Conor Armstrong Sanfey started filmmaking when he was seven, making cops and robbers films with local kids in his neighbourhood. Conor acted in these films too… unfortunately they were all wiped out in a mysterious fire. After school, he did a four year degree course at the National Film School of Ireland graduating in 2012 specialising in directing and producing.
Over the past five years Conor Armstrong Sanfey have been working as a theatre director, film director whilst also teaching and setting up a film festival ‘Elevation Indie Film Awards’ with his business partner Kealan Ryan.
indieactivity: Why did you get into filmmaking and screenwriting?
Conor: I started in theatre, both producing and directing. But having always loved films but more importantly always being fascinated in how films are made. I was always the kid who would watch behind the scenes or making of features on DVDs. Sometimes buying the DVDs just to watch the making of documentaries.
indieactivity: How does an indie filmmaker distribute his/her film?
Conor: It’s very difficult, although thankfully with streaming platforms Netflix, Amazon, itunes, google play and numerous others it is quite achievable to get your film out there. It is unfortunately very difficult to get your film into cinemas, however these streaming platforms are not great sources of independent cinema.
Conor Armstrong Sanfey‘s debut feature film ‘LIFT’ will be released very soon on many of these platforms.
indieactivity: What in the filmmaking process, does a filmmaker start planning for distribution?
Conor: As soon as possible. Before you start filming if possible.
indieactivity: How does a filmmaker get his film in theatres on an indie budget?
Conor: It is very difficult. It’s not too hard to go and rent a cinema for a screening, although can be very expensive. My advice would be to get your film into film festivals, and then hopefully pick up a distributor after that.
indieactivity: How can filmmakers finance their projects?
Conor: For your first film, no one is going to hand over a bunch of money. You are unproven. Go out and fund your first film yourself, make a film that gets some recognition and then funders will hopefully be knocking on your door.
indieactivity: What are the films that you have made?
Conor: I directed and produced numerous shorts and documentaries including ‘Horror School Reunion’ and ‘Miracles or Manipulations’ and have recently completed work on feature film ‘LIFT’ which has screened in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Donegal, Hastings, Maryland and Chicago.
indieactivity: Talk to us about your concept on collaboration?
Conor: Film is the most collaborative form of art. A director’s job is to coordinate everyone else’s talents to create a worthwhile result. I do not like ‘a film by’ titles on films. A film is not by anyone. It is truthfully by upwards of fifty people, maybe more. I find these titles very egotistical. Is ‘directed by’ not enough? I collaborate from the script to the edit. I like to collaborate with actors throughout filming. You need to listen to people. It is a group effort; making a film.
indieactivity: How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
Conor: I think sometimes its easier to make a film with no money. You are not answering to anyone. You have complete freedom in your choices. People in Ireland are very supportive to indie filmmakers. From Dublin City Council to the guards to locations. They are more than not willing to help you out for little or no money. I feel there could be more support from government agency’s however.
indieactivity: Describe your recent work?
Conor: LIFT is my debut feature film, starring Gerard McSorley (In The Name Of The Father) Hannah Crowley (Damo and Ivor) and Fiach Kunz. I put out a call on facebook for a writer to work on the film, and Kealan Ryan came on board.
I had worked with Kealan twice before as an actor, and we quickly developed that comfortable shorthand with each other. Kealan wrote the script over the course of a year. We would meet up and bounce ideas around, and I would send notes and changes. Pre-production followed and we assembled an amazing crew and especially cast. Gerard McSorley came on board the project, and after extensive auditions we assembled out ‘Lift six’.
I am a strong believer of the importance of casting. I have worked with actors my whole life, and truly believe it is the most important part of any film. The film went on to screen and win awards in film festivals in Dublin, Cork, Donegal, Limerick, Hastings, Chicago and Maryland DC. We are also delighted with the reviews we have got including Film Ireland and Scannain.
indieactivity: What are your future goals?
Conor: To continue making films and entertaining people. I am currently co-writing a horror film ‘Guilt’ with Aaron Gibson which will enter production in early 2018. Kealan and myself are also working on another project which we hope to get off the ground after LIFT’s release.
indieactivity: Tell us about what you think indie filmmaker need in today’s world of filmmaking?
Conor: Patience, courage, confidence and a passion for film and entertaining people.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
