FHTA filmmaker- Raffi Asdourian
My film is “Ai” a short samurai film I made in Japanese. It’s about a young woman, haunted by the memories of her parents being murdered, who slowly discovers the truth about her past. I was inspired by the great tradition of Japanese cinema and the culture and history of the fearless warriors known as the samurai. Right now, I have begun the distribution process of the film in hopes of garnering some attention for my next project, my first feature film.
FTHA Film Page
Official Site
What is currently wrong with the film industry from your point of view as a DIY filmmaker?
The biggest problem with the film industry today is the lack of diversity of films promoted in the mainstream. If I owned a film studio, my biggest priority would be to distribute diverse content for a multitude of audiences as opposed to general “safe bet” films that turn a guaranteed, but in many cases, small profit. I just think Hollywood has forgotten how to take a chance on a film, whether it be small or big, and because of that there is a severe lack of variety and quality films available in the mainstream.
If today we are “here” describe “awesome”, what is the most ideal digital filmmaking utopia in your mind?
The most ideal filmmaking utopia is what I call Film 2.0 or the digital revolution actually coming to fruition. I think there will be a major shift in the way that film based content is created and distributed and that control will rest both in creators and the audience and opposed to a 3rd party. I also think that the “independent film movement” will eventually realize how to pool their resources and share their content, so it’s easier to access independent content without hassle. Projects like Workbook project are a perfect example of us heading towards more awesome.
What was the experience like of being one of the Pioneer From Here to Awesome Filmmakers?
The experience of being part of the inaugural From Here to Awesome has been nothing short of awesome. The tools and information have been priceless in terms of expanding into new audiences. I am humbled by the concept and think it’s a step in the right direction for the future of filmmaking and media distribution.
If you had the attention of the entire film industry right now, what would you tell them?
Make more movies. Take more chances.
What would you say to other filmmakers considering being a part of future renditions of From Here to Awesome?
The better prepared you are before applying to FH2A the better. Get your website, blog, pictures and videos ready, so that when you launch your FH2A page, you can fully take advantage of the amazing opportunities presented. Also, think about different methods of promoting your film once chosen. Again, the more you have prepared to market the better off you will be.
Describe your next project and whether your involvement with From Here to Awesome or DIY DAYS has informed anything about how you’ll proceed in the future.
My new project is a feature film based on the short film chosen for FH2A entitled “Sleeping Demon”. Ai is a character within a larger dramatic framework. I have had tremendous insight into how I will pre-pro my features because of DIY Days and FH2A. I will prepare to market and distribute my film, even before I’ve begun production of the film, that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned. It’s all about thinking about your film and the audiences you want to reach as part of pre-production, before the film process even begins. It will not only empower and challenge the filmmaker in creative ways, but it will tremendously help the lifespan of the film and your career as a filmmaker.
