Interview with Brian Vaughan

Brian Vaughan_indieactivity

I was a director’s’ assistant for 10 TV shows when “Optus Television” was in Brisbane. I have directed 11 shorts and 5 TV pilots and at present I am an executive productive and director on a TV boxing show being put together. One my favourite show I directed was “Infamous Cocktail Show“. I am also hoping to direct “The Rarity Feature”. I directed “The Rarity” in 2011 and got two awards in 2012 for best Vampire short and a certificate of Highest Achievement for The Rarity.

How would you describe your work as a director
I’m a casual director. I like to talk to people the way I expect them to speak with me.

How did you get into directing
Well, I saw an ad for a short film contest in Brisbane and so I wrote a short script. There were only 2 characters in script and so I played one and my friend Ron played the other.

How do you choose a project to direct
The projects seem to choose me, like “Rarity”, “Infamous Cocktail Show”, “Blinkers-The Comedy Web Series”. Although I did direct about 10 shorts of my own I felt I wanted to do.

What uniqueness can female film directors bring to TV or Film or Cinema
Women have a really good idea for film and there seems to be a calmness’ about them . But they can be tough as well.

Do you take courses to increase you craft
Nope I have never taken a course for directing or producing in my life. I learn by watch films and listening to people.

Brian Vaughan-infamous cocktail show_indieactivity

When you are offered a job, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job
I go straight to my dop and ask him what we can do. I worked with Scott Kimber for The Rarity. Love his work very much.

Briefly explain your latest work
I directed 13 episodes for Blinkers The Comedy Web Series. And I have 7 more to do.

Explain the key challenges on your last film
That would be Blinkers, we virtually had no budget, some of the crew multi tasked and our Producer Karen Buckton is also the writer . We all pitched in and had an awesomeish time.. There is a definite connectiveness on this project.

What thing or situation helps you during a production
I like to have a casual set. Everyone have a good time they do their work whilst having a good time.

Brian Vaughan-Blinkers_indieactivity

Explain one creative choice you made on set of a production
Okay on Blinkers, we had a round cylinder that was supposed to be a window and it was supposed to be electrified so I went and got jumper leads out of my car and connected them to each side of the wheel. You really had to be there.

What do you want from an actor in production
I really like when the actors are still in character even when the cameras stop rolling. During a film shoot, I always call the actors by their character names to keep them in that mode. Being on time is always a plus too! (laughs).

How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
I rely on the producers heavily during a production because I solely want to focus on the creating the film without being interfered by miscellaneous issues. When I used to produce everything myself (huge mistake) I

Brian Vaughan-Blinkers_indieactivityHow do you advise female directors to find projects
Female directors I guess a good way is to do is to get out and do it. Facebook is a great way to keep connected.. Ask if anyone is looking a is looking for female directors.

How can filmmakers finance their projects
That’s tough, you can try crowd funding or get family to help and do it that way. Or you hook up with a really smart producer you like and can work with. I have one with Carlo Irwin from Atomic Hollywood in California.

What do you expect from an actor during production
I expect them to know their lines. And I also expect them to do the best they can. No more.

How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
I make myself available nearly any time and like to have a close relationship with my producers.

What do you think a female director can do to get into the industry
Well just keep trying, get with someone you want to be and work with but also try and get on other projects. Let them see you are keen and maybe offer a little suggestion . ( Like say what do you thing if they did this or that, ) But make you let the director think it is his idea  shoot. And make the director think it is his idea

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Who is your favorite director
I like Quentin Tarantino. I also like Kim Manners and Eric Kripke and Jensen Ackles from Supernatural.

Why
He likes to direct out of the box. I love the movie From Dusk To Dawn. It is brilliant. And he is not afraid to take risks. Kim Manners, Eric Kripke and Jensen Ackles from Supernatural, because they have a dark style and I love the series.

What advice would you give to female directors around the world
Don’t give up, some of the best directors around are women. Be consistent and follow your dreams.

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About Dapo

I am a screenwriter and filmmaker. I am pre-production for my first feature film, Maya. I made four short films, sometime ago: Muti (2013), A Terrible Mistake (2011), Passion (2007) and Stuff-It (2007) - http://bit.ly/2H9nP3G