Never Too Late for a Third Act: From Cop to Award-Winning Filmmaker with Maynard Bagang

What happens when a retired Las Vegas police officer, Navy veteran, and 4th-degree black belt decides to take a chance on Hollywood? In this incredibly inspiring episode, Carmen sits down with the wonderfully talented and deeply humble Maynard Bagang to talk about his feature directorial debut, The Sanctuary.

Maynard shares the beautiful "accidental" story of how he broke into the industry, what it truly means to be "Taft-Hartleyed" into SAG-AFTRA within your first six months, and the profound personal experiences that drove him to write a film centered on homelessness, immigration, and the power of human community. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start your own "third act" in life, Maynard is living proof that when you do things wholeheartedly, you cannot go wrong.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Maynard’s fascinating transition from the military and law enforcement into acting and directing.
• The real story behind his Silver Telly Award-winning feature film, The Sanctuary.
• The raw reality, hustle, and perseverance required to make a true independent film when everyone says "no."
• How to find the pearls of joy and authentic community in the middle of life's hardest struggles.

Connect with Maynard:

• Watch the Film: Available now for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime!
• Website: thesanctuary-film.com

Connect with the Show:

• Follow us on Youtube for updates, clips, and more inspiring conversations!
• Remember: At the end of the day, it really is all about the joy.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.  

You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth 

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Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481
Editing by Team A-J
Host, Carmen Lezeth


DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance. 

Transcript

[00:00:17] Carmen: Okay, perfect. Hey, welcome to the show, Maynard. I'm so glad to have you here and to meet

[00:00:22] Maynard Bagang: Thank you. It's nice to meet you as well, Carmen. And, um, you know, I wanna thank you for having me on, on your show, and, uh, it's, it's a pleasure

[00:00:33] Carmen: Well, let me say, yeah, let me just say first though that, um, you've been following us on LinkedIn, and I just wanna say thank you for your support, on our podcast and on our page on LinkedIn. So thank you for that, 

[00:00:46] Carmen: But, I also find you fascinating. So I'm gonna, I'm gonna gush over you just a little bit because I learned so much about you. I had no idea of your background. But first let me say that you're here because you're promoting your film that's available on, amazon.com. It's also available at your website, which I will put here at the bottom, and it's called The Sanctuary.

[00:01:11] Carmen: And I did get to watch it, so we'll talk a little bit about that later. But you are an actor, director, producer, writer. But before all of that, this is the thing that's killing me, is you were a police officer, you were in the US Navy, you're a black belt. How did you decide in 2018 to get into Hollywood?

[00:01:38] Maynard Bagang: uh, it's very interesting because it was by accident. Um, uh, at that time, I just retired. I, I retired from the police department in 2017. So at that point, I didn't wanna work anymore. I said, "You know, I'm just gonna cruise and you know, enjoy." And then I accidentally met a casting director in Las Vegas.

[00:02:02] Maynard Bagang: So, so we're talking and, she actually offered to book me a, a background role, and I said no, uh, because I don't have any film experience or any type of film, uh, uh, background in school. And she asked me one question. She said, "Well, can you follow orders?" So I said, "Well, yeah, I did that for so many years."

[00:02:31] Maynard Bagang: So she was able to convince me and then, and then she booked me for the, uh, This Is Us ep- uh, Vegas episode. And, and I said, "Oh,

[00:02:43] Carmen: Yes, this is

[00:02:44] Maynard Bagang: Yeah, so, so I was just... You know, I did my background and, uh, my background work. And then, you know, you're just lounging around, then they feed you. And then when they're ready for you, they tell you to come in.

[00:02:58] Maynard Bagang: And I was like, "Oh, this is not even a job," I mean, compared to the jobs that I did. So I said, "I can do this." And, uh... So I was doing that, and on the third month, I was doing a background for this Chinese TV series in Hong Kong called, uh, Seven Days, and then they made me a cop.

[00:03:20] Carmen: Okay

[00:03:20] Maynard Bagang: So I said, "Oh no, you did not do that."

[00:03:24] Maynard Bagang: So,

[00:03:25] Carmen: Wow.

[00:03:26] Maynard Bagang: on the third day, the stunt director came up to me. He said, "You got some skills." I said, "Well, yeah, I was a cop, uh, for many years, and, uh, if you tell me to search a room, I know exactly what to do." And he's like, "I could see that." So the director came up to me, gave me a piece of paper with, like, eight lines.

[00:03:47] Maynard Bagang: He said, "You have three minutes to memorize this." I said, "Okay." So I was able to memorize it, three minutes, came back, took the paper. He said, "Let me hear it." So I was able to say it. And then, uh, they mic'd me up. He said, "You're it." So I got nervous. I started walking in circles. I was like, "I can't mess this up," 'cause now they could hear every single word I say.

[00:04:10] Maynard Bagang: So, uh, but when they said action, I just went for it, and I loved that feeling, uh, that feeling of being vulnerable in front of the camera, and that's when it all started.

