A destined filmmaker, director Rob Smith says he began making short films at the age of 14. A Cannes Lions winner and co-founder of Big Bird Films, Smith chatted to Screen Africa about where he finds inspiration, his highlights and challenges and what next…
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW HAS THIS SHAPED YOU AS A DIRECTOR?
I have been making short films since I was 14 years old and have always been enchanted by the entire process of visual storytelling. After school I studied directing and scriptwriting at AFDA for three years. The course taught me a lot about the fundamentals of film and filmmaking, and I will always value the teamwork that AFDA facilitates.
After studying I moved to Velocity Films, where I worked under Keith Rose as his creative researcher for two years. This experience was tough but it really helped develop my sense of craft.
In the last three years, I have been represented by both Arcade Content and then Velocity Films, directing commercials and documentaries. I am now freelancing and considering all my options. In addition to this, I started my own company with Jonathan Searle called Big Bird Films, which offers high-end aerial videography. We’re one of the few legal operators in SA.
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT, IF THERE IS ONE, WHEN YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO BECOME A DIRECTOR?
When I was 14 years old, I managed to save up enough to buy my first cheap Panasonic camcorder. After putting together short videos of my band, school events and English projects, I soon fell in love with the process of making a film and the rewarding feeling of creating something from scratch that entertained people.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
I find inspiration not only in other great films and filmmakers, but also in the drive to be the best. I love competition and feeling challenged to do and be better at my craft. I find inspiration in all forms of art, not just film.
DO YOU HAVE ANY LOCAL MENTORS?
Keith Rose undoubtedly has been a huge mentor to me over the years, even after I no longer worked for him. His astute eye and highly critical yet honest feedback has always encouraged me to push myself.
TOP THREE FAVOURITE DIRECTORS? WHY THEM?
- TAIKA WAITITI – His films such Boy and What We Do in The Shadows embrace a more nuanced take on comedy and telling stories as a whole. I love the way he’s created his own genre instead of copying others.
- Wes Anderson – His incredible control in every facet of his films, from art direction to witty dialogue, has also been a huge influence to me, as I appreciate the way he’s broken boundaries and also created his own distinct style.
- Christopher Nolan – I love the way he creates such captivating and epic narrative worlds, but the films still have a sense of rawness and humanity throughout.
WHICH PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN?
I’m currently finishing off a short film called Sea Bones. It’s a passion project I’ve been working on over the last few months with a few other local filmmakers. It’s basically a dark comedy involving a mermaid and conchology (the study and collection of shells). I’m really excited for people to see it.
WHAT KIND OF CONTENT DO YOU ENJOY CREATING?
I believe there is great artistry in telling a story intelligently and subtly, without reverting to cheap dramatics, sentimentality and clichés. I love telling stories that are unexpected and have a sense of quirk, subtlety and magic.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER CHALLENGE TO DATE?
What I love about filmmaking is that every project has its challenges, but my biggest challenge I would say has been writing a feature length script (which I’m still working on after eight years). I’m definitely not a natural writer, but I do enjoy pushing myself to become better at it. Hopefully it will come together one day
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER THUS FAR?
Working with Mika Häkkinen on Johnnie Walker Walker Wager was an amazing experience for me, as I was big fan of his when I was a kid. Other highlights include winning a Cannes Lion for One Rand Man in 2015.
IF YOU COULD PRODUCE AN AFRICAN VERSION OF A HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Spiderman (Rabobi).
TOP THREE FAVOURITE FILMS OF ALL TIME?
(I always struggle to answer this)
- Everything is Illuminated
- What We Do In the Shadows
- The Darjeeling Limited
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM SHOOT LOCATION?
Svalbard – Norway.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A BIOPIC?
Elijah Wood?
IF YOU WEREN’T A FILMMAKER, YOU WOULD BE…?
An architect, as I believe that it’s a very similar mindset to filmmaking – coming up with something out of nothing, designing, planning and seeing it ultimately come to life for people to enjoy.
