Filippo Savoia was born in Mantua, Italy. He moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to complete a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts at the New York Film Academy. At College, he worked with a lot of interesting people in the Film industry. “Besides my main goal of directing, I’ve worked as Art Director, for two feature films in 2019 and lots of other collaborations in the art department with American Film Institute, in short films and commercials. In fact, my background comes from theater – when I was a teenager, I took acting classes, in which I’ve learnt the fundamentals of set design and set construction, crafts that helped me to better envision my movies, says Filippo.
Hey Filippo. Great to meet you! How do you choose a project?
Filippo Savoia (FS): Well, definitely the screenplay has to be intriguing, original and it has to surprise me a little. I always like to pursue the most adventurous path, but there has to be elements that give me certainty about the project. Usually, the screenplay is the first element. From there, if I’m able envision the whole script, then I would definitely take into consideration the project to direct.
Why filmmaking and screenwriting? Why did you get into it?
Filippo Savoia (FS): It’s a tough craft, but first and foremost, it’s a passion. I think filmmaking and screenwriting started out as a sort of therapy for me, and I’m glad I’ve been able to turn it into my job.
The Official Trailer for Rossi Martini Short Film (Arri-S 16mm) by Filippo Savoia
How can a filmmaker, if she so chooses, distribute her film? How do you get it in front of an audience?
FS: So far, I’ve had the beautiful experience of film festivals. I believe that is the best way for networking- meeting amazing people who may be interested in your film. Film festivals are the perfect opportunity to showcase your work and find distribution.
Is there anything about the making of independent film business you still struggle with?
FS: Actually , I think nowadays independent films have more audiences than ever- most likely because of big streaming platforms that offer different, new independent voices. It’s very important to have a broader choice of films.
Talk to us about your concept of collaboration?
FS: Collaboration is essential for a successful film. I love confrontations in the developing process. To make a movie, it’s like creating a business from scratch. You need to trust your collaborators in each department and be a great leader. Respect is the first rule for a good and healthy collaboration on set.
When you are offered a project, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job?
FS: A great trustworthy crew is the fundamental for a great start. First, everybody from above the line has to be on the same page along the whole process of filmmaking. As I said, it’s a teamwork and nobody has to be left behind.
What uniqueness do female directors/filmmakers bring to film/TV/cinema?
FS: Female directors bring new perspectives to cinema, something of unique touch. I’ve had several experiences with female directors, including two directors from Sundance Directing Workshop for Women, and their amazing empathy with the story, unique vision and determination turned out to be amazing films!
How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
FS: The process of filmmaking is stressful and nerve-racking, but that’s the adrenaline that keeps you going on with what you believe is going to be your latest masterpiece. There’s so many movies out there already; I love taking big risks.
Why would you choose an actor, writer or producer? What do you look for?
FS: I usually like having a writer by my side since the beginning- I like having somebody to brainstorm my ideas with somebody who has a different perspective of the story. Producers are my wingmen and I work very closely with them. I usually look for people whom I’ve worked with before, but not necessarily. I just tend to speak to them as they already knew what my thoughts were. I need to have that intimacy with my producers.
At what period in the filmmaking process, do you need to start planning for distribution?
FS: Usually, I think about distribution only after the film has been completed. That’s because most of the time I’m not sure what’s going to come out. I could be like “Wow, that’s a different whole film from what we shot! But I like it!”
Indie filmmaking is a model of zero or small budget. How do you get a film to the audience with such a budget?
FS: A good story is usually what you need the most. If you have a story in your mind already, it’s gonna be easy to highlight the best out of it and put it on screen.
How do you think filmmakers can finance their projects?
FS: I believe that Independent filmmakers can finance their movies in different ways. I believe that crowdfunding platforms are one option. Also, going to film festivals and talk to the right people.
Describe your most recent work, or film, take us through pre-production and post-production?
FS: Modern Animals was shot in November 2018. I have had an amazing team since the first day. I’ve been very lucky. Christopher Cotten, the lead actor, was very into the project and really got into the character and understood my vision. Virginie Claude, with her beautiful french looking style, delivered something new to the script. I let her speak french instead, she would deliver better lines and added some cool fading to the script. My stunning producer, Miranda Guzman,helped me a lot with the whole production. Cinematographer Dan Watt trusted my vision, but his talent brought up to production amazing lighting and innovative shots.
We were very collaborative! My friend and colleague, Caterina Piccardo, did an amazing job with Production Design. I tend to care a lot about visuals, specifically production design. She knows me well and she did a great job on set with her art department team. Post production was handled by Sam Richardson, in charge of the editing. I was very satisfied with his work, however it took a few months for the final cut, but we were both happy with it at the end.
What is your experience working on the story, the screenplay, the production, premiere and the marketing?
FS: The story is essential for me- however, sometimes I’m not fully satisfied with my screenplays. I believe I’m not completely able to transcript my vision onto a script. That’s why I usually like to lean on a writer to help me out and write a proper script. Production was fun and we’ve been able to shoot all we needed to shoot in two days of production. The festival circuit was very satisfactory. In fact we almost done with that! We premiered at Catalina Film Fest in September 2019. After that, we’ve been selected at Paris Arts and Movie Awards 2020, Los Angeles CineFest and Semi-Finalist at First Glance Film Festival in Los Angeles and Rhode Island International Film Festival, which is an Oscar and BAFTA Qualifying festival. Very happy for it!
How did you put the crew and cast together? Did you start writing with a known cast? What was your rehearsal process and period?
FS: For “Modern Animals”, we really had brief rehearsal sessions. The production coordination was a little rushed and we encountered some issues right before the shooting. Luckily, I cast my actors and tried to explain my vision to them as much as possible, so that they would elaborate the character and play with it. I’m satisfied with my cast, they did an amazing job for such short rehearsals.
The Official Trailer for Modern Animals Short film Trailer (Arri-S 16mm) by Filippo Savoia
What and how long did it take to complete the script?
FS: The script has been developed in a couple months before the actual shoot. I’ve been helped out by a writer, in order to put my whole vision on paper in the most efficient way possible.
Did the tight shooting schedule make it harder or easier? How did it affect performances?
FS: We only had two days to shoot the movie. We were a little late with the shooting on the first day, since we had some technical problems to deal with. It’s been risky and adventurous at the same time. I need to thank my cast and crew for trusting my directions in a very tight schedule, especially during certain scenes, in which they didn’t have enough time to elaborate the right vision
How much did you go over budget? If you did, how did you manage it?
FS: We went over budget for almost 15% of the whole budget. I’m not too mad about it.
What other films have you written and made?
FS: I’ve shot a couple short films that include the drama, western “Rocky Mountain Show,” Rossi Martini and finally the trailer for Modern Animals.
What do you hope audiences will get from the presentation of your film?
FS: I hope the audience will try to understand the concept behind it. Through images, the audience can understand statements that are hidden, especially details in the end credits- that’s when the resolution happens. I hope that the audience understands the importance of decision making. Always follow your path and make your own decisions. Never let anybody choose for you. Live for yourself.
What are your future goals?
FS: I’m writing my first feature script. Couldn’t be more excited! Definitely, I’ll try my best to get to production and direct it one day. I also have a couple music videos I’m going to direct for artists from MGMT Management.
Tell us about what you think indie filmmaker need in today’s world of filmmaking?
FS: I think that indie filmmakers are being more and more appreciated. They have the freedom to express anything out of the industry standards. By risking it, they make different and innovative masterpieces. We as indie filmmakers, we need to keep trying something new, something crazy.
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