Vanessa Caswill
Vanessa Caswill’s films have been causing quite a stir recently; her short film ‘Pudding Bowl’ won a 4Talent award in December of last year and recently won two awards- best visual film and best overall film- at the Limelight Film and Arts awards. The film was also a finalist at the Moondance Film Festival, Reykjavik International Film Festival and Filmstock International Film Festival. Her short film, ‘Fairytale of the City’ stars up and coming actor Sam Worthington and its DoP was award-winning Marc Windon. She has also recently directed pop videos for Lisa Mtchell and signed with Annex Films.
What training have you received?
I am self-taught and have a BA hons in Drama and Theatre Arts from The University of Birmingham.
What kind of projects attract you?
I’m attracted to projects that celebrate the fragility, beauty, pain, ridiculousness and determination of human beings, particularly women. I’m fascinated by the lasting impact that the seemingly banal can have upon an individual and how in our own weird and wonderful ways we each try to establish a connection with the world. I’m hugely influenced by fairytales – both thematically and structurally, and also their blend of the fantastical and the mundane.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given as a director?
I felt creatively frustrated during my first year living in London. A friend of mine, Felix Barrett, the Artistic Director of Punchdrunk Theatre Company, gave me some great advice that has stuck with me since: set yourself a deadline. Even if you haven’t got an idea or a camera or whatever, just set the deadline, and you will be forced to make something. Also, don’t be afraid of imperfection. You have got to make a lot of shit before you can make something good.
Most significant moment in your career so far
I think my first short film was a very significant experience – out of luck and fortunate timing I got to shoot my first project on 35mm with a great DoP and great actors. It set a precedent that means I always want my projects to be as professional as possible despite issues of budget.
You’ll die happy when…
I’ll die happy, whenever that time may be, if I can continue to strive for the things I believe in and appreciate those little moments of magic that occur each day. Not to mention enjoy good food, good wine and music with my friends.