[00:04:25] Carmen: I love, first of all, I'm so jealous, um, because I love your joy in it. And it's interesting because you said it's not, it doesn't feel like work. I mean, that must be a clue right there that you're supposed to be doing this, you know? Is that when you got your SAG card is doing these eight

[00:04:47] Maynard Bagang: no. Actually, this is a very interesting casting, 'cause I never submitted for it. And then a casting, director, uh, reached out to me from Casting Networks. she's from New York, and she said, "Hey, we have a documentary of Jimmy Chin. Can we use you?"

[00:05:08] Carmen: I don't know who that

[00:05:09] Maynard Bagang: he is a famous cl- mountain climber and a photographer.

[00:05:14] Maynard Bagang: So, so he was climbing the, Mount, uh, Grand Teton in Wyoming. And then the guy... And then I said, of course, I said yes. And then, he said, "Can you get to Wyoming in two days 'cause we need you there?" I said, "Yeah, sure." Uh, and then they said, "We'll, you know, reimburse you." So I drove 11 hours. He said, "We'll send you your contract.

[00:05:38] Maynard Bagang: It's a Taft-Hartley SAG, contract." I had no clue what that was. So I was googling SAG. I said, " What is SAG? I don't even know that." so when I got there, they did all the paperwork. So I started, researching about SAG, and then I called them up. I said, "Hey, look, they booked me on this role," and they said I'm gonna be eligible for SAG.

[00:05:59] Maynard Bagang: And, and I was there for eight days in, in Wyoming, treated very nicely. and then, SAG said, "Yeah, yeah, all we need is the paperwork, and, you can be a member." And that's how I joined, and that was in my first year also.

[00:06:15] Carmen: Wait, wait, wait, and the dues.

[00:06:17] Maynard Bagang: Yes.

[00:06:18] Carmen: They want their, their, their initial three grand or whatever

[00:06:21] Maynard Bagang: y- yes. Well, uh, that production was, generous and, I was paid well, and I said, "You know what? I think this is the actor's dream. Why wouldn't I do it, do it?" Because, even though I had very limited experience at that time, I was only acting for maybe six months and

[00:06:42] Carmen: I think a lot of actors who might be watching this are gonna hate you because that doesn't happen that way. Six months is not, that's n- you know that that is nothing. You know, you're talking about you have no experience and da, da, da. I think it's a beautiful story though. I'm jealous, but like in all the great, wonderful, beautiful ways for

[00:07:02] Maynard Bagang: Thank you. Well, um, yeah, yeah, I feel very blessed. Um, you know, and that opportunity came in at an early time in my career and, I took advantage of that opportunity because, you know, this is gonna be good for my career later on. And so, so I went for it 

[00:07:22] Carmen: Um, so you won acting awards for projects like The Business Trip, right? but this, the movie The Sanctuary marks your feature directorial debut. So first I wanted to ask you, uh, what was the biggest culture shock for you moving from acting to sitting to the director's chair, and when did you make that decision?

[00:07:46] Carmen: 'Cause here you are excited about doing background work, becoming SAG, getting on a film, getting Taft-Hartleyed, so how did you make that transition? When did it happen that you decided you wanted to direct a

[00:07:59] Carmen: film? 

[00:08:00] Maynard Bagang: uh, so I wrote the script, and this script is close to heart. there was a point in my life where I was homeless for a few months and I was sleeping outside the church, so I could get by the night and, And then I, I try, to see my kids. I was divorced at that time, and I just left the military.

[00:08:27] Maynard Bagang: and then, when I wrote the script, I make, I made sure that the audience will have that, feeling when... how to be a homeless because it's a very tough situation. and at the same time, this is actually by accident. I wrote the script before all the protests about immigration started, and then

[00:08:55] Carmen: mm-hmm, with ice because the film does touch on a lot of issues regarding immigration and homelessness, but it also has really good positive themes to it too. So I just wanna explain to the au- but the audience should just go watch it, and again, I'm linking it here at the bottom. Go

[00:09:11] Carmen: ahead, sorry. 

[00:09:11] Maynard Bagang: so I wrote the script, and then after I wrote the script, I started asking people, 'cause I, I don't have any, experience as a director. so I approached a couple of, potential directors that would help me out, and they declined, which motivated me more because the word that I got is like, "Well, I really don't want to associate my name with a mediocre film."

[00:09:41] Maynard Bagang: So, I think it's my personality. When people say no, that's when I start working, and it motivated me, "You know what? I'm gonna direct it." So what I did was, I went and got a professional DP/editor, and then I reached out to the UNLV film department, and these UNLV students...

[00:10:08] Carmen: That's University of Las Vegas for people who

[00:10:10] Carmen: don't know. 

[00:10:11] Maynard Bagang: and so they gave me the full team.

