22
FIlm IndePendent
Film Independent is pleased to announce
that Mary Sweeney will be moderating the
2009 Directors Close-Up.
Ms. Sweeney has a long history with Film
Independent. The Straight Story, which
she wrote, produced and edited, was
nominated for two Film Independent Spirit
Awards: Best First Screenplay and Best
Film of 2000. She currently serves on the
Board of Film Independent.
A long time creative collaborator of David Lynch, Ms. Sweeney has credits which include
producer/editor of Mulholland Drive, for which she won the BAFTA award for best editing.
In addition, she had a hand in Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Inland Empire, and Twin Peaks.
She is currently editing her directorial debut fi lm, Baraboo, from her original screenplay.
By Carolyn Cohagan
Can you tell us a bit about your cur- hats during their fi rst fi lm, director/ Yes. Filmmakers starting out today have
rent project, Motel, Gas Station? producer/writer/editor/caterer, but the means to make movies with very little
as time goes on most people narrow money and plenty of creative control.
First, that was a working title, and the fi lm their responsibility. You continue to
is now titled Baraboo which is a place wear multiple hats. Is this passion or What’s your advice to our members
in Wisconsin. It’s about six people who sadomasochism? who are entering into their fi rst screen-
live in a run down cabin resort in rural plays or fi rst productions?
Wisconsin. Pure happiness. I feel completed as an
artist adding directing to editing, writing Stay true to your vision, because no one
This is your feature directorial debut. and producing. else will care as much as you do about
How does it feel? it. Hold on tight and trust that creativity is
You teach a course in “Alternative your birthright.
Like I stepped into my own shoes for the Narrative Advanced Screenwriting” at
fi rst time in my life. USC. What does that mean exactly? You are going to be moderating our
(And are there any FIND members out Directors Close-Up this year, which
Were there any surprises for you? there who don’t want to take this?) everyone at FIND is really excited
about. What drew you to the series?
Sure, I thought I’d have “screen direc- Non-linear narrative... like Mulholland
tion” and “eyeline” down from all my Drive. You can’t really teach that, it’s Sitting on panels with so many other
editing... I didn’t, but I had a fantastic more unteaching the three act linear fi lmmakers.
script supervisor who was locked into structure... hard for young people start-
that. ing out as writers. That takes a lot of con- What’s next?
fi dence, like Picasso.
You collaborated with David Lynch for Finishing Baraboo. Making more movies.
many years. Now that you are direct- What are the challenges of teaching
ing, how do you feel that partnership screenwriting? Please keep visiting FilmIndependent.
has infl uenced your work? org for schedule and panelist updates
I fi nd it challenging to help each writer for the 2009 Directors Close Up.
Working for twenty years with such a fi nd their own voice, and it’s a challenge
gifted fi lmmaker exposed me to the best because most of us hide it, are reluctant Carolyn Cohagan is the Web Content
methods from casting to mixing. It was to expose ourselves. Editor for FilmIndependent.org. If you
an excellent education in fi lmmaking. are a fi lmmaker interested in blogging
Are young fi lmmakers different now or being interviewed, please contact
Most indie fi lmmakers wear many than when you were getting started? CCohagan@fi lmindependent.org
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