Comments on: Crossing the 180 #41: Kevin Shahinian, Patrick Moreau and Joe Simon Part 2

By: What Makes a Person a True Filmmaker, Photographer or Professional | Dare Dreamer Magazine

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:03:16 +0000

[…] etc.) This point was made clear to me again twice in just the past week. First, on the very hot episode of Crossing the 180 where I interview Patrick Moreau, Kevin Shahinian and Joe Simon, we get into a lively discussion […]

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:56:59 +0000

In reply to Bill Vincent (@billjv).

That’s a great point Bill. I was listening to my favorite podcast (besides this one of course) FilmSpotting. A month or so ago they did an interview with the writer director and co-writer of the indie film and Sundance award-winner “Another Earth” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8hEwMMDtFY). One of the things the director talked about was how the lack of budget forced them to make decisions in the movie that pushed their creativity. He argues that great art is always pushed by what is lacking.

That being said, I think Patrick gave a very good (dare I say “great” 🙂 ) reasoning for why they use the equipment they do. In the context of his answer, if one doesn’t have the resources to get the best gear, then one should make creative choices that accommodate for that and still allow you to tell a great story. If you can’t afford a steadicam or similar device, then don’t try to do walking shots and get a shaky look if it’s not called for. Change up the story to accommodate a static shot.

Thanks for commenting.

By: Bill Vincent (@billjv)

Bill Vincent (@billjv) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:34:18 +0000

Just finished listening to the podcast – great job, everyone!! I think one point that may be overlooked in the debate over tools vs. creativity is that many, many great independent films (and even some low-budget studio films) would never have been made if they had waited for all the best tools – they did the best they could with the resources given. I think that fact answers the argument definitively. Yes, tools are important and the best tools are great, but part of being creative is creatively overcoming production limits and challenges by doing the absolute best with the tools you have access to. Some of the greatest R&B songs of the 20th century were recorded with less-than-the-best mics and recorders – but they are soaked in soul and feeling, which covers a multitude of technical sins. I would say the same for filmmaking and story.

Thanks again, nice hour of commentary!