[00:10:16] Maynard Bagang: So I made one of the student, who's a, who, who's a film major, I said, "Can you be my AD? Because I have no idea on what I'm doing here." And, uh, yeah, his name is, uh, Cale Chazal. I just wanna give him that-

[00:10:34] Carmen: Let me just, and, and I'm, I'm only interrupting you because so many people are not in the business that are part of, part of our audience. So when you say AD, you mean

[00:10:43] Maynard Bagang: Assistant director, yes

[00:10:44] Carmen: So you're having somebody be your assistant director, which is a normal thing on a film, but you're using this person more as somebody to help, help you be a director as well, is

[00:10:55] Maynard Bagang: Correct. 'Cause, 'cause he has more knowledge, than me 'cause he, he's in his, third year, I believe,in, film school. So, I showed them the script, and the script was not in a script format, I, 'cause I'm not a scriptwriter, right? And then they said, "Well, you know, I, I wrote it for 97 pages, and the goal is 60 minutes."

[00:11:17] Maynard Bagang: 'Cause I know, I've done some research and I said, "It has to be more than 60 minutes so I don't fall into that void of 30 to 60 minutes," which is, is it a short? Is it a feature? I want to make it clear it's a feature. And they're like, "Well, I can't really tell because your script is not, is not in a script format."

[00:11:37] Maynard Bagang: But then I asked the DP and then I asked everyone in the team, I say, "Can you make it work? Can you extend this to more than 60 minutes?" And they all agreed that it's gonna work. So I said, "Let's do it." So, uh, so we started doing it, you know, we started planning and then, and then, uh, of course I'm everything on this film.

[00:12:01] Maynard Bagang: I'm the wardrobe, I'm the caterer, you know, I'm the makeup artist, right? Uh-

[00:12:07] Carmen: Right. W- well with, with, you know, here's the thing, you're, you're a true independent filmmaker, and I think one of the things that's really inspiring that I hope people get out of this story about meeting you is not only that you have a, like, I don't know, third act, right? That you've changed from being, you were in the Navy, you were a mechanical engineer, you were a police officer, you were all these things, and now you have this new act, and so it's never too late to do something.

[00:12:38] Carmen: But the other part of this is when you are, when people resist you and say, "No," you turn around and say, "Yeah, I'm gonna do it anyways." You know? And you're finding a way to do it, and I, I just, I admire this so much. It's so inspiring. And so I'm gushing over you because I really feel like you're one of these inspiring stories that people need to understand it's not over till it's over.

[00:13:03] Maynard Bagang: Yes, because,

[00:13:04] Maynard Bagang: the goal, my goal in my mind is very clear. Whatever it takes, I will, I will do it. I will make it happen. So I was able to gather... actually one of my kinda glamorous job right now, I'm a part-time, uh, inspector for the Nevada State Athletic Commission, so I work with the UFC fights, uh, boxing, uh, big time b- boxing.

[00:13:31] Maynard Bagang: Uh,

[00:13:32] Carmen: It doesn't sound glamorous to me, but I understand.

[00:13:35] Maynard Bagang: so I, I reached out to a few of my coworkers. I said, "Hey, I have this idea, and would you like to produce it with me?" And so they agreed, and we all put our money together. I said, "This is how much it's gonna cost." And this is learning from scratch. I had to do a marketing plan. I had to do, the budgeting.

[00:13:57] Maynard Bagang: I had to do the pitch deck, which I had no idea how to do a pitch deck, so I learned from the scratch. Uh, uh, and once I had all that in place, then we all signed the contract together. You know, w- we're friends, and I told them, I said, "We're not here to screw each other. We're here to make a film, and we're gonna, uh, showcase it."

[00:14:18] Maynard Bagang: And they have cameo roles of course, 'cause they wanted, to be in the film as well. And it w- there were a lot of first-timers in this film. 

[00:14:27] Carmen: But that's a great opportunity. You gave people great opportunities too. And, and it was f- this was one of my questions I had about the film, But I was like, why is he portraying ICE this way without the masks? But it's because you did it before what's happening now, which is so interesting that you almost foresaw that.

[00:14:46] Carmen: You saw that before

[00:14:49] Maynard Bagang: I, I was very surprised when the story, uh, became like to the T. Like, this is exactly what happened in, in Minneapolis. Uh, there was no intention of trying to do, you know, the, the real story, but, uh, it just became like that. And, uh, unfortunately that happened. but in this movie, we are not highlighting any bad people on both sides.

[00:15:22] Maynard Bagang: If you watch it, it's the truth. You know, it's the situation that's, uh, being highlighted. You know, no

[00:15:31] Carmen: Well, I'm gonna, I'm, I'm gonna stop you because you have your point of view. I'm gonna give you my point of view. The story isn't just about that. It's also, it, it's about love. It's about family. It's about heartbreak. It's about g- there's grieving, um, losing someone you love. I'm not giving away any spoilers or whatever, but I feel like it's not, it's not just about ice.

