A Big Conversation: First Steps, First Films
by Karen Pecota

The Cinema Café held at the Filmmakers Lodge located on Main Street in Park City is home to various panel discussions on film and is open to the public. The hour-long sessions showcase many of the filmmakers who are chosen to present their films at the annual Sundance Film Festival. I was lucky enough to secure a seat to two of the panels this year: The Big Conversation: First Steps, First Films, and A Talk: Storytelling for Episodic Filmmaking.

First Steps, First Films was moderated by the festival’s Ana Souza introducing filmmakers Laura Chinn (SUNCOAST), Carlos Lopez Estrada (DIDI), and Lana Wilson (LOOK INTO MY EYES). Souza opened the conversation by asking each panelist to share how their story came to fruition.

Each panelist noted that their first film was of a personal nature. It was a reality that they knew well. This fact was a driving force so as to be committed to their storyline, but it has its drawbacks; especially, if the director is not listening to outside voices when changes need to take place for the integrity of the project.

The three guests explained how collaborating with the right people was key to their final product. As film directors they needed crew members who understand their vision, would work hard to accommodate their wishes using their expertise, and who were not afraid to speak up when concrete changes were necessary. The best product is the result of teamwork.

Chinn shares, “I didn’t know much about cinematography, though I worked in television and wrote for a lot of shows.” Adding, “I took a lot of classes on photography and went to film school and realized I needed to find a cinematographer who liked working with women directors.” Chinn notes that in order to tell her story in SUNCOAST, the biggest hurdle was finding the right cinematographer.

Carlos shared, “Bringing the right people into my circle for collaboration was key because I needed to be able to fail in front of them.” Adding, “The journey of collaboration allows one to meet people on a deeper level as they connect and communicate together. I value this process more over that of the project.” His advice was to value every person in your whole process.

Lana recalls, “I didn’t know what a call sheet was until my third film!” Soft empathic laughter erupted in the audience from those who understood. There are many details that directors are not privy to often making a passion project more difficult to accomplish. Lana’s advice, “I need to work with people who understand me. Always communicate with your collaborators what the film is about, its vision and your goals. Share the back-and-forth of how that makes one feel as you journey together.”

I was taken aback when Lana shared about loneliness while on a film project. She said, “You’re going to find creative freedom (in directing), but you’re also going to find the loneliness. There’s a really profound loneliness to directing features because, ultimately, the responsibility is truly yours. And you’ll feel that.” Continuing, “So there will be these moments where, even if you have the best collaborators on earth, true partners, and supporters in your vision, when you’ll feel completely alone, and it’s hard. Just prepare yourself for that and know that it’s normal and okay.”

Protecting their vision was a big question asked and here is their response:

Chinn responds in this way, “Be willing to compromise and take feedback seriously.”

Carlos reacts, “Protecting the vision involves criticism. It’s difficult to handle criticism, and when it comes, ask yourself, “What is the magic I’m trying to make?” The reality is that everything is open for disaster.” Adding, “Directors are learning too. Ask what is important to you. A clear vision is essential for everyone on the team. Bring along your collaborators as if it’s their project.”

Lana notes that making documentaries has its limits. Less is more in the beginning. And, agrees that one needs to be open to compromise but also don’t be afraid to make concrete decisions to get closer to your goal.

In closing, these tips were offered to those filmmakers who were listening: Have a balance between trusting your gut and someone else’s with decision making; Know your blind spots; While on a challenging job look at it as a gift and say, It will get done and It will be ok!; Early in your storytelling process, research and explore your ideas deeply so that you and your crew are not worn out by the end of the project—have options. Keep in mind that director is the one who has to have the lasting focus, energy, or a surprise point, to keep your project up-beat in order to end well…save some things for a fun memory for all involved; Working with big actors can be intimidating but learn from them and let them go through their own process while working for you…they are good people; Take care of your health (physical and mental) you will need to be fit for yourself and your crew.