David's visit -- Film and Theatre

• How to get to film? Ideas start formulating from the age of 13; desire to involve himself into art. Loved immersing himself into art -- costumes especially.
• As a filmmaker, he can interweave all his diverse passions of art into one.
• Authorship of film. Who is responsible for the making of films?
• What is a director?
• What decisions does he make?
• Film school is good for building a reel (portfolio) and making connections with peers interested in the same field. -- Interesting, because Nancy Kim said the exact same thing for her time at University of Toronto for theatre. She ended up making partnerships with directors, actors and made a team to pursue her interest in arts.
• Problem with arts education -- you can't teach people to be a great artist. That's for life to shape. You need life experience to make films or art.
• You don't have to do art in college to pursue it and vice versa. You can major in film or theatre, but be a businessman. You bring in the elements and knowledge from the arts and incorporate it into your profession.
• Film is problem solving! This is what Gary Card said about his art.
• Director -- Making the artistic vision; cinematographer -- camera work; production designer -- the physical devising of the world;
• He has been a camera assistant; director's assistant; sound;
• Before it starts, you have fantastical visions, and then during the process -- depths of despair. You have to suffer deeply during the process in order for the final product to be satisfying and successful in the arts. The arts are not a neat process.
• "You just have to finish it." "Come to the table and stay at the table."
• Output is needed in order to be an artist.
• The fact that good movies actually exist is a miracle. A film is so difficult to produce. It's mind-boggling how good films are made.
• Directing is such a collaborative art. Give creative restrictions. Create a scheme. Create a space where you can let the artists explore and create - best outcomes.
• Be ready to be on set. I guess the same can be said for theatre. Am I right?
• Rather have haters than someone say "nice job" or "that was a 'nice' video." It's exciting.