One For Them — One For Me
If you are ever given the opportunity to be a “director-for-hire” — would you say “yes”or “no”?
I personally know quite a few talented filmmakers who stick to their guns and will only direct their own work. They are true believers in their art. I commend — and envy — them.
However, one of my favorite living directors Steven Soderbergh has seemed to perfect the balance of being an artist/filmmaker and walking the line between art (The Girlfriend Experience) and commerce (Ocean’s Eleven). He is always on the go and constantly taking risks, so that I am in turn, inspired to push forward as well. His collection of films make me believe and understand that as a filmmaker there is an on-going process of finding yourself, experimenting, exploring and maturing.
Now admittedly, there are some Soderbergh films I do not like. But at his level, he is free to take chances and experiment. Good for him. He makes the films he wants. Even when doing a studio picture he seems to still manage a level of control where both studio and artist come to a happy medium.
But how many of us can afford the luxury of making films for both studios and ourselves? Not many. To me, that would be a dream situation. Can you imagine being paid a healthy sum to direct a film for a production house — and then affording the luxury to take time off and make a smaller, more personal film on your own terms? Again, a dream situation for me — a nightmare for others (the directing for a studio part).
I am fortunate to have been hired to direct 2 feature films — Dismal (horror) and Death of the Dead (zombie action/comedy). These were huge departures from my personal work, but styles of film I love nonetheless. In fact, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. While being paid, I was given the opportunity to tackle other genres and stories that helped hone my craft. They also taught me tremendously about the struggle of balancing one’s filmmaking voice while delivering a product to the producer’s satisfaction. It led me to wonder: without total creative control – how responsible am I on a film’s success or failure (creatively and financially)?
There have been some interesting reactions to Death of the Dead’s initial trailer. Many love it while others do not — which is a tribute to the nature of the film itself. Its target audience finds it funny and can’t wait to see it — while others may not even crack a smile. What I find intriguing (and perhaps scary) are for those people who weren’t expecting this type of movie from me — what happens? Do I lose them? Or do I gain a whole new awareness from zombie lovers who didn’t know about What’s Up Lovely? Perhaps a little of both?
The prospect of this situation actually makes me very excited. There could be some cross-pollination of people (from totally different target demographics) who may like a film I’ve done and discover my other work — which in turn leads to building and sustaining an audience.
I have come a long way since sitting behind a desk in a 9-5 corporate job to being hired to direct feature film projects. It’s a luxury I do not take for granted. In doing this, there’s a responsibility to deliver what producers want, while trying to maintain my identity as a filmmaker. It is not always easy. But I’ve always said “my perfect job would be to get paid doing what I love.” And that’s directing. How can I complain?
Who knows? Only time will tell on how my body of work is looked at when it’s all said and done. For now, all I can say is stick around cause you’re in for one hell of a ride.
ONE FOR THEM
DEATH OF THE DEAD – Teaser Trailer from Gary King on Vimeo.
ONE FOR ME
WHAT’S UP LOVELY – Official Trailer from Gary King on Vimeo.
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