indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Nick Russell (NR): I’ve always loved performing and storytelling – on stage, on camera, in person. I had my first professional acting gig 26 years ago on a children’s TV show called Pig’s Breakfast and have been acting ever since. Gradually, I became drawn to the idea of creating my own work, and finding my own voice and style. Along with a group of acting friends, we started putting on live shows, and eventually created a YouTube channel. We all had different strengths, and all contributed to the writing and directing, but during this time I realized how much I loved directing and wanted to do more of it.
In terms of my style, I have a background in comedy, so love using humor to disarm an audience before hitting them with something impactful. I think I’ve become more grounded in my approach recently – I’m less interested in big comedic winks to the audience, and I’m more interested in the awkward humor of everyday life. In terms of the filmmaking process, I’ve had the privilege of working with, and being influenced by, several world-class directors through my acting. Having been on their sets, I’ve come to understand what different styles and techniques yield – what works, what doesn’t. Unlike most directors who are only ever on their own sets, I’m lucky that I can shape my own approach by picking and choosing from the little tricks that I’ve observed the best-of-the-best use on their sets.
The Official Trailer for Favourites Directed by Nick Russell
Do you hire a casting director? Do you cast yourself? What went into the process for Favourites?
Nick Russell (NR): We’ve used casting directors in the past, but didn’t for Favourites. There were a few reasons behind this. Firstly, my co-creator, Nick Musgrove, and I wrote the lead role, Keith, with Stephen Curry in mind – we could picture no-one else performing that role. Secondly, we didn’t have much of a budget and didn’t feel comfortable asking actors we’ve never worked with to join us on this film for less than their usual rates. So, we only cast actors who we’ve worked with in the past (and are also our friends) – we’re just lucky that our friends are supremely talented, generous, awarding-winning actors and household names in Australia.
Without giving anything away, tell us a little bit about the script, how did you come up with the idea?
Nick Russell (NR): My co-writing partner, Nick Musgrove, and I are really interested in ordinary people who suddenly face extraordinary life-changing decisions, then having to live with the consequences of those choices. A lot of our work plays in this space, in a dark, realistic, but always comedic, way. As young parents ourselves, we asked ourselves: what’s the biggest decision a parent could face? And then how do we pull the rug out from under them after that choice? That was the genesis of the Favourites’ story.
Who is “FAVOURITES” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Nick Russell (NR): Favourites is dramatic dark comedy for people who enjoy subtle, awkward, realistic humor. I like toying with an audience – making it unclear for them whether they have permission to laugh. So, if you enjoy seeing characters put in an uncomfortable situation that could happen to anyone, then presented with a dilemma in which none of the outcomes are good, you’ll enjoy Favourites.
How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
Nick Russell (NR): Only one day… to be clear, one very long, hot, fun, chaotic day, that concluded with a wrap party disproportionately large compared with the shoot.
How long was the post-production process?
Nick Russell (NR): It took about 6 months of picking-it-up, and putting-it-down until we finally locked off the post. Editing is one of my favourite parts of the filmmaking process, as there are an infinite number of ways to cut a scene – for me, playing with how long to let the characters sit in a beat is part of the magic of filming making.
The film had a lot of talent working behind the scenes as DPs, sound designers, composers, etc. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
Nick Russell (NR): Diversity is critical because filmmaking is the ultimate team sport. Personally, I love (and insist upon!) surrounding myself with the best crew and Heads of Department and hearing what they have to say. I believe that every idea is worth considering and ultimately, the best idea should win, regardless of whose idea it is. To the extent those ideas are diverse and are based on a broad range of life experiences, you’re more likely to came up with great ideas for your story, and creative solutions for your set. This is a placeholder text, that indicates that the content for this template must be placed between this block, to allow the article to hold a firm structure and also kill time for the writer or editor.
What are your goals with “FAVOURITES”?
Nick Russell (NR): There are a few: to show the world my filmmaking style and tone; to give audiences the most interesting 5-minutes of their day; and to leave audiences with the most interesting dinner-party conversation starter. Nick Musgrove and I are also developing a feature-length version of Favourites through our production company, Tandem Media, and we’re very excited to find the right home for it.
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Nick Russell (NR): In addition to the feature version of Favourites, we have another feature and four series in various stages of development.
What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey?
Nick Russell (NR): Don’t wait for someone to finance your short or proof-of-concept. Save up some cash, and make your own stuff. That way, you can show people something that is a true, undiluted version of your work and style, unencumbered by a client, producer or network’s notes.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Nick Russell (NR): There are so many that I love, but I’m constantly referencing the films of Edgar Wright, Nash Edgerton and Taika Waititi. Each has the ability to find comedy in the mundane, and invest in every element of the filmmaking process, but they do so in vastly different ways. And I find myself drawn to each of them.
What advice would you give directors around the world?
Nick Russell (NR): Let go of your ego and allow the best idea in the room to win.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Nick Russell. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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