Filmmaking advises and discussion about the industry

 

 

Film Name: WINTER SOLSTICE

Name of Film Director: Chen Chen

Country: China

Question:

what really makes you so passionate about the entertainment industry? What was your motive to take that as a profession?

 

Answer：

I think it was like a destiny I had to make films, even though I came to it late. I suddenly found a magical power to move others and myself through films about three years ago; I couldn’t go on without creating movies from that point.

As the art form of the modern age I think film can help us get in touch with ourselves in a more dynamic way than other art forms, like painting or music. Movies allow us to see ourselves fully and to see the world in whole.

When you create a film, a director becomes like a god; recreating the world from within our art work. At the same time, film is a way that we communicate with each other and create a common language for humanity; it can be used to promote exchanges and progress of different  people or different beliefs around the world.

 

Question:

What are the biggest advantages or disadvantages of being an Independent filmmaker besides those established industries like Hollywood, Bollywood, etc?

 

 Answer: 

As a new independent filmmaker, the biggest disadvantage is the lack of resources, including money, industry connections or film promotion. Meanwhile, the biggest advantage is the freedom to create, show my ideas and vision, or the freedom to spend my time as I want to.

I can fully express my idea and my values，and share it with the world.

  

Question: 

As of the current situation film industries have been suffering for a long time during the Pandemic (Covid-19) what action should be taken to overcome the situation or reset the market values? (Share your thoughts)

 

Answer: 

The COVID-19 has indeed hit everyone, in all walks of life, hard; it’s limited the film industry from movie production to film shows, and it’s reduced the impact film can have as a form of communication.

Many film production plans were canceled, more film festivals are held online, and movie theaters are forced to close.

In this special time, the filmmakers all over the world should unite as one; encourage each other and cooperate more and more. We should focus on more low budget films, insist that our art rules over the concerns of investors or big money. By the way, the pandemic is a subject which should inspire filmmakers. I hold to my belief that the pandemic will not hinder the creator's thinking, we will get through this ordeal eventually. 

  Question: 

Describe what makes your project unique or why should the audiences watch your film?

  Answer: 

The narrative characteristics of movie takes sectional type, which reflects the characteristics of human nature and social problems by the different experiences of three nobody on the night of Chinese traditional winter solstice.

Meanwhile, the open ending of three sections will bring more thinking for film audiences.

The themes are, I think, universal; corruption in society, families and inter-generational strife, love and romance.

Questions:

As a common question, what are your suggestions to the newcomers?

 

Answer: 

When you first come to film, it’s important to try and retain that first, pure love of film which brought you to movies. We need to see more, listen more and think more.

The most important task for a filmmaker is capturing life through the language of movies. We need to study our skills in making films and learn from others. At the same time we must always think independently.

As a new person, it is a complex to make the first movie. We feel excited and nervous. We also feel hindered with support and help, or no experience. But if you make a sufficient preparation, have an optimistic attitude, and hold on at times, we maybe make a good movie while gain very valuable creative experience.

For a new filmmaker, everything is difficult. We feel excited and nervous. We also feel like we lack support and help, and we haven’t go enough experience. But if you prepare, stay optimistic and hold on during the rough times, we can maybe make a good piece of cinema and have a valuable creative experience.

 

Interview By: Tawhid RN

Associative Partner: https://www.sfilmmaker.com/