Released in 2024, the feel-good comedy/drama “Because of Mika” was one of the most charming Indies we’ve seen this year. A very New York movie, director and co-Writer Paul Santoli had a story to tell and chose a very fun way to tell it. Mika is the film’s German Shepherd, both the star of the movie and Santoli’s real-life dog (who sadly passed away last year). The two become an unstoppable duo—aside other capable actors and set pieces—that sells the film in spades.
What separates “Because of Mika” from other films of its type is the fact that here the dog is in fact dead, a ghost, and only the story’s lead, Gino (Santoli) can see her. It’s an interesting hook for a film, and one that works by acting as a vehicle to lead the film’s characters where they need to go. Forgiveness, love, healing, and more are all part of Mika’s bag of tricks… and the film uses its asset well to tell its lovable, comedic, and irresistible story.
Following our review of the film, Paul Santoli was kind enough to speak to us about his film: its genesis, its ups and downs, and coming up with its unique story. The interview follows below. At the end, look for links to “Because of Mika” on Amazon Prime, Paul Santoli’s social media links, and more.
*Note: this interview has been edited for clarity.
Mark Ziobro for The Movie Buff: Hi Paul, thank you for agreeing to talk to us. Can you introduce yourself for our readers? How long have you been making film?
PS: Hey team! Thank you for the time and opportunity! So glad you enjoyed the film. Yes, my name is Paul Santoli. I am a filmmaker out here in Los Angeles. Born and raised on Long Island. My passion is in acting, but I also direct, write, and produce. I enjoy all aspects of the movie-making process.
I started making skits when I was a freshman in college and got a lot of positive feedback so I decided to keep making them. It was back when getting 100 likes/over 10 comments in the first hour on Instagram was an actual achievement… before the algorithm. So I was riding that wave for a bit. Then I wanted to make skits longer then 15 seconds, so I headed to YouTube for a year, and then I saw Marlon Brando’s Documentary “Listen to Me Marlon.” 6 Months later, I was at Stella Adler’s Studio of Acting in NYC.
“Mika had rules. She only worked if my sister Michelle was on-set. She made that very clear. She also worked for Italian bread.”
In 2019 I headed to LA with $4,000 in my pocket and a ton of ego. And through meeting a ton of phenomenal, talented, and kind people, “Because of Mika” was able to develop. And now my next movie “We Want the Virus” is almost done as well. I met countless people on my journey that did more then they had to for my projects. I recognized that and pushed things as far as they could go. Kindness from others is the reason why ‘A 516 Productions’ has gotten as far as it has. Glory to God.
MZ: We’re talking about your feature film “Because of Mika.” Can you tell us how you came up with the concept for this movie?
PS: In 2018, I just finished a short film “Leave it All Behind” (YouTube) and was sitting in front of my computer, just starring at “Because of Mika.” That’s all the Microsoft Word document said. I’m a huge fan of the movie “Liar Liar” and thought that no one had made a movie about a kid stuck in this wild situation of being the only one that is able to see this dog. Then I pitched it to Cooper Tomlinson because he sent over a movie script and I said to myself… “Holy Sh*t. This dude knows how to write movies.” He rolled some dice and we went for it. 11 days later, the script was done.
MZ: Your bio states you grew up on Long Island, where this film takes place. Did you always intend to film “Because of Mika” there?
PS: Yes we did. I knew flying Mika out was not gonna happen so I brought the team to her.
MZ: Can you tell us about the cast & crew? How did you connect with Becky Boggs and Gerard Comple for this film?
PS: The cast and crew were awesome. A ton of very talented and hardworking people who acclimated to the changes very well. Most of the cast was selected from ‘Actors Access.’ Becky’s audition was the best tape and she was a professional on-set. She was always off-book and even taught me quite a few things about producing the movie. She did a really great job and I’m thankful I got to have that time with her.
Gerard, I actually met while I was working at ‘Crostinis’ a few year back. I was delivering pizzas and he came in to grab a slice and one of my buddies said he’s an actor, so we kept in touch. Five years later I pitched him the role. Gerard did sick. He kept the role grounded. Old school actor. That’s what I wanted the role to be. Every cast and crew member worked very hard and did more than they had to. And that’s the reason this movie had the success it did.
