blog

Today in our "Meet the..." Series, we present a double whammy! We chat with filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée, director of the acclaimed hits C.R.A.Z.Y. and Café de Flore AND the always amazing film critic, Richard Crouse.

Vallée will be joining us at #wsff12 when he conducts a master class this Saturday. He also is a member of this year's jury. Crouse will be moderating the master class.

Get a preview of tomorrow's events in the exciting pair of discussions below, and then join us at the Isabel Bader at noon on Saturday.

WSFF: Shorts vs. Features- What’s the difference (besides length!)

JMV: Few million dollars.

WSFF: What’s the most challenging film you’ve ever made, and why?

JMV: Café de Flore. For having to work with a child actor with Down's Syndrome (I had never done that before)… and with a rock star.

WSFF: How do you approach the first day of shooting?

JMV: With great music. And sleeping pills.

WSFF: Who would you like to collaborate with?

JMV: Vanessa (Paradis) again. Anytime. And PJ. Harvey, of course.

WSFF: Canadian film vs. Hollywood? Does being Canadian give your films a different flavour or point of view?

JMV: In my case, the langage makes a difference. And I would say that the films I’ve made here have more of a personal flavour than the average Hollywood film. Or should I say “flavor”?

WSFF: Music always plays a huge role in your films, what comes first? The song or the scene?

JMV: The scene, most of the time. And the opposite around, sometimes.

WSFF: What are most looking forward to at WSFF?!

JMV: Watching the films. And listening to Angie Driscoll on a karaoke night!

WSFF: Thanks JMV!

And now, Round 2 with Richard Crouse!

WSFF: What do you love most about what you do?

RC: It's really simple, going to the movies. Since I've been old enough to go to the theatre by myself I have gone to the movies at least once a week. Now I get to go five or six times a week and couldn't be happier.

WSFF: What is the biggest obstacle in the film industry?

RC: I think the biggest obstacle facing filmmakers is cutting through the noise and getting your film noticed. There are so many features released every week, plus movies--short and long form--streamed on line through Netflix etc, that it's easy to get lost.

WSFF: Do you have any tips for anyone looking to get into short film?

RC: Short films don't have to be short on ideas. Take the time to develop the story, don't try to tell too much, but don't say too little. Finding the right balance can be hard, but it's worth the work.

WSFF: What is your favourite short film and why?

RC: It's almost impossible to choose one favourite. Last year I hosted a television show called In Short on Bravo featuring the best of BravoFact shorts and loved a short called You Are So Undead, a funny film about teen vampires and a Joe Cobden short called Slow Dance that mixes dance, kung fu and romance. Both create worlds and tell complete stories in a very brief time.

WSFF: What are you most looking forward to at the Worldwide Short Film Festival?

RC: Seeing the films. I like the social aspect of film festivals, meeting the filmmakers, talking to audiences after screenings, but my favourite part is sitting there in the dark.

WSFF: HOT SEAT! Why YOUR Symposium?

RC: Why not? Anyone with an interest in film would want to spent an hour or so in the presence of Jean-Marc Vallée. He's not only a great filmmaker, but a very entertaining guest. This will be a fun, informative chat.

Join us for the master class on Saturday, June 9 at 12:00pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Get tickets here.

Take part in the conversation by Tweeting with the #wsff12 hashtag!