[00:15:57] Carmen: That's just one small segment of it. Um, it's also about homelessness, and, um, the friendships you make in that community, I feel like that's the, the part of this. We have this weird idea of what homelessness is, and I think one of the things that you bridge really well is the community that's developed within people who are struggling in the same way and find themselves on the street.

[00:16:25] Carmen: There's that sense of, love and friendship between people, right? Especially because in the film, I didn't realize this, but you, you ... Well, I, I don't wanna give any spoilers, but you go and help a little

[00:16:37] Maynard Bagang: Yes

[00:16:38] Carmen: um, who is suffering, and you, you help her because of your expertise in the film, and, it's a really touching moment.

[00:16:46] Carmen: You know, the, the community, the love. And so I, I, I think the film s- has a lot of different themes to it. I don't want people to think it's all negative. There is a sadness to it because you realize we're living this now.

[00:16:59] Maynard Bagang: and I think a lot of people can relate, uh, to the different circumstances that happened in that film. like what you said, it's about grief and how do you cope with it. And, my role, James, is coping in a way where I had to interact with the homeless, and I think, different people have different coping mechanisms when it comes to grief, and that was my way.

[00:17:27] Maynard Bagang: And then because I was lost. I was lost, and then I found light in that sanctuary, which is the sanctuary of the homeless. Uh, that's what it is.

[00:17:39] Carmen: of the

[00:17:40] Maynard Bagang: Yeah, it's the community.

[00:17:41] Carmen: the community. This is what, it's kind of what I found, I don't wanna say beautiful about the film it really did touch upon me in a really, uh, profound way watching it. I wanna switch it for a moment to get off the topic of homelessness.

[00:17:55] Carmen: I want people to, I, I, I talk about this all the time when it comes to homelessness. People have a different idea of what homelessness means, and they don't get it. It's real people, real people who love and feel and hurt and have pain and are struggling to try to move through the situation they're in, and anyone, as your film portrays, can find themselves in this situation based on one moment in time.

[00:18:19] Carmen: But I wanna also stress there's a, there's a storyline about the ICE agent, the, the captain or the, I forget what, which I thought was also interesting because we see his point of view. He goes home and he's struggling with the decisions he has to make. again, I find it fascinating that you wrote this before all this was happening.

[00:18:40] Carmen: I really think that's

[00:18:41] Carmen: amazing. 

[00:18:42] Maynard Bagang: think, even, even-- 'cause, 'cause, I have a law enforcement background. Law enforcement, officers, they do have their own point of view, but they have a job to do, which, you have to. does it make it wrong to do the job? not exactly, 'cause it could be justified.

[00:19:00] Maynard Bagang: Uh, I mean, 

[00:19:02] Carmen: Mm-hmm. 

[00:19:02] Maynard Bagang: the law is the law. It, it's in black and white. But then again, the human side of it, how do you affect people, uh, on these types of situations? And I think a lot of, uh...

[00:19:17] Carmen: How did you deal with it as a cop? How did you deal with it as a cop

[00:19:22] Maynard Bagang: You, you know, you deal it the best way that you can that is not gonna create any more problem to the people that you're dealing with, because you are there to solve the problem, not to 

[00:19:41] Carmen: Mm-hmm. 

[00:19:41] Maynard Bagang: the problem. So, you know, there's a lot of respect that you have to show and a lot of compassion. And, um, from my background, uh, when I was in patrol, this is, uh, one of the very first thing I, I was taught, that you need to understand those people and why they are in that particular situation.

[00:20:08] Maynard Bagang: 'Cause we dealt with the homeless as well and, you know, uh, uh, rehab and things like that. And, and you try to get the best solution possible for them

[00:20:21] Carmen: Mena, does it disappoint you when you, you, you know I'm a Black Latina woman, so I have my issues with cops. I just do. You're my second friend now. I, I have a really good friend, Kelly, who was in the FBI, also a cop here in Los Angeles. and she left and is also an actor, which is really... I don't know what's happening in the water of the police departments, but I thought that was fascinating.

[00:20:45] Carmen: But I ask you this question because does it disappoint you when you see some of what I'm going to call bad cops 

[00:20:55] Carmen: out there that are...

[00:20:57] Maynard Bagang: Yeah.

[00:20:57] Maynard Bagang: yes. yes. Y- you know, um, because probably 99% of cops are good cops. They have good intentions. They, they're there to do the job the best that they can. But of course, like any other jobs, there's gonna be some bad ones, unfortunately. Uh, the thing is that being in the law enforcement, you're more highlighted compared to other careers because, you represent the country.

[00:21:29] Maynard Bagang: and, uh, you know, having those situations, cops being arrested for something, bad that they did, of course it's heartbreaking. I wish that it wouldn't, uh, happen or it will not happen. but then again, it's not perfect, because you're dealing with people that are coming from different backgrounds and different beliefs.

