The Director’s Panel

The Director’s Panel at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival was one of the highlights of the festival for me. The panel included some of the industries top directors including: Judd Apatow (The forty year old Virgin (2005) and Knocked Up (2007), Brad Bird (Ratatouille (2007) and The Incredibles (2004) Craig Gillespie Lars and the Real Girl (2007) Adam Shankman Hairspray (2007) and Julian Schnabel The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007). The atmosphere was relaxed and sometimes raucous. The panel discussed everything from the current writer’s strike to the collaborative process of film making. Below is a list of memorable quotes that capture the spirit of the afternoon.

When asked about the dark tone of the films that are nominated for the Academy Award this year.

Jason Reitman: “Dark and touching at the same time. The films have elements of black comedy. We’re living in a really good time for comedy in that you can say things in comedy that you can’t say in other mediums. Once you get the audience laughing you can go other places.”

When asked about the down side of the entertainment business.

Brad Bird: “When you’re making a movie you have to fight battles….Choose your battles.” If the answer is maybe walk away. I have seen this business suck people’s lives away.”

And Julian Schnabel: “You have to know what’s worth fighting for.”

When comparing the film making process to painting Julian Scnheibal was once told: “You think literally. You have to think visually.”

Brad Bird: “ A giant image has more to do with the visceral response than 3D.”

Jason Reitaman: “At the end of the day it’s all about tone.”

Brad Bird: “Use the collaborative process.” It’s the same no matter what department you work with. It’s almost the same as working with an actor.”

Craig Gillespie: “Does it feel right? Does it feel real?

Jason Reitman: “Whether it’s the music or the costume it’s about the emotion of the scene. I talk to my composer about the tone of the scene. Think about what the story is that you’re telling.”

Julian Schnable: “Film is fluid. I don’t do story boards.”

When asked what makes a movie good.

Judd Apatow: Oddly I think I have an answer for that. You have to look at the film and think nobody else could have made that film.”

Jason Reitman: “It has to be personal. Find the material that is the most personal.”

Adam Shankman: “There was nothing more personal to me than making Hairspray. The best worst movie ever made was Showgirls.”

Julian Schabel requested a ban on the word “assume,” although the afternoon certainly was.