IA: What are the main differences regarding the creative process and/or pipeline in a short film and commercial work?
BB : I address shorts and commercials in a similar way. Both, if done well, tell a story. A short is more of an emotional story that you, as the writer/director, are free to tell in anyway you see fit. There is a blank canvas. For commercials, the idea is usually already there from the agency. You as a director need to find your vision in that while maintaining the agency vision and serving the client’s needs. It is quite different.
IA: Do you feel you have the same freedom when you work for a client as when you work on your own?
BB : No, it is very different. For commercial work to be good, you need to pretend you have that creative freedom and go with it but the client and the agency are always there to check your work. In the end, it is their product but you are there to lay your vision on top of it with out obscuring it. Often, the collaboration brings something out on a short time-frame that you alone would never have thought of.
IA: Will you try again to feature this short in some festivals?
BB : Probably not. As I said, it wasn’t well received the first time I sent it around. I suppose if I get some direct invitations I would, it would be great to see it shown on a big screen.
IA: Do you plan to realize more short films in the future?
Of course, I keep a file of ideas I would like to try. The trick is to find a way to do them and continue earning a living at the same time. I also have a very compelling outline that takes place in the “World Builder” universe that I hope to expand.
IA: How would you define your style?
The two biggest shorts I have done (“World Builder” and “405”) are both done with little or no dialogue. That has helped both films find international audiences. But overall, I would say I consider myself a film-maker who uses visual effects to tell stories but the effects not only support and help tell the story, they should not be the story in and of themselves.
IA: What are your favorite short films?
I've always loved the early Spielberg movies, Close Encounters and Raiders. They’re just good, fun story telling; and of course Star Wars. All were big hits when I was a kid. I like the idea of making movies that everybody likes. Two of my favorites that I have been watching a lot lately are Unforgiven by Clint Eastwood and Searching for Bobby Fischer. I can’t say why they’re my favorites, they just captivate me. Both of these movies seem to be so full of subconscious meaning and yet they’re so simple on the surface.
IA: Any advice for people who would like to start in the industry or create their own short?
Make a film that you would honestly want to sit and watch yourself. If you make it for yourself, you will have an audience for sure, and if you like something odds are a lot of other people will.
IA: Any last words?
Keep your fingers crossed for a “World Builder” feature. It will be awesome.
Links
Branit/VFX Official Website : www.branitvfx.com
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