[00:21:55] Maynard Bagang: And unfortunately, some of them grew up in a situation where it's not, it's not ideal, to become a police officer and they get accepted

[00:22:08] Carmen: Yeah, and I don't mean to put that all on you, like you need to answer for all cops, but it's just something I'm curious about because, you know, how often do I get to speak to, uh, former police officers? Like, so it's just interesting. Did, when, when you were casting for your film, did you find that a difficult process?

[00:22:29] Carmen: I know you said that a lot of the people that invested in the film that are friends with you were also a- added to the film, but you have some very well-qualified, beautiful actors in that film, especially the little girl. 

[00:22:43] Maynard Bagang: I handpicked the actors, the main cast, uh, because all the cameo, uh, you know, little roles, um, they're gonna do their thing the best that they can 'cause they're first-timers. But my top cast, they need to know how to cry because this film has a lot, has a lot of that. Uh, uh, they need to be able to portray that emotion in the film.

[00:23:09] Maynard Bagang: And, and, Jovel Salvador, she's a famous actress in the Philippines. She happened to be living in Vegas. 

[00:23:17] Maynard Bagang: I approached her and asked her if she want, wanted to be in the film, 'cause she hasn't made a movie in, in quite a while. And, uh, and I said, "Well, it's a little low budget."

[00:23:30] Maynard Bagang: And she told me, "You know, this is way below my talent fee." And I said, "I understand." So, uh, I was able to negotiate that with a, with an executive producer, uh,

[00:23:42] Maynard Bagang: contract. And, uh, so she did it. So I was really happy for that, 'cause I know she's a great actress. And then, uh, Jasmine Davis is my coworker, and it's her first time.

[00:23:58] Maynard Bagang: Uh, and then also, 

[00:24:00] Maynard Bagang: and then also, uh, Izzy, the little girl, Aria Isabella Young, it's her first time. I think I found gold in the, you know, in the sand fro- from her. Uh, like, this girl acted for the first time, and she's amazing. I mean, the set awareness of this girl, when she's on set, she's not only talking ab- 'cause most actors, they just worry about their lines and do their thing.

[00:24:30] Maynard Bagang: This girl is like, "Oh, she's supposed to come in, right?" And, you know, uh, "I think, uh, I think that's not supposed to be, uh, in the frame." And, and I was like, "Oh, my goodness, this is..." Yeah, so she, she's not only an actress, but she's a lot of help with her set awareness. And, and then I knew exactly that w- what was gonna be portrayed by her.

[00:24:57] Maynard Bagang: It's gonna be, it's gonna be great. And that's why at the very end of the film, she has the highlight, you know, on that, situation. and I think, a lot of people... 'Cause she developed that love with, James. and I think, the audience, will relate to that. she found hope, but then it was cut short.

[00:25:22] Maynard Bagang: Uh,

[00:25:23] Carmen: Right. I don't tell

[00:25:24] Carmen: anybody nothing. So here's, here's my question though. Did you find it difficult... See, I think this is hard for someone to do, to be a director and then also be the actor on set, right? Did you find that difficult, or did you enjoy that process? I'm just

[00:25:44] Maynard Bagang: Actually, I, I found it very difficult, but I enjoyed it and I learned. Doing that film... 'Cause when you act, you know, you do your thing in front of the camera, and you're relying on the director on how it is gonna come out.

[00:26:05] Carmen: Right

[00:26:06] Maynard Bagang: Directing gave me a different point of view. When I was acting, 

[00:26:11] Carmen: Mm-hmm. 

[00:26:12] Maynard Bagang: towards the middle of that, uh, of those film days, I started seeing myself while I am acting.

[00:26:21] Maynard Bagang: I knew exactly what I look like, on camera because I said, "Oh, okay, so now I'm more aware what are the angles and, how is it gonna come out," and it's all in my head, while I'm, before, before going into action. And, a- and I I think most actors should try that because it gives you a different, view on how you act.

[00:26:52] Maynard Bagang: Yes. 

[00:26:53] Carmen: I know that you've already won an award at one of the festivals. I for- I couldn't find it. What was the 

[00:26:58] Maynard Bagang: I, actually, I got it right here. I wo- we won the Telly Awards, uh, the Silver Telly Awards for best drama, uh, i- in 2026. Yes, so, so I brought it here with

[00:27:12] Carmen: Oh, congratulations. Wow.

[00:27:15] Maynard Bagang: then, uh

[00:27:16] Carmen: Can I, you know what? Oh, oh, go ahead. Go ahead.

[00:27:19] Maynard Bagang: Go ahead

[00:27:21] Carmen: No, I was gonna ask you, from when you started the process, the idea of this film, to actually putting it out there, how long did that take? 'Cause, because a lot of people think, you know, we think of a film and then three months later it's shown on 

[00:27:40] Carmen: HBO or something, you 

[00:27:42] Carmen: know?

