Q: Do you believe in a higher power? (Love, God, Universe, Grace, Spirit, whatever) Why? Why not?
A: Yes I believe in a higher power. I’m not sure if I believe in God, but I do know that there is a certain order to things. That everything in life happens for a reason. When I look back at my life I can see the events that have molded who I am today. I believe in an afterlife.
Q: Why must you make films? (I mean, let's be honest, only a crazy person would choose to do it)
A: I grew up in the TV business, so I have been around storytelling my entire life. I love that each story takes the audience on a journey. To tell a story that makes people think, cry, laugh: Who wouldn’t want to do that? I also love working with all the creative people in- volved in telling a story. From the writer to the PA(production assistant) When a project is a true collaboration it can exceed every- ones expectations. We lift each other and the project benafits. That can be addicting. The act of drawing an audience in and having them laugh, cry, and feel is an amazing thing
Q: If you were at a dinner party and had to pick one of these topics for the group to discuss (sex, politics, money, religion, death, food, reincarnation) -- what would it be and why?
A: I think I would pick reincarnation. I lost my older brother when I was 13 and I like to believe that I would see him again. I read somewhere that we travel though our many lives with the same souls. In each life those souls take a different role. For instance your mother could be your dog, your dog could be your husband or wife. It always gave me comfort to be- lieve that the people we loose will still be with us in some way.
Q: Make up a question for me to ask the next director I photograph. You can ask ANYTHING — just please be respectful.
A: If you could only name one aspect of directing. What is your favorite part of the directing process?
Question from Shaz Bennetti: Which artist - filmmaker or any artist - has influenced you the most and why?
A: I would have to say my Father. Stephen J. Cannell. I grew up with him pitching his stories to my brother and I in the car. He taught me so much. He could capture your attention with his stories and transport you to the worlds he would create. He helped change the television industry and made it what is today. He created more hours of television than anyone in the industry. Creating or co- creating over 52 series. He helped an entire industry of people live their dream. I’m extremely proud when I run into people who worked with my dad. What a legacy he left behind. I could only hope to do the same thing.
Q: The last time you had deja vu? What does deja vu mean to you?
A: I just had Deja vu last weekend when I went to see a friend of mine in a play. I could swear that I had a dream of that play. What I saw was the same as in the dream. Something seems so familar about it, almost like I could tell you what was going to happen next. But I can never remember what happens next. Maybe dreams are little windows into the fu- ture. Sounds like a pitch for a series, doesn’t it.
Q: What made you laugh last? When was the last time you cried? Why?
A: It is hard to remember what made me laugh last because I laugh a lot. Every time I work I laugh all day long. I’m a goof and love when people have fun. My kids make me laugh especially when we play games together. The last time I cried is a hard one to answer. Recently My husband had a Heart Transplant. He had never had any medical problems before and never been in the hospital. Facing loosing the love of your life can be very hard and create a few tears. But I be- lieve that all the hardships I’ve gone through make me a better storyteller.
Q: Lastly, tell the people about your next project and where they can see your work. Thank you!
A: Being and episodic director I’m working on many different shows all the time. The best way to see what I’m up to is to check my website tawniamckiernan.com. My upcoming episodes are listed there. As for what I’m up to next, I want to move into writing and follow in my father’s footsteps. I have a pilot I’m working on as well as rebooting some of the old shows from the 80’s.