indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Bear Damen (BD): I got into directing, making music videos for Jacco Gardner, Benny Sings, and James Blake.
Who is “Synthesize Me” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Bear Damen (BD): I like to think it’s for everyone; even though it’s told from a 12-year-old’s perspective, I tried to capture a truth about being a father as well.
How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
Bear Damen (BD): 3 days of shooting, and 2 weeks of prep.
How long was the post-production process?
Bear Damen (BD): A few months.
The film had talents behind the scenes. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
Bear Damen (BD): We had one DP, Alfonso Herrera Salcedo. And it was produced by Violeta Films, a female-run production company. Diversity is important because it offers different perspectives on what you’re making together. The more diversity, the better. Sometimes it happens naturally; if it doesn’t, try to be inclusive in assembling your crew.
What are your goals with “Synthesize Me”?
Bear Damen (BD): We just want this story out there, hopefully touching people. I hope it does so for our entire cast and crew and displays their talent to the world. And I, of course, hope it’s also a step towards making a feature.
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Bear Damen (BD): I’m working on a feature in the Netherlands, and a new film in the US. Both are written by me.
What do you recommend to a new director? Any courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
Bear Damen (BD): I’d say read some screenwriting books if you’ve never done so. It’s not mandatory. But if you’re unfamiliar with the form entirely, I’d recommend John Truby’s ‘Anatomy of Story’ and ‘Anatomy of Genres.’.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Bear Damen (BD): I don’t have one favorite director, but I will say I’m heavily influenced by Spielberg, Jonathan Demme, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Tarantino. Demme is a good example of someone with range, and a body of work. Going from Something Wild to Silence of the Lambs is just incredible to me, yet totally obvious, which qualities of Demme as a storyteller are present and where he acquired that skill: comedy.
What advice would you give directors around the world?
Bear Damen (BD): Don’t wait to make stuff, big or small. You’re never ready; you will never have the perfect assortment of ingredients ready of the right quality before you begin making your film. It’s normal to fail, to struggle, to be vulnerable, and to be insecure. If you can’t be vulnerable, you can’t make a good thing. Just start. Throw yourself in there and see where you land; your voice will come to the surface. Just don’t be a dick when in a stressful situation.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Bear Damen. 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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