so-so, lo-lo.

The most important take-away for me, personally, was the necessity for filmmaking to inform the decisions we make and the way we interact with the world. The way that we develop relationships with people both behind and in front of the camera and how we present information must inform our filmmaking choices.

    The idea that cinema is propaganda is one that I’ve been exposed to before, and it is common knowledge that television is responsible for a large part of teaching us social norms and behaviours. However, the way that he described filmmaking as an inherently subjective process, even when presenting facts in a documentary, was new to me. Everything we create is naturally subjective, and he highlighted that we must be acutely aware of this in our creative processes. Personally, I think it is important to not cross the line between opinion and dogmatism when creating my films, as I am dealing with my own opinions and matters that are particularly close to my heart.

    The story and the meta-story are equally as important and ensuring that we are using the tools unique to cinema, i.e. cinematography and editing to their full effect is paramount. Reminding myself of the purpose of the film is crucial in the creative process as to stay true to the intended initial vision. If the vision changes, as sometimes (to be read as ‘always’) happens, it is imperative to ensure that the existing footage also serves the new purpose.

      I have always tried to be original in thought and execution, so his instruction to always avoid easy moves and to shuffle the algorithm particularly stuck with me, to create tension while doing this and use film to change how people view their own interpersonal interactions.

     Although I don’t intend to make a documentary, I believe that many of the tools and ideas he presented are pertinent to good storytelling in general. Since it is still true to life, or at least life through my unique lens, it may be helpful to borrow some techniques from documentary filmmaking. Elements I want to focus on specifically are changing how people view their interpersonal interactions, shuffling the algorithm and presenting information that can connect to and move people.

- Mr. D