In this episode, Ava DuVernay, writer and director of WHEN THEY SEE US, 13TH, SELMA, discusses her transition from running a publicity agency to filmmaking, her experience directing SELMA on a modest budget, and the power of dailies in her latest project. She also reflects on the impact of classic films on her childhood and shares her insights on the film industry's potential for positive change.
Ava DuVernay credits her love for cinema to her aunt and a lightbulb moment on the set of Collateral sparked her transition to filmmaking.
Ava believes that film has the power to change the world by evoking empathy, conveying important messages, and bringing unseen perspectives to life.
Concentration, collaboration, and strong partnerships, especially with the director of photography, are crucial in the filmmaking process according to Ava DuVernay.
Deep dives
Ava D'Verni's Journey to Becoming a Director
Ava D'Verni, known for directing films like Selma, discusses her path to becoming a director. Growing up in Compton, California, she never envisioned herself as a filmmaker but was always a film lover. Thanks to her aunt's love for movies, Ava developed a passion for the medium. She started her career as a film publicist before venturing into directing. It was during her time on the set of Michael Mann's Collateral that she began considering the idea of making her own films. At 32 years old, she picked up a camera and started making her own projects.
The Power of Film to Create Change
Ava believes that film has the power to change the world, as it can evoke empathy, convey important messages, and take audiences to new places emotionally and intellectually. She sees filmmaking as an opportunity to bring stories, experiences, and perspectives to life that may not otherwise be seen or understood. Ava particularly emphasizes the impact of documentary filmmaking in educating, informing, and enlightening audiences about various social issues. She also discusses the use of visual effects in enhancing storytelling and creating immersive experiences for viewers.
The Importance of Concentration and Collaboration in Filmmaking
Ava emphasizes the importance of concentration and collaboration in the filmmaking process. She describes how being fully present and focused during the filmmaking process allows her to bring her best self to each moment. She shares her approach to intense but short rehearsals to create a strong foundation for her actors. Ava also highlights the significance of strong collaboration with the director of photography (DP), as they work together to capture the primary images that convey the essence of each scene. She expresses her admiration for the craft and the ability to bring images to life through collaboration.
Hopefulness for the Future of the Film Industry
Despite the challenges and shortcomings of the film industry, Ava remains hopeful for its future. She believes that positive changes are happening, such as increased representation and diversity, as well as more conscious and responsible filmmaking practices. Ava underscores the importance of artists and filmmakers who are committed to pushing the industry forward and telling stories that matter. She sees filmmaking as a way to create empathy, drive social change, and foster a better understanding of the world and its complexities.
The Transformative Power of Filmmaking
Ava reflects on how filmmaking has profoundly transformed her life. It has allowed her to live an engaged and vibrant existence, where her mind, body, and heart are fully focused and connected. She describes the intensity and joy she experiences during the filmmaking process, as it ignites her creativity, enhances her understanding of the human experience, and provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Ava considers filmmaking to be a medium that not only entertains but also educates, enlightens, and inspires change.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 52 - AVA DUVERNAY - WRITER / DIRECTOR
On this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we sit down with writer and director Ava DuVernay (WHEN THEY SEE US, 13TH, SELMA) for a lively conversation about her career and her craft. Ava credits her early love for cinema to her classic-film-loving, night-shift-working aunt, and she describes the lightbulb moment while on location of Michael Mann’s COLLATERAL that catalyzed her transition from running her own boutique publicity agency to filmmaking. Ava later shares David Oyelowo’s persuasive pitch to her to direct SELMA, what changes she made to the script to make the film within its relatively modest budget, and how Oprah lent her influence during the shooting of a pivotal scene. After Ava reveals her newfound love for dailies while shooting her latest feature, we consider the viewing ritual’s collaborative nature, its widespread decline in use, and Ava’s commitment to the process in her future projects. Plus, at the end, Ava tells us which photo of Roger inspires her the most.
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This episode is sponsored by Dallas Film Commission
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