Michael Ringdal | Interview
TIFF : Who are your biggest filmmaking influences?
Michael : I am a big fan of Clint Eastwood as a director, I like the way he let the actors tells the story without lots of CGI and Special Effects, he let the actors do their job.
Frank Darabont is another director I am a fan of, his film The Green Mile is my all time favorit. I also love The Shawshank Redemption.
TIFF : How do you develop your characters?
Michael : I try to let my characters be as relatebael as possible, I want the audience feel the obstical, challenge or setbacks could happen to them or relate to the character.
TIFF : How has the film industry changed since you started?
Michael : In 10 years when I started as a filmmaker, we have more CGI then before, we went from shooting on HD to 4K and from stereo sound to 5:1 sound.
TIFF : How important is the script to you in the filmmaking process?
Michael : A good story is very important, something that the audience can relate to or make them feel something, either it’s a comedy or a love story. If they cry or they laugh, as long as it make them feel something.
TIFF : How do you see the role of film in society?
Michael : I think films can help with goals, they can be inspirations for the younger generations and of course films can make dreams come true.
TIFF : What is your style of directing?
Michael : I just try to be there for the actors, be an instrument they can use if they want or if they need a little guidance.
TIFF : How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within the team?
Michael : In my team everyone has the right to their opinion, at the table read or at the location they can come with ides, but when we are on set and the cameras are rolling, then I am the leader. We must remember that film is teamwork, we need each other to make the best film possible.
TIFF : How do you approach filmmaking on a limited budget?
Michael : As any other project, make a good budget, and try your best to not go over the budget that you got. Not easy at times.
TIFF : What kind of impact do you hope to make with your films? How do you measure success?
Michael : I hope my films impact you in a way that when you leave the cinema you either say wow that was a good movie or that you leave the cinema and say okay that is the kind of movies I want to make myself.
Success for me is when you get recognition for the work you and your team has put in the film you made. As long as the audience tells us that this film was great or a jury find it in their heart to vote our film for an award, that is success in my book.
TIFF : Independent filmmaking often involves taking risks. How do you balance risk and reward?
Michael : You just have to believe in yourself, believe in your cast and your team and just do the best you can. I love the word impossible because it says Im possible.
