- Film Making is a conscious choice, don’t fake it to make it: Film Maker Tarsem Singh
- A great script doesn’t always translate to a great film: Brendan Galvin
Goa: Renowned Irish Cinematographer, Brendan Galvin and Indian-American film maker Tarsem Singh shared their thoughts with young aspiring film makers, cinematographers and film enthusiasts about the art of filmmaking and the creative world today at Goa. They were speaking at the In-Conversation session at Kala Academy organized on the sidelines of 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Tarsem emphasized the necessity for filmmakers to possess a distinct perspective. “A great script doesn’t always translate into a great film. For every film, the language is different”, he articulated. His notable films include The Cell, The Fall, Immortals, Mirror Mirror and Self/less.
In response to a question on the commercial cinema, Tarsem, underlining the filmmaker’s responsibility to be deeply aware of the narrative being crafted said, “Don’t fake it to make it. It’s not merely show business, but a business show’’, demanding conscious choices over feigned competence.
“Reinvent the wheel every time, telling a new story”, Tarsem said, advocating for conscious decision-making and choices and fluidity of languages and reinvention in each film.
His candid revelations also delved into the intricacies of Indian production houses, shedding light on their tendencies to overlook crucial roles like line producers, hindering the industry’s creative potential.
Sharing insights about his visual storytelling in celebrated projects like Behind Enemy Lines, Veronica Guerin, and Flight of the Phoenix, the distinguished Irish Cinematographer Brendan Galvin said, “A great script doesn’t guarantee a great film.” Brendan unveiled the importance of personal rules in crafting authenticity, urging a departure from imitation towards innovation, encouraging filmmakers to challenge conventional beliefs by adopting an audience’s perspective during shoots.
Answering a question on film making, he said, “Learn the rules to forget them for artistic brilliance.” Advocating for collaborations free from personal agendas, Brendan said, “For artistic brilliance, setting aside ego and personal agendas is very important.
Some of Brendan’s remarkable collaborations including Behind Enemy Lines, Veronica Guerin, and Flight of the Phoenix have been nominated for prestigious awards, including the Irish Film and Television Awards, in the category of Best Cinematography.
