Amelia Pieri Film in Revolt emerging young female filmmaker, talks to Bloodfest about the flexibility of her goals
1. What draws you to film?
I think that film can evoke such a strong emotional response, and that has always been fascinating to me. Crying about a character that doesn't even exist and feeling like they are my friend, exploring a time and place in history, or watching soulmates fall in love are just some of the moments that draw me to film. Moments that I believe can only be delivered with true integrity through film.
As a filmmaker, I love that the best way to learn is to do. I love that there are no limits. I especially love that being a teenager isn't an excuse. You don't need an infinite amount of money or flashy equipment to start making good films.
I immediately took a liking to the entire process of filmmaking from a young age. I've always watched behind the scenes and 'making of' featurettes in the bonus features of DVDs because I think the way people work together on a big film is just so cool. I am quite a creative person who puts a lot of attention to small details. Making films really suits this and my workflow, and allows me to express myself in a unique way. Filmmaking is a craft, and a filmmaker can develop a style that is like a fingerprint - completely unique to them. Nothing is quite like it.
2. What is the aim of your storytelling (escapism / social justice etc?)
I think I'm still working this out. I never stop growing and learning - and I think the films I make reflect that too. My goal will change depending on what's going on in my life, and what sort of story it is I want to tell. In saying that, I always want to make films that make people feel something. This can be achieved through comedy, drama, tragedy, anything as long as it does the job. My best work always has meaning and sincerity behind it.
3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll be honest, the future scares me a little. I know the challenges I may face as a female filmmaker. But, I know that I will still be making films. I don't know where or what kind, but I know I'm not going to stop. I'm also a big believer in the Australian film industry, and I'd love to pursue a career supporting and creating local stories. Hopefully in 10 years, I'll be on my way to being where I want to be.
4. How do you prepare the film project?
I work best when I focus all my energy on a project. I'll start with a seed of an idea, and write down everything in my head. I'll usually start asking myself questions like "Where do I want this to go?" or "What's the main goal of this film" so I have a clear direction from the start. This makes it easier to fill in gaps and clear up the plot. I usually like to outline shot by shot exactly what happens in each scene. I estimate timing while writing the script, and I'll usually write a bunch of checklists to gather all my ideas. Then I can start putting together a schedule and finding actors. This process often changes depending on my deadline and what type of film it is, but this is generally my preparation process.
5. Who are your inspirations?
I take inspiration from so many different people. My favourite directors include Baz Luhrmann, Clint Eastwood, George Miller, Ava Duvernay and Pete Doctor. These directors have all created many of my favourite films. I admire their styles and creativity. Earlier this year, I was even lucky enough to meet and chat with George Miller, something I will never ever forget. There is so much to be learnt and to take from industry professionals whose work I enjoy - and not just directors, but workers from all aspects of production.
Recently I’ve also been super fortunate to meet a bunch of filmmakers who are all around my age. I never fail to be awed by their talents. Their work is so inspirational and motivates me to improve my own films. Having a little community of like minded people has also pushed me to try new things and keep creating. I value it so much.
6.Why is Film an important medium?
Storytelling is a part of human nature. Film is a powerful tool to harness those stories in a meaningful and artistic way. The impact that films can have on a person, or even on an entire culture is astonishing. The ability to unite or divide people, start a movement or change the course of pop culture is something almost entirely unique to film. Good films connect with our core beliefs and values, they carry us through life and even teach us what it is to be human.
I think that film can evoke such a strong emotional response, and that has always been fascinating to me. Crying about a character that doesn't even exist and feeling like they are my friend, exploring a time and place in history, or watching soulmates fall in love are just some of the moments that draw me to film. Moments that I believe can only be delivered with true integrity through film.
As a filmmaker, I love that the best way to learn is to do. I love that there are no limits. I especially love that being a teenager isn't an excuse. You don't need an infinite amount of money or flashy equipment to start making good films.
I immediately took a liking to the entire process of filmmaking from a young age. I've always watched behind the scenes and 'making of' featurettes in the bonus features of DVDs because I think the way people work together on a big film is just so cool. I am quite a creative person who puts a lot of attention to small details. Making films really suits this and my workflow, and allows me to express myself in a unique way. Filmmaking is a craft, and a filmmaker can develop a style that is like a fingerprint - completely unique to them. Nothing is quite like it.
2. What is the aim of your storytelling (escapism / social justice etc?)
I think I'm still working this out. I never stop growing and learning - and I think the films I make reflect that too. My goal will change depending on what's going on in my life, and what sort of story it is I want to tell. In saying that, I always want to make films that make people feel something. This can be achieved through comedy, drama, tragedy, anything as long as it does the job. My best work always has meaning and sincerity behind it.
3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll be honest, the future scares me a little. I know the challenges I may face as a female filmmaker. But, I know that I will still be making films. I don't know where or what kind, but I know I'm not going to stop. I'm also a big believer in the Australian film industry, and I'd love to pursue a career supporting and creating local stories. Hopefully in 10 years, I'll be on my way to being where I want to be.
4. How do you prepare the film project?
I work best when I focus all my energy on a project. I'll start with a seed of an idea, and write down everything in my head. I'll usually start asking myself questions like "Where do I want this to go?" or "What's the main goal of this film" so I have a clear direction from the start. This makes it easier to fill in gaps and clear up the plot. I usually like to outline shot by shot exactly what happens in each scene. I estimate timing while writing the script, and I'll usually write a bunch of checklists to gather all my ideas. Then I can start putting together a schedule and finding actors. This process often changes depending on my deadline and what type of film it is, but this is generally my preparation process.
5. Who are your inspirations?
I take inspiration from so many different people. My favourite directors include Baz Luhrmann, Clint Eastwood, George Miller, Ava Duvernay and Pete Doctor. These directors have all created many of my favourite films. I admire their styles and creativity. Earlier this year, I was even lucky enough to meet and chat with George Miller, something I will never ever forget. There is so much to be learnt and to take from industry professionals whose work I enjoy - and not just directors, but workers from all aspects of production.
Recently I’ve also been super fortunate to meet a bunch of filmmakers who are all around my age. I never fail to be awed by their talents. Their work is so inspirational and motivates me to improve my own films. Having a little community of like minded people has also pushed me to try new things and keep creating. I value it so much.
6.Why is Film an important medium?
Storytelling is a part of human nature. Film is a powerful tool to harness those stories in a meaningful and artistic way. The impact that films can have on a person, or even on an entire culture is astonishing. The ability to unite or divide people, start a movement or change the course of pop culture is something almost entirely unique to film. Good films connect with our core beliefs and values, they carry us through life and even teach us what it is to be human.