WomenCinemakers vol V WomenCinemakers vol V | Page 39

Sally F. Barleycorn
The potential of shooting
S16mm in the digital age
I think that in filmmaking we just lie too much to only
entertain or to maintain a system already established,
stereotypes, just to please or create a certain effect. But the
truth is that the only stories that really touches us humans,
entertain us and bring something valuable to the world are
those that are sincere and authentic. And I don’t know if
that will show as a filmmaking style but it definitely is my
working style and I hope it always will. That is actually one
of the few things I’m sure I can do well.
status, limited budget and my fear to not be a good leader.
I won’t forget how I felt after each shooting day that it had
been the most difficult and the most exciting work day I had
ever had in my life.
You have shot Skinhearts both in digital and 16mm
film. Can you explain this peculiar aesthetic choice?
We basically turned technical limita tions into an interesting
aesthetic experiment.
Skinhearts is a technically audacious and emotionally
I wanted to shoot the entire film in 16mm because I wanted
gripping work. What was the most challen ging thing
to make a futuristic film with an old film look, to really focus
about making this film?
on the futuristic behaviour of the people living in that time,
rather than getting
distracted
by
any
The most challenging for me was holding “Most people have no idea how incredibly
special
effects
or
too many hats at once writer-director- important quality, caring touch is in their
gadgets. But it became
producer. Not only it is difficult to do, it is lives as human beings. Through my research
obvious that we would
also a too lonely place to be when you I learned that it is our most basic sense and
not be able to shoot in
have to manage such a complicated film primal way of communication.”
film the night scene,
and not being very experienced in any of
because there isn’t
those jobs. Also maintaining that vision and keep feeling
16mm film stocks with the needed speed anymore and we
the story and the characters while working in a highly
didn’t have the budget to have the lighting of a football
technical environ ment, not so artistic place, that a film set
camp! Instead of witching the whole film to digital, we
is. But having a great director of photography and amazing
decided that to make a contrast between the two parts of
actors asking you questions and suggesting new
the