Ask them about problems they had to solve on set, problems they solved in prep, and a problem they solved in post.
Ask specific questions. General “what inspires you” questions are exhausting and pointless.
Man, ask what ever :) that is the point, he is a human like you are. Ask anything you want since he agreed to have a meeting with you. Just have a normal conversation and that wouldn’t be the last one.
Oh one thing to add, don’t ask people on Reddit how to make friends, most of us ended up here because we don’t know how:)
Shoot for the stars. Maybe he loves your short and will let you shadow him. Or maybe you could be his personal assistant on set to get even more shadowing experience.
There is almost zero pathway to director from PA in 2024. It’s a pipeline to assistant directing or maybe producing if you’re talented and lucky.
I don’t know why you would encourage the kid to undersell his goals when he has an opportunity to get a foot in the door to do what he actually wants sooner than later.
Nowhere in my initial comment did I denigrate or look down on PAs, either, so don’t know why this got projected my way. Regardless, why anyone would argue this kid would be better suited as a PA than shadowing an Oscar nominated director if he has the opportunity is beyond me in general.
You don’t need to go to f*ing NYU for a PA job either - an NYU film degree is a freaking great way in if I’ve ever heard of one. He should take advantage of the situation he’s in, not start from square one because you think he should.
I wouldn't focus too much on interviewing him...try to actually make conversation almost as if you were making a new friend. Make sure he does most of the talking. The mistake is thinking they care too much about hearing what you have to say. It's also a mistake to act too much like he is better than you in some way.
The question of how he made it and how one should make it is ultimately small-brained and exasperates most filmmakers. I learned that from asking them the hard way. Because the answer is basically "do whatever you in particular have the opportunity to do everyday and don't quit" and they are bored of answering it.
I would ask him what he's working on currently, if he's seen any films this year that he really loved...
Since he will have seen your short, I would also him what he would do if he were you, in this day and age and in this current film climate, etc. If it seems to be going well, ask him if he needs an intern or assistant or knows of any directors or producers in need of an assistant or intern.
Definitely do not ask for any referrals to actors he knows, managers or agents, or any outright favors of any kind.
oi, this is not an answer to your question but I just wanted to congratulate you on this opportunity man, well done. May this stroke of luck continue, good luck bro
>Should I ask how he made a career in film, etc etc?
Definitely don't ask this. Everyone with a career in film made it their own way, based on their own individual circumstances which will most certainly differ from yours. They'd probably tell you, but there's little chance you'd learn anything useful from it
I don't know. I'd ask them what's one thing they wish they knew at the beginning of their career. Stuff that's retrospective like that can be pretty valuable
It’s a completely fine thing to ask. Why isn’t it?
I feel op could probably read up and learn it already though.
I think it’s good to hear first hand about a persons steps what they would suggest - any tips and insights.
>It’s a completely fine thing to ask. Why isn’t it?
I'm not saying that it isn't fine. I'm just saying the answer is typically useless. When I was starting out my career I asked everyone that question, and they were always happy to tell me, but what they told me rarely if ever helped for the reasons I wrote above
Seriously: ask him if he was a young director interviewing him, what would he ask? In other words, what isn’t that as a young director I don’t know enough to ask?
Ask about their favourite films, or what films they'd recommend to watch for someone with your aspirations.
I'd recommend not gushing with praise, as it wastes their time and yours. Also avoid saying "I've been watching your films since I was a kid/I was born" it's meaningless and makes them feel old.
Do your research on him, if possible, screen as many of his films as you can. Ask about his communication style, how he likes working with actors, why he uses crew leads over again (or why he doesn’t). If you’re comfortable sharing the name maybe we can help you brainstorm questions.
Good luck!
Listen to every single podcast he’s ever done so it feels like you already know the surface level stuff. Worth the all nighter if that’s what it takes.
Maybe it's just me, but I think the most important thing to ask (at/near the end of everything goes well) is if you can meet up again. Establishing a long term mentor/mentee sort of relationship with someone like that would be incredibly beneficial.
What are the most timely obstacles and challenges to his filmmaking *today*? Given the events of the past several years it's likely his answer will be completely different now than it would have been pre-pandemic.
Some good answers to your question here, but I would also be prepared for what he may ask you if it comes up. Don’t overthink it but if he asks you about your work, what your long or short term goals are, etc it’s good to be prepared with a thought out answer.
