POV: Director
How did you get into this job?
I was a photographer shooting mostly for ad agencies. An agency asked me to shoot some moving pictures for a campaign. I never really paid much attention to the film industry until I shot my first TVC - I was hooked.
What is most challenging about what you do?
Letting go of ideas during the preproduction process.
Articulating and selling in new ideas.
Losing a pitch.
Articulating and selling in new ideas.
Losing a pitch.
What is most rewarding?
Producing work that resonates with people and being able to work with great talents both in front and behind the camera.
What’s a typical work week like?
Coffee, mountain, mail, meetings, pitch, ppm, mountain, dinner, mail, research repeat
What needs to happen the most in order for a shoot to run smoothly?
Thorough pre-production on every aspect of the shoot.
Less talking more doing.
Getting buy-in from the agency/client before the shoot.
Less talking more doing.
Getting buy-in from the agency/client before the shoot.
Whats your best job/worst job?
Worst job is the one no one will ever see or hear of.
Best job: best time on set: Volkswagen Amarok - cars, explosions, mountains
Most rewarding piece: DebtBusters
Best job: best time on set: Volkswagen Amarok - cars, explosions, mountains
Most rewarding piece: DebtBusters
What advice would you offer someone considering a career as a Director?
Be patient. Don't shine too bright too early. Cut your teeth and do your time before expecting the world to open up to you. It's a long game not a short game.
If you had one project that you could post on AdForum to represent your work, what would it be?
Nederburg Story
Finally tell us something that most people don’t know about being a Director?
You spend more time in meetings than you ever do on set.