- Was there a particular event or time that you recognized that filmmaking is your way of telling stories ?
We wanted to work together on the Nikon Film Festival and we did. And we discovered we wanted to film stories.
- Do you think it is essential to go to a film institute in order to become a successful filmmaker?
No, we don’t…because we didn’t enter a school. To go to a film institute is a possibility. You can also learn watching movies, reading stories, trying things. Your own personality and the sensitive way of telling stories are not teaching at school.
- Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?
For us, it’s harder to keep going. The first time is always a big moment. To keep going is harder because you already know the obstacles. The magical thing is that every project is a first time. So when you must keep going to discover a new first time. That can help moving on.
- What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your film? How did that lesson happen?
For F.A.R. East, it was an exercise. We had to write, shoot and produce the movie in ten days. A challenge. And we did. So we learnt about it that “Believe it’s possible. Ever !”
- What were the production realities from casting through editing that you had to accommodate? How did you navigate those compromises or surprises and still end up with a cohesive film?
We know the actors before shooting, even before writing. We wrote the characters thinking on the actors.
- What was the hardest artistic choice you made in the making of a film, at any stage in production?
We are not happy with a location in one of our films. We did’nt take all the opportunities to search a better place. With no money, sometimes you’re ashamed to ask more. We learnt you can ask.
- You are a collaborator. How have you discovered members of your team and how do you keep the relationship with them strong?
We are a duet with a very strong relationship. With the others members of the crew, we knew them for relations or posting a announce. And we want to work again with all of them !
- What do audiences want? And is it the filmmaker’s role to worry about that?
Audiences want a lot of things ! You must know what they want AND what you want. A film is made to be seen. How can you make a film interesting for audiences and at the same time, staying honest with you and your story ? You have to know and be aware more than worry about.
- What role have film festivals played in your life so far? Why are they necessary? How do you get the most out of them?
Festival are necessary, essential, the place to be ! It’s where you can share your film with the audience, discover professionals’ work, where to be inspired. Festivals give us a lot of energy. We used to feel stronger after ! We try to attend all the festivals where we are selected and we go to some just as “audience”.
- Do you believe that a filmmaker should be original and fresh or he/she should stick to classic but safe cinema style?
It depends on how you are and what you want and the moment. I can be original and for a project want to be more classical. It’s fun to search and try. It’s a powerful open-mind.