[00:27:42] Carmen: And that's not how 

[00:27:43] Maynard Bagang: I, also learned that it, it's, it's a long process. So from writing to shooting to editing, it's more than a year. Uh, and

[00:27:56] Carmen: Mm-hmm.

[00:27:56] Maynard Bagang: but I knew one thing. I said, "This film, I want it to compete," because of the actors that I picked. I said, "I think, I think it's, uh, more than capable to compete." So that was my goal.

[00:28:11] Maynard Bagang: But unfortunately, a lot of festivals Don't want to touch it because of the subject, uh, which is okay. And it kinda happened backwards 'cause usually you go to festival and then find distribution. Well, we found distribution before the festivals, 

[00:28:32] Carmen: Oh, 

[00:28:33] Maynard Bagang: kinda disqualified us, on, on most festivals that we submitted 'cause we're submitted to Toronto.

[00:28:39] Maynard Bagang: But now, the film is available on Amazon, Amazon Prime for rent or purchase, so it kinda eliminate, eliminated that option. But it's a good thing because now it's out there, so a lot of people can see it. And, uh, uh, before, uh, because before the festival, uh, circuit that we submitted started, uh, Indie Rights had bought the distribution rights for The Sanctuary.

[00:29:09] Carmen: Wow! 

[00:29:10] Maynard Bagang: had a couple of options 'cause Buffalo 8, offered me a contract as well. But Indie Rights gave me the best, option. so I talked to my friends who produced the film, and they said, "You know, we're gonna go with Indie Rights." And, Indie Rights, was very, transparent on a lot of things.

[00:29:31] Maynard Bagang: And I said, "You know what? Let's do it." So two weeks ago it got released on Amazon, uh, Prime for, you know, for purchase. And I said, "Well, that's more than actually what I expected for the film." But I do know, but I do know that I had to compete, so I submitted for the Telly Awards, and we were able to do one festival before the release, uh, Indie Vegas Film Festival, uh, which we won Best Feature.

[00:30:01] Maynard Bagang: And, um, and, uh, actually it's gonna be showcased also at Bollywood Hollywood Film Festival in Las Vegas on September 5. And, uh,

[00:30:12] Carmen: Oh, wonderful

[00:30:14] Maynard Bagang: they know that it's on, it's available out there, they still wanna showcase it because they think the story, can relate to a lot of people. And, and I'm not done, 

[00:30:26] Maynard Bagang: Because as an indie filmmaker, you have goals, but y- you're trying to be realit- realistic as well that, it's a low-budget film. but I know in my heart that we did the best acting we can do on this film, and I'm not gonna stop.

[00:30:46] Maynard Bagang: So the plan is, to be able to, compete at the Emmys as well. So hopefully, we get the opportunity to do that, so a lot of, filmmakers, in the country can see, this story. Because I think the strength of the film is the story and the acting

[00:31:07] Carmen: Mm-hmm. Yeah. I think the story is profound. I'm curious if you think- I think some people will relate to it really like I did, and then I think some people will be a little... It'll make them think, right? And I keep thinking about people, and I'm not trying to, it, this is not about politics at all, but if you're a Trump supporter, if you're somebody who is for ICE, you're going to see a different perspective, especially from...

[00:31:41] Carmen: Is it, what, is he the captain? I forget what his, he's the sergeant or something. I forget. The, the guy who we see him at his home with his housekeeper, and he has to struggle with being, I forget what his title is, but 

[00:31:55] Carmen: he's in charge 

[00:31:56] Maynard Bagang: yeah, so he's the senior, ICE officer of the team. And, it's a twist in the movie, but, I just saw it in the news a few months ago that it happened to an ICE agent, 

[00:32:11] Carmen: Oh, yeah.

[00:32:12] Maynard Bagang: Uh, so, uh, different situation, but, you know, same outcome. the thing is that, nobody's really bad on this film, but these situations can happen, and that's why they need to, be aware that even though they are, law enforcers, they still have to follow the law, you know?

[00:32:40] Maynard Bagang: And the-- But, but it also highlights that they are people, and they can make mistakes. 

[00:32:48] Carmen: Right. And following the law can't be... Well, like, I don't know, because that's, that's the, that's the question, right? Is the law that you're following correct, especially when you're at your own home and you get called out on the same thing? It's a, it's a, it's an interesting part of the movie that I found

[00:33:11] Maynard Bagang: And I th-, a- and I think, you know, because the law, they're made by humans, and humans are not perfect. So is it the correct, uh, enforcement law or not? That's debatable

[00:33:27] Carmen: Well, he does that at the beginning too. He's like, "Are you sure?" Like, there's that moment where he's like questioning, "I know these are the orders we're given, but are you sure we're gonna go after the homeless people?" Like, he even asks that question in the

[00:33:42] Maynard Bagang: Because, uh, that, uh, his character is showing his human side. Is it moral? Uh, do we, do we have to put more burden on these people that are really struggling and they are, uh, probably, uh, in the worst situations compared to, uh, everybody else?

