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Filmmaker Showcase: Deva George

As part of this issue’s Filmmaker Showcase, Monkey Ninjas and Tai Chi Masters director Deva George shared with us some of his perspective on both the art and profession of filmmaking.

STV: At what age did you first become interested in filmmaking, and what was your initial inspiration?

Deva: Probably 13 when we got a video camera. I went nuts and shot everything, fake commercials mostly… and blowing up action figures with fireworks.

STV: What was your first video project?

Deva: We did scores of video projects for classes and finally made complete pieces in college. I never realized how much went into a "real," movie until 2 years ago we tackled a feature-length, no-budget indie. It was an experience, good and bad. I learned plenty.

STV: Did you study filmmaking formally?

Deva: No. I studied advertising. My technical know-how I picked up from a friend who studied it, things like screen direction, continuity and script breakdowns. I still edit by feeling though, because that's ultimately what drives a piece. I still have tons to learn.

STV: What are the comparative challenges of directing a live action film versus an animated piece?

Deva: Sort of the same, except instead of, "Can an actor do that?" I think, "Can I draw that?" I still script and storyboard every scene to minimize drawing time on the computer. Live action is different because an actor can do several variations, and then you choose the best in editing. With animation, it takes time to create options so I like to have the script ALL locked in before I begin drawing. Animating on a deadline means: Measure twice. Cut once.

STV: What importance do you place on humor in your work, and what are the challenges unique to creating comedy?

Deva: Everything in life is timing. Especially humor. I want, "Wow, that was funny!" Not, "Oh...that was cute." Humor is everything, and it's fun to think of all the ways to be funny. I try to balance slapstick with more cerebral jokes.

STV: Who are some of the filmmakers you admire most, and why?

Deva: Wes Anderson is an inspiration. His movies are right up my alley. And Mike Judge's "Office Space," is great. Ben Stiller has always impressed me because he does it all. And Guy Ritchie nailed a cool style.

STV: Do you submit your work to many film festivals? What role do these festivals play in a filmmaker’s development?

Deva: My first festival experience was the Dallas Video Festival a few years back. A piece called, "The Night The Bread Came." A goofy Ed Wood horror spoof made in 48 hours (I recut it three years later.) I was stoked to see people laughing and enjoying it. Since then I've had 2 pieces (Tai Chi Masters and Monkey Ninjas) in other festivals. Nothing big like Sundance though… I always seem to miss the deadline. For filmmakers, festivals are good for exposure and to see how people react on a large scale. Larger festivals can draw producers and bigger bucks, so, that's an incentive.

STV: If you had the budget and the “deal” to make any type of film you wanted, what would it be?

Deva: Probably a character-driven friendship comedy with a romantic element and some cool moments that'll "make you think." Or this one idea I had about radioactive Hari Krishna frogs who sell pine trees in a post-apocalyptic war zone. Lots of nudity... and frogs.

STV: What advice would you give to young filmmakers trying to find their way through the industry?

Deva: Hmmm. I'll pretend I'm a seasoned pro and say: Learn from the source. Find who's doing what you want to do and learn from them. Never lose sight of your purpose when working, Be funny, be action, be romance, be true to your piece. Remember that it's all on the screen so don't slack on any element. Good pre-production is integral, so you'll never ask, "Why did we shoot that?" in the editing room.