ఇక ని సినిమాలు నేను తీయను అన్న డైరెక్టర్.. | Director Shankar Given Explanation | Red TV

Summary

The transcript provides an in-depth discussion on the filmmaking process, focusing on the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial constraints. Director Shankar shares insights on the challenges of editing, where scenes are often cut to fit time and budget constraints, resulting in a compromise between creativity and audience engagement. The conversation touches on the digital revolution's impact on budgets, with a shift towards multiple takes and improvisation. Additionally, historical anecdotes about conflicts between directors and producers shed light on the ongoing challenges in filmmaking, highlighting the importance of managing both creativity and financial viability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Director Shankar shared that the original footage of 'Game Changer' was about five hours long, but they had to cut it down to approximately 2.5 hours for the final release.
• 😀 There were concerns that the additional footage, if included, could have made the film even better, but some feared the longer runtime would bore the audience.
• 😀 Shankar discussed how digital filmmaking allows multiple takes, which can lead to increased budget and production time, as opposed to the more rigid methods of earlier filmmaking.
• 😀 He emphasized the importance of preparing the script thoroughly in advance to prevent unnecessary costs and to ensure a more streamlined production process.
• 😀 Shankar mentioned that the editing process requires a balance between creative freedom and the film's connection with the audience, urging editors to focus on what works for the film rather than personal attachments to certain scenes.
• 😀 He recalled the famous approach of K.S. Prakash Rao, who was known for his strict and efficient editing style, highlighting the importance of not getting attached to specific scenes.
• 😀 Shankar also noted how certain clashes between producers and directors over creative control, especially regarding the film's climax, can influence the final product.
• 😀 The director explained that it's essential to avoid over-shooting scenes without a clear structure or line, as it could lead to confusion and poorly executed narratives in the final edit.
• 😀 Shankar pointed out that the lack of a solid narrative structure in the film, especially in political subplots, led to confusion, which could have been avoided with clearer development.
• 😀 He criticized the final fight sequences and the portrayal of heroism, suggesting that more effort was needed to elevate these moments for a stronger impact on the audience.

Q & A

What is the director's perspective on editing the movie?

The director believes that a lot of great scenes had to be cut out due to the film's length, but there was a need to balance the content for a final cut of around 2 hours to ensure audience engagement.

Why does the director think editing sometimes leads to film failure?

The director emphasizes that the goal should be to prioritize the film's connection with the audience, not personal attachments to specific scenes. Poor editing or unnecessary footage can disrupt this connection, even if scenes are emotionally powerful.

How has digital filmmaking affected the editing process?

With the advent of digital filmmaking, costs have reduced, and filmmakers tend to experiment more, sometimes taking multiple shots of the same scene. This can lead to a bloated final cut, increased costs, and more time spent on editing.

What does the director say about the importance of script preparation?

The director stresses the importance of having a well-prepared script and being aware of which scenes are essential for the story. This planning helps in maintaining the film's focus and controlling the budget.

How does excessive footage impact the film's production and budget?

Excessive footage can lead to rising production costs, as more time is spent filming and editing. Additionally, paying actors and extras for extra time on set adds to the budget, ultimately making the film less cost-efficient.

What is the significance of the 'cutting' process in filmmaking, according to the director?

The director explains that cutting scenes, even those deemed 'great,' is a necessary part of filmmaking. The film must be structured in a way that connects with the audience, and any scene that disrupts that connection must be removed, no matter how well executed.

How does the director compare editing in the past and now?

In the past, filmmakers were more conservative with takes, limiting them to one or two shots per scene to save costs. With digital technology, however, directors tend to take multiple shots, leading to more footage and greater challenges during editing.

What role does the editor play in ensuring the final output of the film?

The editor plays a critical role by creating a rough cut based on the director's vision and then refining the final cut to ensure it meets the intended emotional and narrative goals. The editor must be ruthless in removing scenes that don't fit the story or audience engagement.

How does the director feel about personal attachments to scenes?

The director advises against getting emotionally attached to specific scenes. Even if a scene is personally meaningful to the director, it may not resonate with the audience and should be cut if it disrupts the film’s flow.

What does the director suggest about making decisions during a film's production?

The director suggests that decisions should always be made with the audience in mind. Filmmakers must avoid making choices based solely on personal preferences or interests, as the goal is to connect with the audience and provide a compelling experience.