impact. Deep gratitude is also extended to Bret Summers, who played a crucial role in replenishing empty food hubs, ensuring continued support during the most challenging times brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Audience Takeaway
What do you hope viewers will learn or feel after watching the documentary, and how do you envision it influencing public perception or policy on homelessness?

I hope the audience gains valuable insight from those who work directly with the homeless community every day, volunteers who advocate for those who cannot speak or defend themselves. By providing food, donations, education, shelter, and safe housing, and by upholding laws to protect every citizen, we can foster compassion and encourage safe, meaningful involvement in volunteering efforts.

Photo credit: Scott Chandler Productions
 

Ethical Considerations
How did you navigate the ethical considerations of filming vulnerable individuals and communities, and what steps did you take to protect their dignity and privacy?

I took great care to limit outdoor filming of homeless communities, focusing instead on indoor interviews with individuals making a meaningful impact. This approach ensures the audience receives current, relevant information without compromising anyone’s dignity. I believe the story can be effectively told without extensively featuring homeless individuals on camera, allowing for privacy and respect.

Photo credit: Scott Chandler Productions

Future Projects and Advocacy
After completing this documentary, what are your next steps-either in filmmaking or advocacy-to continue addressing homelessness and supporting those in need?
 

As I previously mentioned, the discussion of homelessness issues extends beyond filming in different states. The production is already underway, beginning with interviews for the “I Used To Be Your Neighbor” Podcast, which serves as an extension of the project. Since it's impossible to feature everyone on film, the podcast provides a platform to continue open conversations about the challenges Americans face regarding homelessness. Advocacy efforts are already in place, including Theresa Perry from Kansas City, who brings over 30 years of experience to the discussion. Additionally, Fort Smith, Arkansas is represented, and ongoing talks are in progress for a documentary film addressing homelessness in Kansas City.

A powerful feature documentary film regarding homelessness, the struggles, the help and it captures the essence of human connections, the passage of time, and the importance of preserving our sense of community. Through its heartfelt storytelling, the film promises to leave audiences moved, reflective, and inspired to helping those in need. 
 https://iusedtobeyourneighbor.com/