The LIAF project was my first time directing and while it did throw up a lot of challenges, it is definitely something I will be pursuing in the industry.
For me, storytelling has always been what drives my work- I like having a hand in all elements from the writing, designing and creative concepts as well as actually making the work (through puppets, animation ect). I like to have a real hands-on approach to what I do and have a visional way of thinking that I think is integral to directing animation.
Directing did come with a lot of challenges, I did struggle with some team members despite providing as much support possible to them- I think the real issue was that they were not actually interested in the project which made it very difficult to create a real collaborative environment. I do think if I had a team that shared some interest or passion in the project I would have been able to create a more successful film and focus more on the direction side. In the end I put together the majority of the elements of the film on my own but towards the end was able to enlist help in colleagues who actually wanted to be a part of the process.
I’d love to direct again with an eager team- I have a lot of experience in management and I believe I am good at being able to get the best out of people which is an intergeral part of making a film.
Because of the challenges I was able to really push myself into being as organised as possible in order to get every element of the film done. From finding a composer, making the set, designing the characters and putting together the press kit and social media content. I would not want to take all of that on again solo, but I now know what I am capable of achieving. This was the first time I’ve ever animated or directed so that fact that I managed to get a finished film together has given me a lot of confidence for whatever projects lay ahead.