The Craft: Film Directors Ep 2

In this episode of The Craft, we sit down with four up-and-coming directors to discuss their work and experiences within the film industry. The directors reflect upon their transition from a pre-professional track to a now professional process. They note the need to be kinder to themselves and allow room for mistakes. It is the mistakes that are the most vital to building any process. Additionally, the directors push back against formulas especially when it comes to standards. They find this adaptability to be critical when working with tight budgets - a harsh reality many young filmmakers face. But it is within those moments that they recount their most innovative and collaborative experiences.

To read more about the film directors and materials referenced throughout the video, see below.

Featured directors:

Emily Gurland: Born and raised in New York City, Emily Gurland is a director, DJ & burning man lover who is drawn to lyrical portraits that explore the intricacies of being human. Creating in all mediums, from narrative to commercial to documentary, her most recent film is titled Blueberry Island. Emily is radically passionate about honoring and collaborating with womxn, non-binary folx, and artists of color in front of and behind the camera. As a 2019 graduate of NYU’s Film & TV program, she is exceedingly hyped for the imminent joy destined to present itself post-2020.

Nina Gofur: Nina Gofur is an NYC based director and cinematographer. Her work is rooted in visceral images of the body and explores themes of vulnerability, adolescence, and non-linear narratives. She earned her BFA at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Nina strives for equal representation in film and strongly believes in equality and inclusion within the artistic community.

San Yvin: San Yvin is a Vietnamese and French film director and cinematographer. Growing up around kitchen workers and restaurant staff, San realized that there were too many stories left to be untold and too many voices wanting to be heard. San's mission is to help evolve and advance Asian cinema by telling the stories of those often shunned away from the screen. After 18 years in Vietnam, San moved to New York City to pursue his filmmaking dreams at NYU. One day, he hopes to be the first Vietnamese show creator to produce a historical drama series about the Vietnamese Revolutions.

Beatriz Barbieri: Beatriz Barbieri is a Brazilian filmmaker and photographer. She grew up in Brazil, Italy, and in the UK - where she learned English. Bia came to the US to study film in New York and has been here since she graduated. Growing up moving around a lot, combined with being very introverted, she struggled with language and communication. Yet while she was young, Bia found film and photography as useful tools to learn how to express herself. As an ever-growing storyteller, she wants to make work that explores the feelings of insecurity or invisibility and turn that into some type of positivity, shining a light on how beautiful and vulnerable the mundane can be. Bia just shot her first narrative film, Shrapnel, which is currently in post-production. She is excited to share the film with the world.

Production House: VAGRANT MEDIA LLC

Hosted by: Christiana Miller-King

Video Edit by: Haruka Yamakawa

Video References:

Maya Deren is a Ukrainian-born American filmmaker best known for her experimental work and championing the avant-garde during the 1940s and 1950s.

“Result Directing” or “Result - Oriented Directing” is an older method of directing in which the director approaches character work from the desired outcome. It is considered a poor technique and suggests a lack of trust in the actor’s talent and decisions.