“Kindness from others is the reason why ‘A 516 Productions’ has gotten as far as it has.”
MZ: I’m sure everyone wants to know about Mika! How was it working with her for this film? Was there any difficulty?
PS: She sucked! Just kidding. But Mika had rules. She only worked if my sister Michelle was on-set. She made that very clear. She also worked for Italian bread. She was aware when she saw Italian bread, specific things were needed vs. her just sitting there. A German, Italian Shepherd. There was one scene, we needed Mika to guide Gino into the church. I walked Mika through A to B. Steve our PA was holding the Italian bread at the finish line. “We’re good? Great! Action!” 9 takes in a row. Instead of Mika walking into the church, she jogs over to the car and waits by the door. I call Michelle. Michelle arrives 10 minutes later. We get what we need on the first take.
MZ: Was it hard to film this movie? Was there a particular shot or take that was hard to get, or challenging?
PS: It was a challenge of course. But that’s where the growth happens and creative thinking. Hardest scene, hmmmm. I mean we had four cops pull up on set and I had to talk my way out of that. That was fun. Last cop gave me his business card. Cool dude. I think the biggest thing that was hard for me was believing we were going to hit the goals of accomplishing what we needed to for the day. At times I would worry, but we would hit the goal, and then on the days I gave it all to God…we hit the goal as well. So this movie was a huge testimony to my faith.
MZ: Avoiding spoilers, the film focuses a good deal on the love between a father and a son. I see the film is dedicated to Michael Santoli. Was that your father? Can you talk about how he influenced your writing of this film?
PS: Na, so Michael was my older brother. I never had a bad relationship with my dad, but he did die from a heart attack… so that was the truth. Also, that was his photo in the movie. My oldest brother is Michael. My brother Michael and I didn’t have the bond I would have liked for us to have. Gino’s character ended on bad terms with his dad and that’s something I relate to with Michael.
I think it’s important to forgive people and not live with hatred in this world. I think we think—or at least I think—that when we’re ready to do things, the opportunity will be there waiting. And that’s not how life works. So the movie hopefully teaches people to make peace with the past and move on so you don’t have to hold on to that anymore.
MZ: Were you going for any particular ‘feel’ for this film? I liked that it felt free and fun, yet poignant when it needed to be.
PS: My focus was to keep this a very grounded comedy. Almost like the world is real, just Gino is dealing with this situation. Similar to Jim Carrey Movies and Robin Williams. I tried to make this movie from their universe if that makes sense. That style.
“Mika knew when we were upset. Mika was majestic. She was such an awesome dog.”
MZ: Mika is a ghost in the film, but do you think animals can know what we need to heal like she did? Are they in tune with us?
PS: Oh, of course. Mika knew when we were upset. Mika was majestic. She was such an awesome dog. The day she passed, I had a dream a night before that I was at a wake and people were coming up to me and apologizing and shaking my hand. So I totally think Mika was sent from Heaven and her work here was done. We got Mika shortly after Michael died. Dogs are beautiful. She brightened up the whole house. And now she’s a movie star.
MZ: Do you have anything more for Mika and Gino planned for the future? We see a ‘A Year After Mika’ short brewing on IMDb?
PS: Na, that’s it for Mika. That short is on Youtube, It’s a tribute to the locations we shot and Gino and Mika, but there is no sequel. My friend does have an awesome cat though…. Jago. “Because of Jago?”
MZ: Where can people follow you and ‘A 516 Productions?’
PS: @a516Productions—Instagram and Youtube. We also have a couple books on Amazon. “Because of Mika’s” original script is available along with the book “My First Shot at Stardom. The Making of Because of Mika.”
MZ: Do you have anything else you want to add?
PS: To anyone who ever took the time to watch my skits, my shorts, and now my movies… thank you. I hope my work entertained you, made you laugh, or healed you if you needed it to. ‘A 516 Productions’ is bringing back quality movies. Thank you and God Bless.
We thank Paul for his time and insight into his feature film. As mentioned in our review, you can watch “Because of Mika” on Amazon Prime. You can also check out Paul’s book mentioned above—My First Shot at Stardom: The Making of ‘Because of Mika’ at the following link.
