Bunny Teaser Sub on Vimeo
What is the current project you are working on?
Right now, I'm in the post-production phase on my directorial debut: the short film "Bunny". We're currently using www.indiegogo.com, the crowd-funding platform to gather the necessary funds to finish our film.
Did you always want to be a filmmaker?
I remember having many callings growing up, but my passion for cinema and film, was something that grew gradually over the years. And after graduating with a BA in Media and Communication, I moved on to film sets, first as a trainee and then worked my way up.
What inspired you to become filmmaker?
The fact that the job of a filmmaker is to create and build dreams for people and tell them stories, pretty great job description !
What is the best thing about being one?
The previous answer sort of says it all.
What is the worst thing about being one?
Always being on the lookout for the financing part, creativity and financing are two things that should be compartmentalized.
What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?
8
Who is is your favorite filmmaker?
Tim Burton; the way the music and his "universe" almost instantly bring forth his name. He has built on a strong visual identity and that is something I want to aim for.
There are a lot of directors I respect and look up to and all of them inspire me in different ways.
How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?
Well, I can finally share all those hours of daydreaming in high-school with the public through films.
What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?
Hang tight, your ability to get through and get things done depends on perseverance, cultivating your network and never, ever giving up no matter how complicated things might seem.
What do you like to do besides filmmaking?
I am also a film producer through my company DecemberProd
Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?
I've had odd jobs and internships, and most of them in media and entertainment.
What are some of your favorite American films? European Films? Television shows?
This is a very hard question, there is a whole variety of quality shows and films both american and from across the world.
I've always been a great fan of the Simpsons, Futurama and Family Guy. As for the live action shows in the States, I watch a bit of everything: from Fringe to Modern Family, How I met Your Mother, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Dexter and many others.
As for films it's a very hard question, I've come to the conclusion that your favorite film of the moment has a lot to do with the mood you're in at the moment. But I could watch "The Usual Suspects", "Fight Club", "Battle Royale", "Back to the Future" "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", "Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain (known as "Amelie from Paris" in the States).
How would you describe your film education?
I would say I've learned mostly from doing and from watching the films I enjoy the most over and over and asking myself why the director chose that way to tell the story.
How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?
Switzerland has many aspiring and professional filmmakers, however there are few financially viable outcomes in working in the entertainment industry in switzerland.
How has social media changed the independent film industry?
I think that I has given like-minded people a platform for exchanging ideas and working on projects together.
Then there is also the whole crowd-funding concept, it allows people to get together and support projects
What is the casting process like?
Its like a flip of the coin, you need to convince an audience you don't directly know to see the same talent in people you see in them. In some ways it's a gamble, especially when you work with first timers or young children that have only had 3 months of theatre classes.
How does independent film differ from the mainstream?
To me, independent film gives you more wiggle room on the creative side, you worry less about offending and more about telling the story the way it is. But on the flip side, you also have a "lighter" backing in a way that the studios have greater means in terms of leveraging their product and not only in the States, worldwide. Whereas an independent film may struggle more in the pre-sales part and have a harder time gaining momentum. Which is not to say the independent film can't stand up to the studio system.
You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be?
Touch of Evil, Citizen Kane or Star Wars Episode 4
How many languages can you speak?
English, French, Swedish and okay German, I also get around in Spanish
What is your opinion on movie remakes?
Some remakes shouldn't be made, because more often than not, it disappoints the people who loved the original. But on the plus side, it also tells a "new" story to an audience who wouldn't necessarily have seen the original
.
What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?
I think that it's hard to remain true to a vision hundreds of thousands or millions have had in their minds. Some fans often feel betrayed yet it opens up a new perspective to other readers. To conclude, I'll say that no matter what book, video/board-game, news story you adapt, you'll make some happy and others unhappy, in the end it's about doing it the way you feel is right.
Thanks to Sebastian for doing the interview. I hope you will consider submitting your film to the Boston Independent Film Festival. Readers can check out the Facebook page for "Bunny" here. There is still time so please donate to and/or spread the word about "Bunny". Visit http://www.indiegogo.com/Bunny-1#team to donate.
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