Director Cam Harris talks about taking the film from script to camera

With only two months of pre-production Director Cam had a big job ahead of him. We interviewed him about the story and characters of the film and what it takes to be a director.

Director Cam Harris discussing a shot with Cinematographer Brendan Black

Q: What was your experience like directing “Five Seconds to Air”?

C: Directing FSTA was a combination of quick decision-making, careful problem solving, and constant collaboration with the cast and crew. It was at times challenging, exhilarating, and always enjoyable, but the time and effort put into pre-production allowed shooting day to go as smoothly as possible.

Q: What was the most challenging thing about making this film?

C: With the tight schedule of our actors, we were in positions of strict time limits requiring problems to be solved immediately and as calmly as possible. The strength of the collaboration between myself and the whole crew, including my DOP and First AD lead to a successful production.

Q: As a director what are the key skills you need in order to do the job?

C: As a director having problem solving skills is vital along with the patience to work with the different personalities and egos of your cast and crew. Be the calmest person in the room, even if you are nervous, take it with stride.

Q: Can you speak a bit about how you saw the characters in the film contrasting with the way the writer wrote them?

C: At certain point, the way the characters talk and act becomes a combination of three different interpretations. The writer who birthed them, the actor who becomes them, and the director who instructs and influences their behaviour. As a director you must find the balance, and you learn from that experience when you see the footage.

“.As a director having problem solving skills is vital along with the patience to work with the different personalities and egos of your cast and crew.”

Q: What was your favorite part of the directing process for this film?

C: I enjoyed the problem solving aspect the most. With the creative aspect developed in pre-production, this allowed production to be full of problem solving and teamwork. The collaborative element being the most rewarding aspect of directing.

Cam with Francessco and Victoria directing a scene

Q: What was your biggest concern on set?

C: Staying on schedule while getting the quality needed for great footage. Luckily our work process made sure almost every shot we wanted was obtained.

Q: Do you have any upcoming projects or things you would like readers to know?

C: I am currently developing an IP script, and writing future content for possible productions.