Point of View: Director, Jason Fialkov

кем Joe Brooks
Jason Fialkov
Director Carbon Films, Cape Town


POV: Director

How would you describe what you do?
The easiest way to describe it would be like conducting an orchestra I would say, I choose the best possible musicians I can find and compose the most beautiful piece of music together.
How did you get into this job?
I started as PA when I was still back in school, I used to work on set during the holidays, I fell inlove with it….
What is most challenging about what you do?
There are two things for me that are really challenging.
1. Finding the right cast for the job, this can make or break your film.
2. Being able to tell a story in 30seconds.
What is most rewarding?
Directing work that can make a difference, I love shooting PSA’s that are really impactful and thought provoking, I’m a big fan of pulling on the heart strings and making work that triggers emotion within ourselves.
What’s a typical work week like?
Spending a lot of time in my head trying to connect all the dots, and making sure every little detail of the script has been considered, nightimes are the worst, because then its it my dreams aswell.
What needs to happen the most in order for a shoot to run smoothly?
You need to spend a lot of time in pre-production making sure you’ve done all your homework properly, so that there are no surprises on the day of the shoot, but most importanly, you need to make sure you have the right team behind you, espicially the cast.
Whats your best job/worst job?
I think your best and worst job changes over time,presently the piece of work I love the most is Bobtail, my worst job…. I’d rather not say!
What advice would you offer someone considering a career as a Director?
If you are super passionate about what you do, you will go far, it’s a rollercoaster ride, so hold on tight and don’t beat youself up if things don’t always turn out the way you wanted them to, somethings are out of your control.
PS. Make sure you find a producer who’s as passionate as you and not just in it for the MONEY.
If you had one project that you could post on AdForum to represent your work, what would it be?
Bobtail
Finally tell us something that most people don’t know about being a Director?
It’s not as glamorous as it sounds


Jason Fialkov
Director Carbon Films, Cape Town