5Q's w/: Brian Russell "Sit With Me While I Die" Director, Writer, Producer
QUESTION 1: What about your film excites you the most?
I am excited by exploring the human condition, and especially interrogating how we confront death. Memento Mori ... remember, we all must die.
QUESTION 2: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?
After the process of making this film I decided I needed to step away from heavy dramas for a bit. I have made three comedies since, and have plans for dramedy next.
QUESTION 3: When youre shooting a film do you think of time as something you capture or something you construct?
Depends on the film ... sometimes the goal is to capture what is happening, let truth unfold. But sometimes filmmaking ... storytelling ... required manipulation of time, and carefully constructed pace. I love the different challenges of both.
QUESTION 4: Whats a limitation you wish you had on your next shoot that would force you into making interesting creative decisions?
I'd love to be in the situation where I am not allowed to shoot from any locked off position and where the camera is required to be moving 100% of the time.
QUESTION 5: If a film shoot is like a living organism which department do you think functions as its nervous system?
The director sets tone, pace, energy, and teamwork ... while it is always a team effort, the team needs to understand the goal, and be given the tools and resources to accomplish said goal.
