Se7en Questions with Filmmaker
Asaf Angel
Who are some of the artists or some of the works
that inspired you to get started in this field? Of today’s current artists, who do you draw inspiration from?
I think the first time I felt inspired was when I first saw Michael Cimino‘s Deer Hunter as a child. The Russian Roulette scene stayed with me. It was the first time I can remember feeling the urge to create.
As I grew up, I drew inspiration from different characteristics of many different great Filmmakers. To name just a few: Stanley Kubrick‘s meticulousness, Paul Thomas Anderson‘s storytelling, Richard Linklater‘s approach and many others.
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
I could simply say that the most negative aspect I could think of was the absolute uncertainty of success in lieu of so much time and effort, doing what we do. That won’t be true though…
In reality, the most negative aspect I experienced was my initial approach to that uncertainty as an indie filmmaker. Simply put: it took me a lot of time to really believe in myself as an artist.
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
For me, one of the greatest perks, doing what I do, is reciprocating with other artists, appreciating their different processes and whether I plan for it or not, accumulating knowledge and experience.
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Even though Ivy is the best completed project I got to work on. I must admit, The Bruised Spring’s Teens is my favourite. It was an eye-opening experience and so far the most challenging project I’ve ever worked on.
As opposed to concentrating resources to produce a short film, no matter how hard it is, it’s still an effort peaking on a few days (three, in Ivy‘s case) and from there it’s in Post-Production.
The Bruised Spring’s Teens almost took my sanity. We (Itai Guberman and I) shot five episodes and promotional material during six weekends, using the weekdays in-between to organize production for each shoot while still working day jobs. Because we went into it with very little funds, we had to do everything ourselves… and I mean everything.
In hindsight, I am very grateful for that experience and it will always remain a pivotal period in my life.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
We have several projects lined up in various stages. Right now, we’re hurtling towards our first feature film: Revelation, an apocalyptic horror. Itai Guberman wrote it and we are expected to go into pre-production in early 2018.
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
I see myself busy making quality content and being able to live off it so I can make more. My ultimate goal is to make films to be pondered on once watched. If you watch a film of mine, and it stays with you afterwards, regardless of whether you liked it or not, that’s what I’m aiming for.
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
I don’t have a specific idea, but I’m pretty sure it would have been something in the realm of craft and fabrication like carpentry or welding.