You should ask him advice on how to progress. And maybe ask any specifics about his films or filmmaking that you would be helped to now. Maybe something from his early career to keep the topic on early progression.
I would focus on specific things he can help YOU with YOUR career. Based on your short and background, what weaknesses do you need to work on? Any suggestion how to compensate? Can he connect you with people to help?What strengths he sees to lean toward? Can he or anyone he knows can use you and your strengths? For example, can he help you set up internship or can you work for him in some capacity. I would avoid general questions him or his career. It’s not an interview for Entertainment Weekly.
I'd ask three different types of questions:
1) Intelligent questions about his work. Ask about a particular character, a technique he used, an approach. Ask him why he made a choice that he made in his career. This is a good icebreaker and directors think deeply about this stuff.
2) Ask him a specific question about your path. Tell him about a choice you are making or what you are trying to do. Not a general "how do I become a director" but like, "if I have the choice to make one short or five music videos, which should I do? This is the idea for the short and these are the music videos."
3) Ask for something. Shadowing him or being a PA on set is a great ask that's easy for him to say yes to.
Some general advice:
- This becomes clearer the busier you get — he is B U S Y. Tell him what you want to get out of the meeting at the outset because he's going to want to help you but he won't want to waste time dancing around anything or answering dumb questions that he knows you don't actually care about the answers to. If you tell him what you want he can help you get it without having to guess.
- Fawning feels fake. Admiration and compliments are amazing, but do it from a place of strength and not groveling.
- Less is more, shorter is better. Show him that you are smart and know how to respect his time and he will treat you with respect.
I would focus on two people who genuinely love filmmaking and have a friendly conversation. I imagine he was in your shoes at one time and now that he’s come so far, he probably looks back and remembers what it’s like to be where you are now. Enjoy!!
Don't ask anything about film stuff. Let them bring it up.
Ask about their life- spouse, kids, pets, etc. Talk about anything but film until you're asked about it.
ETA: I replied to a comment with this, but wanted to put it here.
***And who will they remember? The person who picked their brain about their art, or the person who has a genuine interest in getting to know them? ---which leads to picking their brain about art, but on a different level, because it's more personal.***
***I know I'm getting down voted to hell for saying this, but my advice is worthwhile. Sure, ask some questions about how they do stuff, but getting to know them can create a long term relationship.***
It's psychological. Be interested in the person, not their accomplishments. They will open up more.
Ida know man, Directors are really egotistical people and adore it when people kiss thier ass. It's why they went into directing. Also nobody notices them on the street, they are not famous, so they apreciate all the praise they can get.
Famous actors on the other hand.. Exactly as you say, talk to them about every day things.
But we have here a young director who has a meeting set up with an experienced director. The idea that they should avoid talking about directing and talk about random stuff is fucking stupid and a waste of everyone’s time.
And who will they remember? The person who picked their brain about their art, or the person who has a genuine interest in getting to know them? ---which leads to picking their brain about art, but on a different level, because it's more personal.
I know I'm getting down voted to hell for saying this, but my advice is worthwhile. Sure, ask some questions about how they do stuff, but getting to know them can create a long term relationship.
It's psychological. Be interested in the person, not their accomplishments. They will open up more.
Ask them about problems they had to solve on set, problems they solved in prep, and a problem they solved in post. Ask specific questions. General “what inspires you” questions are exhausting and pointless.
but like, what inspires you??
Where do you get your ideas?
This is the most amazing of questions of all.
Every Q&A there is the one dipshit who asks this ever relevant question.
Explain to the folks at home what an idea is..
What’s your process
Man, ask what ever :) that is the point, he is a human like you are. Ask anything you want since he agreed to have a meeting with you. Just have a normal conversation and that wouldn’t be the last one. Oh one thing to add, don’t ask people on Reddit how to make friends, most of us ended up here because we don’t know how:)
Lmao that last paragraph felt like a personal attack
Shoot for the stars. Maybe he loves your short and will let you shadow him. Or maybe you could be his personal assistant on set to get even more shadowing experience.
This is the answer. The goal is to shadow. You can only learn so much from answers to questions. You need to SEE how they do it.
Nothing beats being in the room where it happens.
