#20: Alix Austin & Keir Siewert, Debut Feature Directors - Making "Kill Your Lover" Against All Odds

Filmmaking Framed

In this episode of Filmmaking Framed, hosts Tom Dexter and Danion Hughes sit down with filmmakers Alix Austin and Keir Siewert of Switchblade Cinema (https://www.switchblade-cinema.com/) to delve into their debut feature film, "Kill Your Lover," (https://www.kyl-movie.com/) a tale of a toxic relationship interwoven with supernatural elements. Alix and Keir share invaluable insights on transitioning from shorts to features, emphasising meticulous planning and the value of committed actors over big names. They explore evolving trends in film financing and distribution, the impact of social media influencers on audience guarantees, and the challenges of authenticity in the competitive industry landscape. The filmmakers stress the importance of staying true to their unique vision, creating work with depth and passion amidst changing paradigms in the film industry. If you're an aspiring filmmaker looking to make your debut feature, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that you won't want to miss. Tune in to learn how to turn your filmmaking dreams into reality!

KILL YOUR LOVER releases June 7th 2024 in North America - don't miss it!

Key Lessons

• Meticulous Planning and Preparation ("Fix it in Prep"): Alix and Keir emphasise the importance of thorough planning and preparation before production, coining the term "Fix it in Prep." This includes storyboarding, detailed pre-production work, and resolving as many issues as possible in the planning stages to ensure a smooth and efficient shoot. They stress that proper planning can help mitigate many of the challenges that arise during filming, especially when working with limited resources and tight schedules.

• Commitment and Flexibility: They highlight the significance of having a committed team who believe in the project. Rather than chasing big names, they advise working with actors and crew members who are genuinely passionate and invested in the film. Additionally, they talk about the necessity of being flexible and adaptable, learning to pivot and make the best out of unforeseen circumstances and challenges during the filmmaking process.

• Staying True to Your Vision: Alix and Keir stress the importance of creating work that is authentic and true to your unique vision. They encourage filmmakers to infuse their projects with personal passion and to make films that stand out in the crowded market by being idiosyncratic and genuine. This approach not only makes the filmmaking process more fulfilling but also helps in creating a distinctive and memorable film that resonates with audiences.

Resources

Influential Filmmakers and Films:

Christopher Nolan's "Following"

Richard Linklater's "Slacker"

Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It"

Brian De Palma for his dynamic and kinetic shooting style

Steven Soderbergh's "The Knick" for its innovative use of long takes and character focus

John Carpenter's "The Thing" for its effective handling of group scenes

Practical Experiences and Examples:

Short Films:

"The Foul": A short film by their DP, Oscar Garth, which showcased creative cinematography.

https://oscargarth.co.uk/The-Foul

Film Industry Insights:

Predatory Distributors Facebook Group: A resource for filmmakers to share experiences and warnings about predatory practices in film distribution.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/distribber/permalink/1820774805097359/

Personal Experiences:

Crowdfunding Campaigns: Their experiences with crowdfunding, both the challenges and successes, served as a significant reference for understanding film financing.

Want to get in touch with Alix and Keir? Contact them through their company website

https://www.switchblade-cinema.com/

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