Laurence Shanet Interview(s)

I make decisions.

I had studied medicine prior to studying film in college, and became especially interested in the intersection of science, art and commerce. After graduating, I went into advertising as way to get more experience and spend time on sets while still earning a consistent living. After quite a few years on the agency side, I went freelance so I could go back to graduate film school, and put together my director's reel. I was fortunate enough to get some attention at the awards shows for my early work, and directing became my full time gig. I've been directing ever since, and eventually expanded beyond commercials, to films, television, music videos, and even the occasional stage play. And now people around the world are very relieved not have me as their doctor.

The sum of the tasks involved in directing is actually more than any one person could ever do. Of course, they don't tell you that as you're learning. But I think any director who believes he or she can really keep track of all the things he's supposed to be in charge of is mistaken or lying. Even the world's greatest filmmakers have their notable strengths and weaknesses. You learn to prioritize certain aspects and delegate others. And what you’re good at depends on which elements you focus the most on, and how good your team is at picking up the slack on the rest. So the most challenging aspect of directing is keeping all those balls in the air while staying calm under pressure, and still leaving room to think creatively and add something special to the finished piece.

I love the collaborative aspect of what we do: taking all the great ideas and talented people we work with, and combining them to shape a final piece that's fun or interesting to watch. And after all that work is complete, you get a truly special payback from just a smile, laugh, or knowing nod from someone watching it for the first time.

Every week is different. In fact, every day is different, because no two projects are alike. And that's what keeps the job fun. Even if you've done casting, or scouting, or editing before, you can bet that the next time won't be quite like the last. The fact that there is no typical week is one of my favorite aspects of what we do.

The three biggest things that have to happen are collaboration, cooperation, and preparation. Shoots are really an exercise in problem solving. So if the client, agency, and production company all think of themselves as one team trying to achieve something great, the shoot will run smoothly, as long as the proper preparation has been done. It's only when trust breaks down, and corners start to get cut, that the problems that any shoot can pose become insurmountable.

There is no worst job. I'd always rather shoot something new than not shoot, because each project is an opportunity to learn more, try new things, and get better at what I do. As for the best job, I'm just grateful that I get to do this for a living, and look forward to the next one, which is always the best. And yes, I realize that this answer was a total hedge.

1. Don't go into directing because you want attention or approval. Only do it if you love the actual process. That way you'll feel rewarded no matter what happens. Directing is a really challenging path to take, and there will be innumerable frustrations and setbacks. So unless you really like the journey, you'll never get to any desirable destination.

2. Find great people to work with, and listen to them. They will make you immeasurably better.

3. Don't just try to be competent at the craft and reproduce the types of things you've seen before. There are a million people who are capable of doing that. What you offer is your unique point of view on the world.

4. Become a polymath and an observer. The things that make your work resonate with viewers will be the things that seem familiar or truthful to them. The more things you've observed and know about, the better chance you have of connecting with someone. So consume culture and knowledge voraciously, and stay open to new viewpoints and opinions.

5. Don't listen to people's feedback about your work; they will usually just say what they think they're supposed to. Instead, watch them while they're watching it. If they laugh, it's funny, regardless of what they say. And if they don't, it probably isn't.

Probably "The Godfather". Oh, you mean one of MY projects? That's tougher...

We all get free guac at Chipotle.