Conversations With A Film Director - Philip Roberts

Good day Dear Reader.

Today we have an interview with a film director - Philip Roberts

                                                        Philip Roberts

What does a Film Director do? 

There are different kinds of directors.  Depends on the style.  They have to be a
screenwriter also, a storyteller and love Actors.  Cast as well as you can.
Learn about Photography and lenses.  Know how to take a beautiful picture.


Tell us about One Last Look?

It's a Psychological Thriller.  It's also a Genre Movie.
It's a cult movie.  It is a twisted work.  Brutal.  It is like
Michael Powell's 'Peeping Tom.'  I love that movie.  He made you feel
for the serial killer.  We shot it on location in a old Victorian Farmhouse.
We wanted it to look like a graphic novel.
It certainly has influences from 'Heart of Darkness.'

It's a Slasher / Serial Killer Movie, there's been so many how did you take a fresh
look at this genre?

It's a Psychological Thriller - where the protagonist overcomes the antagonist using psychological
means.
It's a good genre to use.
We wrote the script and it was noticed by a Hollywood Agency.  They invested in it
and sold the rights to it in the Middle East before the movie was made.

How do you handle Actors?

Try invest in them confidence.  Rehearse the script on location.

What skills should a Director have?

Narrative skills, helps to be a writer.  Get specialists for each crew position.
A director must have a controlling idea.  What is this movie about?  Know that!

Tips for Aspiring Directors?

Go to a good Film School.  Join a film crew.  Write stories.

Talk about the difficult balance between the Director and the Producer?

Sometimes you have to make compromises.

How long did it take to make One Last Look? 

It took 23 Days to shoot.

How did you raise the financing for this movie?

We received a 30%  rebate from the DTI (Department of Trade and Investment)
The NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) gave us R1.2 million.
The IDC gave us the rest.

How do you work at a film festival, how do you network to get distribution deals?

Take the film to certain genre festivals.  Meet lots of people.

Were you involved in the editing of the movie?

I sat with the editor.


After the interview Philip invited me to a screening of the movie One Last Look.
It is indeed a great movie.  Scary in many places, dark at times and he is quite
correct in saying this is a cult movie.  It is also proudly South African.
Was wonderful to see a quality South African crew make this.
Do yourself a favour and go see One Last Look.
It really is worth it.

                                              A scene from One Last Look

You can find out more about the movie on their Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Last-Look/377822855611865



Article by Fred Felton - you can follow him on Twitter @fredfelton
Photo's courtesy of @DIFF

Tips on How to be a Film Critic by Film Critics heard at @DIFFest

Over the weekend I sat in on a @DIFFest workshop by Film Critics talking about what it takes to
be a Film Critic and a good writer.

Here are some of the tips they shared:

• If you see a film and you say 'I hate it!' or 'I love it!' you are criticising the film.
• The Film Critic is a Bridge between the Filmmakers and the audience.
• Read as much as you can
• Read other film critics
• Read your own reviews 
• Do they make sense?
• Watch the movies that were made 30 years before you were born
• Watch it with the audience
• Get the spelling of the Cast and Crew correct, especially the Director.
• Pay attention to every detail
• Show your piece to someone for advice if it is good or not.
• Check if the Film is having it's World Premiere, find out before you state that.
• Check the dates are correct
• Have fact checkers if you can or do it yourself
• Read widely
• If you are starting out try writing a blog at first of film reviews
• Print out what you have written and read it sometimes you can pick up errors that way
• Try to think in sentences
• Look at something interesting in the film, look for a specific angle, talk about that
• If you feel it's a good film, ask why, substantiate it
• Look at your gut emotional response to a film
• What is the film's director trying to say?  Why is he doing this and not that?
• Does the movie need to be made?
• Was the movie made with passion by the Director?

The panel was facilitated by Nashen Moodley (Aus / SA) and included among others 

David Stratton (Aus) ,  Telesphore Mba Bizo (Cameroon) , Theresa Smith (Independent Newspapers SA) and Peter Machen (SA) 

Article written by Fred Felton find him on Twitter - @fredfelton 

Are you a Film Critic or Writer?  What tips do you have?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Film Review - Sleeper's Wake seen at @DIFFest

John (Lionel Newton) and Jackie (Jay Anstey) in a tense scene.


Was privileged to see this film at it's World Premiere at @DIFFest.
This film is packed full of a all-star cast.  Featuring some of South Africa's finest acting
talent including Lionel Newton, Jay Anstey and Deon Lotz.
In this movie based on the novel by Alistair Morgan, we meet John a man recovering
in hospital after a horror car crash.  Needing time to recover after losing his family in the
accident he takes refuge in a cabin in the woods in a small village.

Expertly Directed by Barry Berk, one really gets to experience the tension and
psychology of a man at breaking point.  While trying to recover John comes into
contact with the attractive young Jackie.  She just happens to be the daughter of
his new neighbour Roelf who is on holiday with his kids.

Some of the shoot was done in Port Edward.  The scenery is quite beautiful and
breathtaking at times.  There is a strange tension in a place that is normally seen to
be relaxing and a place to go on a holiday.

Look out for some wonderful music by Daniel Caleb and Jamie Matthes.

If you want to learn about acting take a look at the performances by Lionel Newton
and Deon Lotz.  Quite Brilliant at times.  Wonderful direction, editing and sound.

Rating 9/10

Look out for this movie.

Nice to see this movie also has it's own Facebook Page

Find them on Facebook -  Sleeper's Wake



Review  by Fred Felton

Image from @DIFFest