Sumner Burstyn is an independent film producer and writer based in Auckland New Zealand. Her most recent film, This Way of Life, won a jury prize at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival, the two top documentary awards in New Zealand and was shortlisted for an Oscar and has sold to numerous countries. Her documentary One Man, One Cow, One Planet has won numerous awards and screened in 18 countries. She has previously worked as a journalist, winning Best Columnist of the Year award at the 2004 Qantas awards.
Tom Burstyn CSC, FRSA is an Emmy nominated filmmaker with 30 years experience as a cinematographer. He trained at the National Film Board of Canada as a documentary maker, before moving into feature films. Tom directed the multi-award winning This Way of Life, One Man, One Cow, One Planet and If Brains were Dynamite You Wouldn’t Have Enough To Blow Your Nose. He also directed Flash William about a hermit filmmaker in the Rocky Mountains. Le Patriote about a milestone nightclub in Montreal and Profiles in Rock a series of profiles of rock legends including Super Tramp, The OJ’s, Cool and Gang, Chic, Earth, Wind and Fire, the Bellamy Brothers and Smokey Robinson.
What is the current project your working on?
Yolanda's Last Portrait: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yolandas-Last-Portrait/138288412897040
see attached card.
Why is it important to be socially conscious with regard to the people you film?
They are real people with real lives and every time you point a camera at someone it alters their lives. For us it would be unconscionable to take away a film about them and not return something to them. so we share profit and do other things to assist.
How do you manage a balance between filming and giving privacy to the people you film?
This is an excellent question. In the end we always come down on the side of privacy. So there have been times when we've captured something that would be amazing in the film but have decided not to use it because it would affect someone in a negative and unwarranted way.
How do you handle rejection?
Good question too - basically we ignore it - in the sense that we consciously turn away from it and focus elsewhere. Rejection is outside your control so there's no point in giving it any thought beyond 'oh bugger.' And we've had lots of it so this is our coping mechanism. The hardest one was making it all the way to being shortlisted for this years Oscars (top 15 films) but not getting a nomination. We really wanted our film to be nom'ed. Oh well. Next.
Did you always want to be a filmmaker?
Sumner: No. I'm a control freak and I was a columnist and journalist and so it was a pretty natural progression to producing film.
Tom: Yes - from about 12 years old. Started out as a documentary maker in Canada at the National Film Board, got sidetracked into commercial films and the Hollywood dream and found my way back to documentary and making films I'm really proud of.
What inspired you to become filmmaker?
Sumner: It's way more fun than being a print journalist and it feels as though images on screen underpinning a profound story can really affect change.
Tom: In my blood. Never ever wanted to be or do anything else. Worked for free for years till I got some experience.
What is the best thing about being one?
Tom: Being an artist. Telling stories.
What is the worst thing about being one?
Sumner: Lack of money. Having to beg
What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?.
Tom: well over 100
Sumner: 4
Who is your favorite filmmaker?
Tom: Bertolucci, Tony Gatlif, David Lean
Sumner: Ridley Scott
How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?
Tom: I've always been a filmmaker
Sumner: I'm learning to view the world in a more visual way. And we've given up holidays, a nice car and house in return for the privilege of making films.
What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?
Sumner: Shut up and shoot. When I was a journalist people were always saying - oh I love to be a writer and I'd always think - well writers write. That's how you become a writer. It's a little more difficult to be a filmmaker - more time, more money, a broader vision, more collaboration - but if it's what you really want to do then you'll find a way.
What do you like to do besides filmmaking?
Sleep, read, grow veggies, walk, drink coffee - not necessarily in that order.
Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?
Tom: parking cars while shooting stuff for free to get started as a teenager.
Sumner: event's manager, business owner, journalist, parent.
What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?
Tom: Five Easy Pieces. (City of Industry - but then I would say that). Foreign: The Conformist. Boston Legal
Sumner: Bladerunner. Foreign: Besieged. The Good Wife
How would you describe your film education?
Tom: On set apprentice and work experience
Sumner: Work experience
How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?
Interesting question. Auckland has a great little industry. It's lively. There's lots of young filmmakers coming up, there's a few old hands, an active festival scene. There's definitely a developed film making community here.
How has social media changed the independent film industry?
I can only speak for our experience but yes totally. This Way of Life came alive on Facebook and we've managed all our releases via the very active facebook family that has gathered around the film. almost 8000 people so far.
What's your opinion on crowdfunding?
It takes a lot of work but if you are dedicated it is a great way to raise funds and the start your film family - get your key audience involved with a sense of ownership in your film right from the beginning.
How does independent film differ from the mainstream?
No fucking money. Way more integrity. Focus on story, story story, heart, and authentic characters over Angelina Jolie.
You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be and why?
Bladerunner. Because it explores issues of identity and belonging and I think identity is the existential crisis of our time. And this is actually the subject of a documentary we have in early production: Search for the Gentleman Racer
What's your favorite movie quote and why?
"I'm sort of an orphan," Daryl Hannah's Pris in BR. Because I think that's how most of us feel. This is the liquid modern age where identity is no longer fixed and must be found over and over and this one quote foretold our current society.
What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?
Mostly don't like them and don't bother with them and anyway in our independent film world no one is doing them. They're mainly a financial investment scheme for the idea-free.
What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?
I'm sure some can be good but I'm struggling to think of any other than Slaughterhouse Five. It was brilliant.
Thank you Sumner and Tom for doing the interview. Thanks to you I got to see This Way of Life. It was interesting seeing how the Karena family lived and dealt with the hardships and joys of live. I lhope I can see your next film Yolanda's Last Portrait when it is completed.
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