Cinematic Incidents: An Interview with Rouzbeh Noori
By: David Briggs
(Originally posted April 20, 2011 on Tri-City Film)
As I write, Rouzbeh Noori is busy directing his first feature film, The
Incidental. Before stepping behind the camera to helm the project, Noori was kind enough to talk with me about his new film and his previous experiences as a filmmaker.
Before embarking on his feature, Noori gained practical experience by making three short films. Despite low budgets the films "were very successful,” as they provided Noori a valuable hands on approach to learning the craft of filmmaking. These shorts screened at various film festivals including the Foreign International Film Festival and Kitchener’s own Local Focus film fest.
Noori shot these shorts between 2004 and 2005, using 16mm film stock. Because digital was not as accessible as it is today, "film was the more affordable option." Shooting with film also instilled a deep respect for the technical aspects of filmmaking and cinematography.
Incidental. Before stepping behind the camera to helm the project, Noori was kind enough to talk with me about his new film and his previous experiences as a filmmaker.
Before embarking on his feature, Noori gained practical experience by making three short films. Despite low budgets the films "were very successful,” as they provided Noori a valuable hands on approach to learning the craft of filmmaking. These shorts screened at various film festivals including the Foreign International Film Festival and Kitchener’s own Local Focus film fest.
Noori shot these shorts between 2004 and 2005, using 16mm film stock. Because digital was not as accessible as it is today, "film was the more affordable option." Shooting with film also instilled a deep respect for the technical aspects of filmmaking and cinematography.
"In many ways, digital is more forgiving," Noori explains. “[When] you’re using cameras from the 1940s or 50s, you have to nail down things like exposure, […] how to check the aperture and properly focus without the help of anything. It’s just you and mechanical and photochemical process. It’s really difficult and I find that moving on to digital that discipline stays with you."
As Noori emphasizes, working with film disciplines filmmakers as the equipment can be more demanding. Mistakes made when using film cut deeper into budgets than similar errors made using digital. For The Incidental, Noori is shooting digitally, confident that his previous experience with film will make this project all the better.
When I asked Noori about what led him to make his first shorts, he explained, "I never considered making a film even doable. It seemed so farfetched. Something that other people did." What convinced him that he too could make a film resulted from a "dare from a friend" to enter a 48 hour film challenge. The experience proved productive. Without having to invest a lot of money and time into a film project helped to free Noori of the idea that making films existed in the abstract, that it was something for someone else to accomplish. As Noori says, "it was really being able to make the short film that made me realize that it is something that’s doable."
Since this revelation, Noori continues to pursue making films and believes strongly in the importance of ensuring each production adheres to strict levels of quality regardless of budget restrictions. As a director, he strives to give each shot that elusive look. This
look is difficult to describe, but it can often separate a low budget film from the plethora of independent films cranked out by anyone with a credit card and access to Best Buy.
As Noori emphasizes, working with film disciplines filmmakers as the equipment can be more demanding. Mistakes made when using film cut deeper into budgets than similar errors made using digital. For The Incidental, Noori is shooting digitally, confident that his previous experience with film will make this project all the better.
When I asked Noori about what led him to make his first shorts, he explained, "I never considered making a film even doable. It seemed so farfetched. Something that other people did." What convinced him that he too could make a film resulted from a "dare from a friend" to enter a 48 hour film challenge. The experience proved productive. Without having to invest a lot of money and time into a film project helped to free Noori of the idea that making films existed in the abstract, that it was something for someone else to accomplish. As Noori says, "it was really being able to make the short film that made me realize that it is something that’s doable."
Since this revelation, Noori continues to pursue making films and believes strongly in the importance of ensuring each production adheres to strict levels of quality regardless of budget restrictions. As a director, he strives to give each shot that elusive look. This
look is difficult to describe, but it can often separate a low budget film from the plethora of independent films cranked out by anyone with a credit card and access to Best Buy.
Maintaining high production value is due in part to casting talented actors. Filmmakers who think, "your neighbour or your friend with no acting experience would be suitable for a feature film is almost an insult to people that go to school for acting," Noori explains. Such casting counters his belief that every element of a film significantly contributes to the finished product, and as such, each person should be devoted to his or her craft, whether it be acting or audio recording.
Moreover, as Noori makes clear, there is no reason to settle for inferior acting, even when producing a low budget film. "This is a very rich community in terms of acting talent. There’s a very good drama program at UW. My main actor for my feature film is actually a former UW student who lives in Toronto. We also have a vibrant theatre group. The KW Little Theatre has very good actors, in fact a few of my actors […] come from KW Little Theatre."
For Noori, the wealth of acting talent in the community serves as a source of inspiration for future casting calls. He often keeps playbills and makes mental notes of actors that would suit any characters he has in development.
Moreover, as Noori makes clear, there is no reason to settle for inferior acting, even when producing a low budget film. "This is a very rich community in terms of acting talent. There’s a very good drama program at UW. My main actor for my feature film is actually a former UW student who lives in Toronto. We also have a vibrant theatre group. The KW Little Theatre has very good actors, in fact a few of my actors […] come from KW Little Theatre."
For Noori, the wealth of acting talent in the community serves as a source of inspiration for future casting calls. He often keeps playbills and makes mental notes of actors that would suit any characters he has in development.
Now that Noori is shooting The Incidental, all future casting prospects will simmer on the back burner for now. As for the film, "The Incidental, thematically it’s about a journalist who accidently comes across some information. Something triggers him to follow this up and he ends up involved in City Hall and a plot to give some people some land. It’s essentially a character piece, and very much one man driven. The main actor is on screen for every shot of the film. It’s in the mould of 1970s neo-noir that I grew up with.”
When discussing his newest film, Noori's enthusiasm for the project is evident, and this enthusiasm will hopefully sustain him if any difficulties arise. One such difficulty, as many independent filmmakers knows, may be securing distribution.
Although Noori understands that reaching audiences can be difficult, he remains optimistic. "We are lucky enough to have an independent theatre locally that is very supportive of the local film culture," he explains. “In terms of distribution, there are more channels now I feel than ever before.” His plans include bringing The Incidental to various festivals and he hopes to secure distribution along the way. Until that time arrives, Noori plans to sell DVD copies of The Incidental online.
When discussing his newest film, Noori's enthusiasm for the project is evident, and this enthusiasm will hopefully sustain him if any difficulties arise. One such difficulty, as many independent filmmakers knows, may be securing distribution.
Although Noori understands that reaching audiences can be difficult, he remains optimistic. "We are lucky enough to have an independent theatre locally that is very supportive of the local film culture," he explains. “In terms of distribution, there are more channels now I feel than ever before.” His plans include bringing The Incidental to various festivals and he hopes to secure distribution along the way. Until that time arrives, Noori plans to sell DVD copies of The Incidental online.