[00:34:08] Carmen: Right.

[00:34:09] Maynard Bagang: And, and, and that was, that was the struggle in his heart that, uh, "Can I do this?"

[00:34:16] Maynard Bagang: Or... But then he w- he was bound to do it and, and that's where it kinda evolved

[00:34:24] Carmen: Yeah. No spoilers. No, I'm just kidding. I'm like, I'm trying to stop you from saying too much.

[00:34:29] Maynard Bagang: Thank you

[00:34:31] Carmen: Okay, let me just make sure I've gone through all my questions. Yeah, I know, I'm like, "Don't tell them what happens." Okay, I wanted to ask you a question. Okay, so independent filmmaking is notoriously extremely difficult.

[00:34:44] Carmen: Um, you successfully brought this project... I have here that you went through Indiegogo campaign to complete the feature. Is that true?

[00:34:53] Maynard Bagang: I tried. No, uh, and I failed massively 'cause nobody... I did not get not a single person, uh, in Indigo

[00:35:05] Carmen: Okay, so, so, so some ways, just so our audience knows, some ways in which people try to raise money is they use different platforms to try to raise money. When that didn't work, you then went to, you just went to your friends and said, "Hey, this is what I wanna do." Is that how 

[00:35:21] Carmen: it 

[00:35:22] Maynard Bagang: Yes, because, uh, you know, I found that extremely hard because I'm not, uh, it was my first time trying to do it and, um, you know, I did not get-

[00:35:35] Carmen: Yeah, but you succeeded. Do you know how many people I know who have been in this industry forever who keep talking about making a film and they don't do it? So you keep saying it's your first time, and I, I totally get it, but your perseverance and the way in which you, you did, you, you did it. You got an award.

[00:35:54] Carmen: You're, you know, you, you have, um, amazon.com. We can go and see the film. We can purchase it. Like, you actually accomplished it. So I love your humility, but I'm over it. Like, I like... You know? Like, you're a director. You've actually made a film, and I say bravo. I'm so happy to meet you at this time. Because you're not

[00:36:17] Maynard Bagang: I'm not done. Yes. we are actually-- I'm in,collaboration with, a few, uh, f- filmmakers in Las Vegas where they've done some, really good films with, A-list actors. Because, my next film now is about, law enforcement. Because, when I was in law enforcement, I was in the gang unit.

[00:36:42] Maynard Bagang: I e- I was

[00:36:43] Carmen: Oh, really?

[00:36:45] Maynard Bagang: I was, you know, I did some undercover work, and also I, I was sent to the Philippines for a case, as a Las Vegas m- so all this in my head, I'm like a database of bad things that I can't tell anyone. I'm gonna somewhat create something that have never been seen before i- in law enforcement.

[00:37:07] Maynard Bagang: So that is the b- the next project that we're trying to develop

[00:37:13] Carmen: Wow, I'm so excited. Um, I, I, I'm looking for- you'll come back to talk

[00:37:18] Maynard Bagang: Apps所有 的，有 god 啦

[00:37:20] Carmen: But yeah, no, I'm so excited to meet you now because I think, and I, I know I keep saying this, but I think there's so much negativity in the world, and so when you meet someone like yourself, I'm so grateful that you came on the show.

[00:37:35] Carmen: But when I meet somebody with your background, it's like I said before, it's very inspiring. And you're, you embody what my shows are all about, which is all about the joy, right? Just having this ability to tell a story and find the joy in it anyways. And I have to tell you, w- the touching part for me will continue to be that homeless mo- the, the community that was built, that you portrayed, that you showed.

[00:38:01] Carmen: and someone who's lived the life that you have lived and still can find the pearls of joy in it, that's what it's about

[00:38:08] Maynard Bagang: And I think a lot of people do things without passion. 

[00:38:17] Carmen: Yes 

[00:38:18] Maynard Bagang: do everything with passion. If you do it passionately and make sure that your go- my goal is very clear in my head. I know that I will finish this film, whatever it takes. And, and al- I'm also a believer of if you make a film, even though you paid all the actors and the crew, I think you owe it to those actors to show it.

[00:38:49] Maynard Bagang: So a film that doesn't come out, in my belief, I think, uh, people, some people will disagree, uh, is a waste of time for everybody. So, uh

[00:39:04] Carmen: Listen, I, I've been in a few films. I've been in a few films that have never been shown, right? Was early in my career when I was doing acting. I, you know, came out here and I did three films. They, they're never gonna be

[00:39:17] Maynard Bagang: I have a film that's about to come out and it's been five years, right? That, that's a long time, uh, for, for an indie film. And I think there's a lot of hesitation for, uh, for people. Is it gonna be the right one? Will people like it? Well, I learned quickly, guess what?

