1.How did you get the inspiration to involve in short film making ?
Inspirations were abundant even in my day to day life. For example, the newspaper and magazine articles I read, the films I watched, the people I met and the events I came across when I travelled. Having studied and aspired by film making, I wanted to recreate some of the events that fascinated me and stayed in my mind through the form of short films.
2. Which do you think as the difficult part in short film making ?
According to me, the pre production part, that is, mainly the screen writing and the story boarding, is the most tedious part in short film making because it needs a lot of research, patience and creativity.
" I had to spend approximately around 50,000 Rs for the total project. I could have restricted the budget by finishing the shoot in 3 days, but.. "
3. Kindly say us about your latest project and what's the specialty in it ?
‘Kannai sutrum Kanavu’ is my debut short film. Romance is the main theme of the film. But, I have introduced a rather unusual concept in a short film. The plot is basically a conversation between a doctor and a traumatically handicapped person who is affected with a particular psychological disorder called Schizophrenia. I have attempted to show illusions and delusions of the subject using the technique of visual effects, which was purely experimental.
As a debutant, I have made some flaws in the project knowingly or unknowingly mainly due to budget and time constraints. But, it was expected and I am satisfied with my first short film, ‘Kannai Sutrum Kanavu’.
"...the main problem with female cast is that most of the girls who are not professional actors get camera shy, uncomfortable with the crew and..."
5. What's your view to the say that female cast attribute much to the sucess of a project than all other aspects ?
Well, I don’t agree. A success of a project purely depends on the script and how well it is executed.
If you are making your debut short film or if you are not ready to pay the cast, It is quite difficult to get a female cast. Once you get recognized, I think people will be happy to be a part of the project be it boys or girls. I think the main problem with female cast is that most of the girls who are not professional actors get camera shy, uncomfortable with the crew and the shoot timing or they have problem in their families to get permission to act. Fortunately, I had friends who were happy to help me out in my project without any hesitation.
I think as a director of his or her short film, there isn’t any need to feel embarrassed to explain any scene to his or her female cast. Before finalising the cast of the short film, I think it is always better to clearly explain each and every scene to the cast and make sure they are comfortable to work with. This will avoid the unnecessary complications during the shoot with the cast.
" ...be sneaky enough to shoot the scene without the public noticing it. "
8. What is the budget of your short film ?
I had to spend approximately around 50,000 Rs for the total project. I could have restricted the budget by finishing the shoot in 3 days, but I dint want to stress my cast and crew out by putting a tight schedule. I split my shooting plans to 4 days. I don’t believe in rushing up things. We had a very relaxed and stress free shoot.
9. Kindly say us about how to acquire permission for shooting in public so that it might be helpful for budding short film makers ?
Shooting in public is a very tedious process. If any one of the crew member is a college student, it is better to get permission from the office of commissioner of police through him, saying it is a college project using his or her ID card. In certain places, you may have to pay the people governing the place. If your budget allows, well and good. Else, you have to compromise and find another location to replace or be sneaky enough to shoot the scene without the public noticing it.
I think short films are the most convenient way to expose a film maker’s talent. Personally, none of my family members nor my friends are anywhere related to films or media. I strongly believe that my work should speak more than somebody else speaking for me in the industry.
10. What's your future plans ?
Film making has always been my passion and will continue to be. I will definitely do more short films till I realize it’s time to step into making full length feature films, maybe after working under a experienced director. I am currently working on the script of my new project, which is a humor based subject.
11. Do you think that true talents are been recognized ?
It is the field of cinema. The sad fact is that money and influence still rule the industry and even though you have these both, there is something called luck that you need. But, still, there are people who have shone by pure talent and hard work. I hope to be one of them.
I can see a separate industry emerging for short films alone. It is a very good sign for the betterment of Cinema. I came across a lot of youngsters, mostly engineering graduates, who are nowhere related to cinema, aspiring to become directors. Of course, film making is not restricted to a certain group, but somewhere someone has put a wrong notion in them that film making is easy and fame and money follows easily. I think it is ridiculous and film making is definitely not easy. It needs immense dedication and hard work. As for the aspiring short film makers, I would suggest you to work patiently on the pre production by a doing a lot of research until you are confident enough for the shoot. If you are going to do a short film for the first time, I would suggest you not to spend too much cash on the project, let your first couple of short films be of hardly any budget. Try to shoot a small sorry or an event with the available camera or even mobile phone. When you know the basics of film making ad have some experience, work on a proper script and create the budget accordingly. This is definitely less riskier than spending too much money on your first project itself.
I think it is a great platform for young talents like me to get recognised in the industry. It is a very innovative move.