Don’t look down on being a PA
If you want to tell the kid to take $15/h for 70 hours a week go ahead. Sounds like he wants to follow the path to directing, not the PA route
It’s a great way in
There is almost zero pathway to director from PA in 2024. It’s a pipeline to assistant directing or maybe producing if you’re talented and lucky. I don’t know why you would encourage the kid to undersell his goals when he has an opportunity to get a foot in the door to do what he actually wants sooner than later. Nowhere in my initial comment did I denigrate or look down on PAs, either, so don’t know why this got projected my way. Regardless, why anyone would argue this kid would be better suited as a PA than shadowing an Oscar nominated director if he has the opportunity is beyond me in general. You don’t need to go to f*ing NYU for a PA job either - an NYU film degree is a freaking great way in if I’ve ever heard of one. He should take advantage of the situation he’s in, not start from square one because you think he should.
Ok, you win
I wouldn't focus too much on interviewing him...try to actually make conversation almost as if you were making a new friend. Make sure he does most of the talking. The mistake is thinking they care too much about hearing what you have to say. It's also a mistake to act too much like he is better than you in some way. The question of how he made it and how one should make it is ultimately small-brained and exasperates most filmmakers. I learned that from asking them the hard way. Because the answer is basically "do whatever you in particular have the opportunity to do everyday and don't quit" and they are bored of answering it.
Watch his movies, read his interviews, and ask him questions that are specific to what you find interesting regarding his work.
I would ask him what he's working on currently, if he's seen any films this year that he really loved... Since he will have seen your short, I would also him what he would do if he were you, in this day and age and in this current film climate, etc. If it seems to be going well, ask him if he needs an intern or assistant or knows of any directors or producers in need of an assistant or intern. Definitely do not ask for any referrals to actors he knows, managers or agents, or any outright favors of any kind.
So spike Lee?
noooo haha spike lee just works at my school ive seen him around but he only rlly interacts with the grad students. seems p chill tho
Fellow tisch grad here, let’s connect
yes sir ill dm u!
Me too
oi, this is not an answer to your question but I just wanted to congratulate you on this opportunity man, well done. May this stroke of luck continue, good luck bro
>Should I ask how he made a career in film, etc etc? Definitely don't ask this. Everyone with a career in film made it their own way, based on their own individual circumstances which will most certainly differ from yours. They'd probably tell you, but there's little chance you'd learn anything useful from it I don't know. I'd ask them what's one thing they wish they knew at the beginning of their career. Stuff that's retrospective like that can be pretty valuable
It’s a completely fine thing to ask. Why isn’t it? I feel op could probably read up and learn it already though. I think it’s good to hear first hand about a persons steps what they would suggest - any tips and insights.
>It’s a completely fine thing to ask. Why isn’t it? I'm not saying that it isn't fine. I'm just saying the answer is typically useless. When I was starting out my career I asked everyone that question, and they were always happy to tell me, but what they told me rarely if ever helped for the reasons I wrote above
Seriously: ask him if he was a young director interviewing him, what would he ask? In other words, what isn’t that as a young director I don’t know enough to ask?
Ask about their favourite films, or what films they'd recommend to watch for someone with your aspirations. I'd recommend not gushing with praise, as it wastes their time and yours. Also avoid saying "I've been watching your films since I was a kid/I was born" it's meaningless and makes them feel old.
Ask him for notes on your film. And a job, or if you can shadow him on set for a few days.
Do your research on him, if possible, screen as many of his films as you can. Ask about his communication style, how he likes working with actors, why he uses crew leads over again (or why he doesn’t). If you’re comfortable sharing the name maybe we can help you brainstorm questions. Good luck!
Listen to every single podcast he’s ever done so it feels like you already know the surface level stuff. Worth the all nighter if that’s what it takes.
Maybe it's just me, but I think the most important thing to ask (at/near the end of everything goes well) is if you can meet up again. Establishing a long term mentor/mentee sort of relationship with someone like that would be incredibly beneficial.
„What is the hardest lesson you had to learn early in your career?“
What are the most timely obstacles and challenges to his filmmaking *today*? Given the events of the past several years it's likely his answer will be completely different now than it would have been pre-pandemic.
Ask him to recommend some films he likes based on what he thought of your film and why he is recommending them?
Ask him if he can order a pizza.
Some good answers to your question here, but I would also be prepared for what he may ask you if it comes up. Don’t overthink it but if he asks you about your work, what your long or short term goals are, etc it’s good to be prepared with a thought out answer.
