INTERVIEW WITH THE CLASSIC CINEMA PRIZE WINNER FILMMAKER LAURENT COMBAZ !!!

1) What kind of strategies to follow before shooting a fantasy short film like Kaliderson Melody?

Hear us well, I have no miracle recipe! Already I have the annoying habit of not wanting to do anything like everyone else (laughs). For me, the center of the film is the emotion that must come out of it, as well as the main message. I can't help but tell stories for educational or experimental purposes, so the viewer has to live the same adventure with the characters. For this the characters must be endearing and human, which is not always easy for Kaliderson because in 10 years of web series the character has made a lot of progress. He must keep faults and a human side so that we can identify with him.

2) Cinematography and lighting are very important in film making. What is your opinion ?

I adore. The aesthetics of a film, its image, all that is a bit of its identity. I am very sensitive to a poster and to the image that a film sends back to us. For Kaliderson, we have few resources so we make do with what we have, whether in terms of costumes or sets. Afterwards, you have to deal with what is in front of the camera to try to send back an image as beautiful as possible. An image rich with an atmosphere. Lighting is very important (lighting or lack thereof, for that matter). We mainly shoot in natural light and we don't always have the time we want. So it can be very complicated.

3) Who is your source of inspiration for making films? What films inspired you to make fantastic films?

I am a child of the film "the name of the rose" by Jean-Jacques Annaud (based on the novel by Umberto Eco). He is even honored in the 4th season when Kaliderson is condemned to death by the Birds of Silence. Admittedly, it's not a fantastic movie to begin with, but this movie is just awesome. I think this is the film I would have liked to shoot (just to shoot in such an incredible setting!). But the character of Kaliderson is also inspired by the Thorgal comic book universe.

4) The film is a clear depiction of a culture. Please state your opinion on this context.

I now think it is almost inevitable. We had the experience of this last year when a festival pointed out to us that we unwittingly supported the place of women in society simply because we had girls in front of the camera. This festival was in a country where women do not have the same place as in ours (France). So I think even if we want to stay neutral or universal, we really can't. Our sets, our costumes, the way our characters speak or behave, all of this contributes to representing a certain culture even when we are not careful.

5) What is the influence of social networks on cinema? What was your experience?

We noticed one thing about ourselves: when we started winning awards at festivals and announcing it on social media, our image changed (for the better, of course). More generally, I'm not sure if the networks have a good or bad influence on cinema. We see as much promotion for the films as the critics who let loose on them. It all seems shared.

6) If you take a big budget Hollywood movie, who will be your protagonist?

Kaliderson! There is plenty to do ! (Laughs). Otherwise I would like to have Asterix the Gaul, to be able to really treat the friendship between Asterix and Obelix. I also really like tormented heroes; I would say to you: Batman or Wanda Maximov (from the Avengers) but the subject has already been well covered in the cinema. Or why not a new movie with Buffy (the vampire slayer).

7) Film festivals always help us build our confidence by showcasing our films and awarding prizes. Do you agree with the statement?

I agree. This allows a film to have a first life, in a sense, and above all an opinion from true cinema lovers. We were talking about social networks earlier; anyone can give their opinion (which in itself is fine) but what about the objectivity or honesty of all those comments? Not easy to answer this question, is it? I think festivals help us a lot for that; this is why they must remain honest, objective and fair.

8) Casting in a film is very important. What procedures do you follow for the casting of Kaliderson Melody? I want to remind you that I don't necessarily do like everyone else (laughs). It's when I meet people in real life that I'm inspired by them and create their character when they come on the show. We have some characters very extravagant, like Béranger, Jezabel, or Alixe. These actors are like their character in real life. They are already characters, far from people "like everyone else". For the character of Kaliderson, in 10 years of series, we are already at the 5th actor; well according to the actor who plays him, I don't make Kaliderson experience the same thing. I use what people know how to do but above all what they are. And that's what I like to do: bring everyone's hidden talent to light.