Six Questions with Stephen Parry

22 April 2009

Short Courses

FTI Advanced Diploma in Screen student Stephen Parry successfully pitched to become the director of the graduate project, the largest film created during the 6 month training program.

The short film ‘Game On’ allowed the students in the program to demonstrate their new skills that had been built up over a succession of short films productions.

We put the regular six questions to Stephen.

How would you describe your film ‘Game On’?
Short, fun and not to be taken too seriously.

“Game On!” is a comedic short film that follows two men who haven’t caught up since high school. Instinctively they compare their lives to see who has the better one. Taking place in their minds, this small competition is blown out of proportion as they are thrown into a Game show hosted by a 1940s radio announcer. Let the games begin.

When looking at the outlandish sets and crazy costumes, beyond it all the message shows that we all compete about anything and everywhere.

Who else was involved in making the film?
“Game On!” was the Graduate Project for the Film and Television Institute’s Advance Diploma in Screen(Video Production) 2008 Course.

It was Produced by the short films Writer and past student Gregg Johnson. It involved myself and fellow classmates as we collaborated with film makers, Lecturers, actors, extras, friends and families.

Principle Photography took place at the Dusk Lounge in Joondalup, FTI and Essex Street pool hall.

What was the Production process like?
Production was very quick. Taking place during the intense 30 week course I didn’t have time to stop and catch a flick.

Being my directing debut I enjoyed it thoroughly and learnt a whole lot at the same time. Not just from the process but from my colleagues who provided their own experiences.

What filmmakers do you find inspiring?
Born in South Africa I didn’t see my first “Cinema” movie until I was 11, in 2001. Yes I know what you’re thinking. I missed out on a lot of blockbusters on the big screen during the 90s. Well there always was the old trusty VHS player. Thinking back to when you were little what film for your age did you find inspiring? Making you appreciate what was on screen? Well being young and seeing ‘Lord of the Rings’ on the big screen was a amazing experience.
This was one of the first movies which made me truly appreciate the photography that was taking place on screen.

Saying this, watching and meeting Andrew Lesnie on set of ‘Bran Nue Dae’ was truly inspirational.

There are also numerous amount of Directors from a few people you may of heard of, such as Tarrantino, Spielberg, Scorsese, Edward Zwick, David Fincher, James Cameron…the list goes on. The thing I love about film making is every time you head down to the pictures you learn something new.

Understanding the craft I believe gives you a better viewing experience.

What’s next on the cards for you and/or other members of the team?
I will be putting together a Production Company called Sky Blue Productions for current and future productions.

Whilst studying at FTI I met and bonded with fellow student Jason Stringer. Myself and Jason are in developing stages of a docudrama. I can’t say anything at this point so stay tuned.

I will be trying to get on as many sets as possible to learn and recieve experience as I start my journey as a film maker.

What advice would you give to someone about the make their next short film?
Screw the Mariachi-style, Film making is a team effort…

‘Game On’ will be screened to members of the Film and Television Institute at the organisations Annual General Meeting on April 22nd.

Stephen can be cyber stalked on social networking site Twitter or you can become his latest friend on Facebook