Film Independent is pleased to welcome Mary Sweeney as the moderator for 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 four Film Independent Spirit Awards: Best First Screenplay, Best Film of 2000, Best Director (David Lynch) and Best Male Lead (which Richard Farnsworth won).

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 film, Baraboo, from her original screenplay.

by Carolyn Cohagan

Can you tell us a bit about your current project?

The film is titled Baraboo, which is a place in Wisconsin. It's about six people who live in a run down cabin resort in rural Wisconsin.

This is your feature directorial debut. How does it feel?

Like I stepped into my own shoes for the first time in my life.

Were there any surprises for you?

Sure, I thought I'd have “screen direction” and “eyeline” down from all my editing... I didn't, but I had a fantastic script supervisor who was locked into that.

You collaborated with David Lynch for many years. Now that you are directing, how do you feel that partnership has influenced your work?

Working for twenty years with such a gifted filmmaker exposed me to the best methods from casting to mixing. It was an excellent education in filmmaking.

Most indie filmmakers wear many hats during their first film, director/producer/writer/editor/caterer, but as time goes on most people narrow their responsibility. You continue to wear multiple hats. Is this passion or sadomasochism?

Pure happiness. I feel completed as an artist adding directing to editing, writing and producing.

You teach a course in “Alternative Narrative Advanced Screenwriting” at USC. What does that mean exactly? (And are there any FIND members out there who don’t want to take this?)

Non-linear narrative... like Mulholland Drive. You can't really teach that, it's more unteaching the three act linear structure... hard for young people starting out as writers. That takes a lot of confidence, like Picasso.

What are the challenges of teaching screenwriting?

I find it challenging to help each writer find their own voice, and it's a challenge because most of us hide it, are reluctant to expose ourselves.

Are young filmmakers different now than when you were getting started?

Yes. Filmmakers starting out today have the means to make movies with very little money and plenty of creative control.

What’s your advice to our members who are entering into their first screenplays or first productions?

Stay true to your vision, because no one else will care as much as you do about it. Hold on tight and trust that creativity is your birthright.

  You are going to be moderating our Directors Close-Up this year, which everyone at FIND is really excited about. What drew you to the series?

Sitting on panels with so many other filmmakers.

What’s next?

Finishing Baraboo. Making more movies.

 

Panelists confirmed for Directors Close-Up as of Jan. 27, 2009

Ben Burtt (Sound Designer, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Reggie Rock Bythewood (writer, Notorious)

Elliot Davis (DP, Twilight, Lords of Dogtown)

Rodrigo García (Production Designer, In Treatment, Nine Lives)

Lance Hammer (Ballast)

Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Lords of Dogtown)

Courtney Hunt (Frozen River)

Jonathan Levine (The Wackness)

Gina Prince-Bythewood (writer/director, The Secret Life of Bees)

Nancy Richardson (Editor, Twilight, Lords of Dogtown)

Howard Rodman (Savage Grace)

Buy one pass for the Directors Close-Up series before Monday, February 2 and get one FREE guest ticket good for any individual session of your choice. BUY YOUR PASS TODAY!

Event starts at 7:30 pm

(doors open at 6:30pm )

The Landmark - West Los Angeles
10850 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064

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Please keep visiting FilmIndependent.org for schedule and panelist updates.

Carolyn Cohagan is the Web Content Editor for FilmIndependent.org. If you are a filmmaker interested in blogging or being interviewed, please contact CCohagan@filmindependent.org