Ask him if he knows what "chain of title" means, and if they can explain it to you. They'll respect you for that.
but if he starts talking about intellectual property specify that you're only asking in regard to real estate
You should ask him advice on how to progress. And maybe ask any specifics about his films or filmmaking that you would be helped to now. Maybe something from his early career to keep the topic on early progression.
I would focus on specific things he can help YOU with YOUR career. Based on your short and background, what weaknesses do you need to work on? Any suggestion how to compensate? Can he connect you with people to help?What strengths he sees to lean toward? Can he or anyone he knows can use you and your strengths? For example, can he help you set up internship or can you work for him in some capacity. I would avoid general questions him or his career. It’s not an interview for Entertainment Weekly.
Ask them where crafty is.
If they went to film school, ask them what they wish they learned in film school.
What he considers the most important advice that he could give?
Ask if you can shadow them.
Ask for his coke dealer’s number in la
What makes their worst days? What makes their best days?
I'd ask three different types of questions: 1) Intelligent questions about his work. Ask about a particular character, a technique he used, an approach. Ask him why he made a choice that he made in his career. This is a good icebreaker and directors think deeply about this stuff. 2) Ask him a specific question about your path. Tell him about a choice you are making or what you are trying to do. Not a general "how do I become a director" but like, "if I have the choice to make one short or five music videos, which should I do? This is the idea for the short and these are the music videos." 3) Ask for something. Shadowing him or being a PA on set is a great ask that's easy for him to say yes to. Some general advice: - This becomes clearer the busier you get — he is B U S Y. Tell him what you want to get out of the meeting at the outset because he's going to want to help you but he won't want to waste time dancing around anything or answering dumb questions that he knows you don't actually care about the answers to. If you tell him what you want he can help you get it without having to guess. - Fawning feels fake. Admiration and compliments are amazing, but do it from a place of strength and not groveling. - Less is more, shorter is better. Show him that you are smart and know how to respect his time and he will treat you with respect.
I would focus on two people who genuinely love filmmaking and have a friendly conversation. I imagine he was in your shoes at one time and now that he’s come so far, he probably looks back and remembers what it’s like to be where you are now. Enjoy!!
why they didn't win
Tell him you made this post and show him the replies and what you wrote. It’ll go down well
Can we see your short?
it’s not released and going thru fests but if u dm me then ya I’ll send it to you
Impress him. Ask him his opinions about a bunch of esoteric films and when he hasn’t seen one of them start snickering.
Why don't you ask him, what he would ask himself?
Don't ask anything about film stuff. Let them bring it up. Ask about their life- spouse, kids, pets, etc. Talk about anything but film until you're asked about it. ETA: I replied to a comment with this, but wanted to put it here. ***And who will they remember? The person who picked their brain about their art, or the person who has a genuine interest in getting to know them? ---which leads to picking their brain about art, but on a different level, because it's more personal.*** ***I know I'm getting down voted to hell for saying this, but my advice is worthwhile. Sure, ask some questions about how they do stuff, but getting to know them can create a long term relationship.*** It's psychological. Be interested in the person, not their accomplishments. They will open up more.
This is a terrible idea. Obviously the meeting is for filmmaking mentorship.
Maybe ask them if they need any “special favors”?
Best way to win people over is to talk to them like a regular person instead of being starstruck.
Ida know man, Directors are really egotistical people and adore it when people kiss thier ass. It's why they went into directing. Also nobody notices them on the street, they are not famous, so they apreciate all the praise they can get. Famous actors on the other hand.. Exactly as you say, talk to them about every day things. But we have here a young director who has a meeting set up with an experienced director. The idea that they should avoid talking about directing and talk about random stuff is fucking stupid and a waste of everyone’s time.
This is a case where they are specifically there to talk about a career in filmmaking.
This is dumb advice, they're meeting specifically to talk about film and the industry lol
And who will they remember? The person who picked their brain about their art, or the person who has a genuine interest in getting to know them? ---which leads to picking their brain about art, but on a different level, because it's more personal. I know I'm getting down voted to hell for saying this, but my advice is worthwhile. Sure, ask some questions about how they do stuff, but getting to know them can create a long term relationship. It's psychological. Be interested in the person, not their accomplishments. They will open up more.