[00:39:37] Maynard Bagang: Most of the people don't like it, but there are people who's gonna like it, and those are your audience, and you need to find them

[00:39:49] Carmen: Yeah, and also the person when you started this interview, you talked about you went to certain filmmakers and they didn't wanna work with... I don't know what the word was you said, but it was a word that I didn't like, whatever. What was it you

[00:40:03] Maynard Bagang: It was, uh, uh,

[00:40:06] Carmen: inexperienced or

[00:40:07] Maynard Bagang: yeah, uh, mediocre. Uh, mediocre

[00:40:11] Carmen: Mediocre. And I'm, you know, here, here's what I'm gonna say.

[00:40:14] Carmen: This is, I, I, I was just on LinkedIn, it's so interesting, and there are so many, quote-unquote, filmmakers on there that I know who have not made a film yet, right? Like they're always, they're so negative or whatever, and I bet you those would be the same people that would say something like that to you, which is why I would never wanna work with them or have them on my show.

[00:40:35] Carmen: Or because it's that weird how dare you? Like, if you have passion or you have the ability to help someone, even if they wanted to consult with you, even if they just wanted to share with you, to talk about it as being mediocre or being, "Well, you're just new," you're showing me who you are. You're showing me exactly who you are, and I want nothing to do with people like you, you know?

[00:41:00] Carmen: So I'm glad that you, that it inspired you, that it made you do it anyways, 'cause most people

[00:41:06] Maynard Bagang: Will give up, yes. Yeah. 

[00:41:08] Maynard Bagang: Uh 

[00:41:08] Carmen: make sense? They would give up. They would feel small. They would feel

[00:41:12] Maynard Bagang: And I think, uh, it's because of, you know, uh, being in the military and being a police officer before. We are mission-oriented. We have to f- we have to do the mission. Uh, and if it's not perfect, you're gonna find some obstacles and-- but you have to find that solution. And I think that's where it's coming from.

[00:41:39] Maynard Bagang: And also, um, you know, I was born and raised in the Philippines, and when I migrated here back in 19-- uh, '91, you know, we, we were poor growing up. So, you know, whatever opportunity you get presented to is a blessing, and you, you really have to do your best, uh, you know, to capture that opportunity because it doesn't happen to a lot of people.

[00:42:12] Maynard Bagang: And I was one of the blessed, uh, Filipinos who was able to migrate here to the United States. A lot of people there are suffering and, and I think, uh, I, you know, I saw this opportunity and I said, I said, "Not everybody has this, so, you know, I'm gonna show them that they can," for people, uh, like me who are not in the spotlight that you, you have to make it.

[00:42:44] Maynard Bagang: You have to create your opportunity because, it might not come from others. and, and that's why I did it.

[00:42:52] Carmen: Yeah, I'm gonna be mean to you again and say and say I know that you're, you, you have this graciousness, this kindness, this humility to also give credit to others and to say, "Oh, it was such an opportunity." But there is something within you that is really beautiful, that shines through, that is a gift you've been given that you're sharing.

[00:43:16] Carmen: And, and I think it's also important to acknowledge that, you know? And I'm not, I'm not trying to be condescending, it's just, I guess I'm getting to a point in my life, Maynard, where I am so tired of not giving people their full-on credit, you know? You're sharing, you clearly have skills, and you have, um, innate passion and joy, and you're sharing it, and that's all you.

[00:43:44] Carmen: I don't care what the circumstance is. I feel like no matter where you were or are, you would have found a way to do what it is you need to be doing in life, you know? So my apologies, but I had to just put

[00:44:00] Maynard Bagang: Thank you. Thank you. Actually, uh, I take that as a compliment. Thank you so much for that. Um, uh, when I was in the military, uh, and I was faced with a, a very difficult problem and, um, there's this one person that told me this. He said, "Whatever you do, do it with your heart because you can never go wrong."

[00:44:34] Maynard Bagang: And I, I, I carried that. I said-- Because it doesn't matter y- if you fail or succeed, you, you do it with your whole heart, then it's the right one.

[00:44:49] Carmen: That's

[00:44:49] Carmen: right. 

[00:44:50] Maynard Bagang: a- and, and, uh, I try to follow that with whatever endeavor I take and, I'm lucky that a lot of people, appreciate that. but I think, it's one way of, of expressing things w- with wholeheartedly that people accept because it's honest.

[00:45:15] Carmen: It's honest, and it's authentic. It's authentic. Maynard, thank you so much for being here. I look forward to developing our relationship. I want to see your next project. I wanna support you however I can. I just feel really honored to have met you. and everyone, please go check out the film. It's on amazon.com.

[00:45:36] Carmen: I'll put the link at the bottom. It's called The Sanctuary. do you know the website? 

[00:45:41] Maynard Bagang: the, website is, yes, thesanktuaryfilm.com if they wanna go to the website.

[00:45:46] Carmen: So everyone go check out the website. It's thesanctuaryfilm.com. The link is in, um, at the bottom here. And, um, please remember at the end of the day, it really is all about the joy, and we'll see you next time. Thank you everyone. Bye.