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Interview by Taryll Baker
You just released your debut feature film Framed on Prime Video, how does that feel and what was that process like?
It feels amazing! There’s a sense of freedom to it, it’s finally out there having its own run. For this part of the process we partnered with Indie Rights, a US distribution company. I’m really happy we did, they have made it available on Prime Video and many other VOD platforms.
What can you tell us about this film?
Framed follows the clumsy actions of an aspiring photographer challenged by his “feminist” best friend for secretly taking pictures of his barely dressed neighbour. It has the feel of a light thriller, having a setup similar to Rear Window, but it’s not a thriller. Or at least not a full-on thriller, I don’t think there is a true antagonist in the movie, some have referred to it as a morality play. I think it was partly my intention not to define it in a clear genre, nor to take any sides. And what I’m really liking is that everyone sees something different in it.
You have directed a couple shorts prior to Framed, were there any challenges you had to face when taking on a feature length? How was the experience different?
The number of shooting days and the budget made it a completely different experience. Especially because I self produced Framed as well as directing it. That was the real challenge to me. Making sure everything was going in the right way, from both an organisational and a creative point of view, was frightening and exciting at the same time. I consider myself lucky, because anything could have gone wrong at any moment.
Your new film tackles privacy and exploitation with an element of feminism, what made you want to explore these themes?
The lack of communication between people that have different opinions was probably the main driving force that made me write this film. First, I need to specify that the word “feminist” describing the character of Virginia in Framed is referring to an extreme caricature of a feminist. The fact that I just felt the need to specify that should give you a hint to why I consider it important to speak about communication. We live in a world where everything we believe in is backed and enhanced by an algorithm that only wants to please us. And we end up rushing to conclusions too quickly without trying to understand the human being that sees things differently from us. My idea was to have a good hearted guy, being caught doing something dodgy and immoral, trying to defend himself when questioned by his highly judgemental best friend. This is because I hoped to spark a conversation between viewers after watching the film.
I feel we need to go back to have healthy discussions. We often talk about numbers, statistics, information and we forget to ask: How do you really feel?
Is there a field in the process of filmmaking that you’d like to try out that you haven’t already?
I don’t think so. I always tried to get involved in as many aspects of filmmaking as I could, especially while doing short movies. In Framed one task I really enjoyed was being the van driver. It relaxed me.
What comes first for you when writing a script? Any tips for newcomers?
I’d say make it personal, and don’t play too much with the story structure. There is a reason why stories have been told like this for centuries. I need to remind myself of this over and over.
Cinemas are finally reopening after a year of uncertainty, what are your thoughts on the return of cinemas and the affect that an increase of streaming may have had on audiences?
I’m not too optimistic to be honest, but I’d like to reply with a quote I read on top of a cinema in central London the other day: May the 17th be with you.
How have you been able to keep busy during the COVID-19 pandemic and all the lockdowns? Are there any books, films or series that have kept you entertained?
Lockdowns were luckily filled up with working on post production for Framed. To be honest I didn’t feel like watching too many series or films while working on mine, I couldn’t risk feeling intimidated by their huge budgets and finished product. But I read a lot. A book that I found very interesting is “The Science of Storytelling” by Will Storr. It approaches the topic in a very different way from the classics.
What’s next for you? Any projects in the pipeline or are you going to see where this first feature takes you?
I’m writing my next film. It’s a spy movie set in today’s cyber weapons arms race. I started reading about espionage and modern warfare and got fascinated by it. It's a scary world and potentially very dangerous.
Lastly, what’s your dream actor/director to work with?
Tarantino in both cases. It would be an honour just to meet him.
Framed is available to stream on Prime Video now.
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