What is the current project you are working on?
I am working on a short film called TIL DEATH, a macabre and haunting love story about an extreme case of sympathy sickness: A man is mourning his late wife, but HE is the one who starts to decompose. I have a Kickstarter campaign going on right now for it: http://kck.st/lISGZc Check it out! :)
Did you always want to be a filmmaker?
I had actually wanted to be a doctor. Then I took chemistry, so I said no (too boring!). Then I wanted to be a novelist. But I realized my greater inspirations came from images, so then I wanted to be a filmmaker.
What inspired you to become filmmaker?
Don't know the first thought about filmmaking, but when I was in college, I took a 'boot camp' style of film class at NYU for a summer — and I was hooked. We were assigned to groups of 5 people, and for 6 weeks, every day we did a different job on the crew, including directing. It was a beginner's class, but it was intense — and I was hooked. From then on, I never turned back.
What is the best thing about being one?
Every film you make is different. Different topics, locations, people, problems and possibilities. I love the variety of it all.
What is the worst thing about being one?
The work is unsustainable on a personal level — unless, of course, you're making a gob of money, but how many of us are doing that? Getting financing is always too difficult, and maintaining a reasonable lifestyle is also too difficult. Especially when you're trying to maintain a good marriage and raise a kid. The hard adrenaline-driven nature of production is great when you're in your 20s... but after that, it just gets very very hard, because other goals (i.e: Real Life) start getting in the way!
What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?
Um... Dozens?? Hard to say.
Who is is your favorite filmmaker?
This changes all the time. I've always loved Eastwood's directorial work, and I am also a big fan of the Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon-ho.
How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?
I don't think it has changed. I've always been a filmmaker! :)
What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?
Don't focus on the business. If you do, then become an agent. Focus instead on what makes you tick: emotionally, spiritually, intellectually. Work hard, and work as much as you can — but stay focused on what you want to do, and don't stagnate in one place too long. Mix it up. (Wait... that was more than one piece of advice, wasn't it. Sorry).
What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?
In no particular order: LOVE the films: The King's Speech, Letters from Iwo Jima, The Host, Audition, Chicago, Pan's Labyrinth. Love the TV shows: Dexter, Deadwood, Justified
How would you describe your film education?
Continuing. (I had a BA in film from U-Michigan, but learned real film from working. Now I'm a teacher at the Academy of Art University, and I learn as I teach as well)
How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?
In the SF Bay Area, it's primarily documentaries. Which is a strong and vibrant scene here. Most narrative productions are indie and socially-minded. Occasional Hollywood productions, crop up, but they seem to always be directed by Phillip Kaufman, who lives here.
How has social media changed the independent film industry?
It's a tremendous change, a seismic shift. Now indie filmmakers don't have to rely on Hollywood powers-that-be to fund, produce or distribute films. There are more options, and more voices, than ever before, and everyone is still searching for the magic formula that makes it all work. There may not be a magic formula for all — but every project does have its own needs and considerations, and social media is allowing more of those needs and considerations to be met. So it's a tremendous thing. It's very exciting.
What is the casting process like?
I love the casting process. I don't stress out about finding the 'perfect' actor — because there isn't one. Instead, I enjoy meeting all the actors that come in, and love the opportunity to play with them during the audition. (I mean that in a good way, not a 'mess with their head' kind of way). I keep auditions as light and fun as I can. They're already inherently stressful, so why make it worse than it is?
How does independent film differ from the mainstream?
At its best, indie film offers new voices and new perceptions of key issues (Social, emotional, political, what have you) that mainstream films cannot provide. BY their nature, mainstream films MUST appeal to a broad common denominator in order to protect their massive investment. But indie films can operate on a smaller niche level — and provide the diverse voices and opinions that all art and entertainment needs.
You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be?
The Ten Commandments, or any Cecil B DeMille production. I'd love to see the Cast of Thousands in action!!
You could be any animal. Which would you be?
Wolverine. Go Blue.
You could have any super power. What would it be?
Metal claws coming out of my fists. Because that's a Wolverine.
Do you believe on life on other planets?
Only if they believe in me.
You can follow Philip on Twitter @pchidel. You can rent Subject Two on Netflix or purchase it here. For more information on "Til Death" visit the films official website here. Thanks to Philip for allowing me to interview him.
No comments:
Post a Comment