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In early July, Hakan Besim, producer of "Napanee", interviewed
Vicki Psarias about her short film "Rifts". Her film is about
two kebab shop owners, one Greek Cypriot, one Turkish Cypriot,
who are engaged in a price war. The film is an analogy of the
political situation in Cyprus since 1974.
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Question 1: “The quality of the film was very professional.
Which camera did you use? Also did you own all
your own equipment, or did you rent?"
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I was obviously supported by my university, Goldsmiths’ College, who lent me some
of
their equipment such as A SR 16 XSR (Super 16mm Film Camera) which was
used
to film the production. Channel 4 also kindly helped by lending me
lighting
equipment and the film itself was edited on Goldsmiths' professional
editing
suite Avid.
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Question 2: “Where did you get the idea for
making the film and what were your influences?”
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For my Masters Degree in MA TV Drama, I had to write and
direct
a short film. My inspiration for the film came from my own experiences
as a
second generation, British Greek Cypriot and I was informed by the primary research I
conducted with Greek and Turkish people. I felt it was a perfect time
to
create an original 'ethnic' film that would speak to the mainstream,
whiles
also promoting resolution for the conflicting communities.
The Cyprus conflict is something that has always been
important
to me and was an issue that had not really been touched on in drama.
Through
comedy drama, I was able to transcend my own political messages for
peace in
a way that anyone touched by war or conflict could relate to. The
romantic
sub plot between the Greek Cypriot girl and Turkish Cypriot boy was
inspired
by my friends' experiences.
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Question 3: “How long did you study
filmmaking before making this film? And
where did you train?”
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I completed a BA degree in Media and Communications for
three
years, followed by a Masters Degree in TV Drama at Goldsmiths' College,
University of London. Although I am only 22, I have worked in the industry in different
capacities since I was fifteen, starting as a runner for Yorkshire TV
to
presenting work and even writing for The Guardian.
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Question 4: “Was there a specific aim with
regards to making this film? Define the target audience?”
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I made the film mainly for my master's degree and for my
own
portfolio hoping to get more work in the industry in the future.
'Rifts' is
only a short film, but I am co writing the feature with my business
partner
Nicholas A. Demetriou who is my partner in our production
company Moving Eye Pictures Ltd. Brian Tufano has agreed to be cinematographer
on
the feature and various film companies have requested the treatment and
first draft of the feature after viewing ‘Rifts’ at the Channel 4 cinema
screenings and the screening at The National Film Theatre. I hope the
film
targets as wide a demographic as possible, targeting the Greek and
Turkish
diaspora in the world as well as the European, American and Middle
Eastern
audience. I feel it of mutual interest to a global market.
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Question 5: “What was the budget for the film?
Was there any additional help involved, in terms of funding, etc?”
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The film cost around £10,000 in total to make. We had
various
sponsorship and were given free locations by buildings
owned by Vrisaki restaurant in North London which we built the sets on
which
saved us a considerable amount of money. We were sponsored by Theo's
Catering Company who supplied all the kebab meat and Cyprus and Turkish
Airlines helped us with our fund raising events. However my parents
were the
executive producers and without their help, the film would never have
been
made.
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Question 6: “What was the process of selecting actors
for the roles in the film?”
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Most of actors were found by myself and my casting
directors.
The casting for the film was advertised though many of the well-known
Cypriot newspapers and actors were found via Spotlight.
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Question 7:” How long did “Rifts” take to finish
(from writing the script to producing the final product).
Break it down in sections?.”
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I started my Masters in October but didn’t
start the ‘Rifts’ project until late January.
The whole project took around four months to
complete from start to finish.
This consisted of:
- Writing and revising the script
- Getting the right locations and building sets
- Getting the best cast and crew on board
- Locking in the funding and sponsorship
- Devising storyboards, schedules and shot lists
- Shoot week
- Editing and sound designing the final cut
- Promoting the film in the media
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Question 8: “In hindsight, were there any obstacles
during the film making process that your education
in media and film did not prepare you for?”
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No one can prepare you for directing your first film.
Your film becomes your ‘baby’. I have lived and breathed
‘Rifts’ since January and it is passion that
drives me. That is something intrinsic that cannot
be bought. A good director should have strong
visions and be organised but must also have
the ability to delegate as well. My advice to
budding directors is to remain focused and be
very prepared by doing clear storyboards and shot
lists but also be flexible as often things will
change on shoot days. The best way is to go out
there and make a film and learn from your mistakes.
Fellini famously said that he lives for the
special moments that are caught on camera and
it is these powerful moments that you can never
prepare yourself for, that make all the stress
and organisation worthwhile. You need to give
120% all the time if you want results.
On some days I spent 20 hours per day working
on ‘Rifts’. Hard work, passion and a willingness
to make it work is what really counts when
making a film.
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Question 9: “If you had to make the film “Rifts”
again would you do it differently?”
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It would have been nice to have had more space
in the kebab shops so I could have got better
masters in some scenes and more cutaways but
generally I am happy. The mistakes I made
will hopefully inform me for my future films.
It may sound cheesy but the day I stop learning,
is the day I should stop directing.
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Question 10: “Pitch your film in less than 3 minutes?”
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“Rifts” is about two kebab shop owners, one Greek
Cypriot, one Turkish Cypriot who are at war
but this time it’s a price war.
It is only when George's life is in danger
and Ahmet saves his life, that the two men
realise their fighting is futile. There
is also a sub plot between the Turkish
Cypriot boy and Greek Cypriot Girl. It is a
very positive film, instigating resolution
between the two conflicting communities.
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Question 11: "Where can people find out about ‘Rifts’?"
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They can go on the website,
www.riftsproductions.com,
which lists festival and cinema screenings.
Information on the soundtrack can also be
found on the web site too. Clips of the
film were recently shown on BBC London News
and the film will be screened at film festivals
globally and on Cyprus and Turkish television
too so people should definitely watch out for it.
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Question 12: “My last question!!! What advice
would give to anyone who wants to get into filmmaking?”
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I feel you should look for inspiration in everyday life
instead
of only looking at TV and mainstream cinema when seeking
inspiration for developing your ideas
for
films. Believe in yourself and your visions to create original,
insightful
and entertaining work. You can never read enough on the film making
process
and I feel it is integral to study your favourite films and directors
to fully understand the film making process. Always be open-minded and
watch
films of all different genres and go to as many film festivals as you
can, to
be inspired by counter as well as Hollywood cinema. Most importantly
though
be open to learning and improving and get out there and start
shooting.
I also recommend the following books:
Creators on Creating, Awakening and Cultivating the Imaginative Mind
The Art of the Short Fiction Film
Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics
The Television Handbook
Respect for Acting
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