Ask the Director: Adam Munnings

Your way into filmmaking was like…

My journey into film making was really a process of curiosity, trial and error. I grew up dancing and went on to attend a full time performing arts school. After a few international contracts in shows I found myself in Tokyo where I was introduced to the fashion and nightlife scene which was quite intoxicating for 20 year old me. I signed with a modelling agency there and learnt how to Dj before starting a queer party ‘Fucking Friday’. I was always fascinated by sets, stages, nightclubs, anywhere that worlds were built. I moved to NYC and continued exploring creative outlets, taking on internships with Jordan Hemingway & Anja Rubik (25 magazine). I was dabbling in a heap of things like interior design, art direction, marketing, music, dance, modelling all whilst hosting at a downtown restaurant. 

The day trump was elected I decided it was time to ditch the hustle and make a move. I ended up in Berlin and took part in a small documentary about expats moving to the city that followed my arrival up until an exhibition I had. The director of the doco encouraged me to explore some film schools and the following year I started a film production course at Catalyst Berlin, located at Funkhaus. Finding film was a huge moment for me. I had found something that combined all of what I was doing before and although I didn’t consider myself a huge film buff, the process felt so right and exciting. Also, Berlin as a city really has an intangible essence and inspiring artistic community that differs greatly to current day New York. After a year of studies I adopted that NY hustle energy again and shot everything I could, meeting some amazing people along the way.

Advice to your 20 years old self? Where do you get your inspirations from?

I’m quite a sensitive person so whenever I get the chance to translate something personal through my work I find it flowing out of me and I'm constantly inspired by my surroundings. Underground queer culture is ever evolving and existing in these spaces provides endless amounts of thought provoking conversation and unique individuals that I love to capture. Life, love and the irony of it all provides a lot to process and celebrate and as long as I’m taking what I do seriously but myself not too seriously I think I’ll remain inspired. 

What's your process from the idea to the final film? What' s your creative process and what tools do you use?

A lot of the time things move hard and fast and director’s have to jump into this ‘create something good now’ mode. At times I feel sharp and decisive and other times I feel anxious and completely indecisive. Depending on the initial brief I will start with visual moods of various approaches and then hone in on details of what feels right creatively but also what will be achievable within the framework of the project. When it’s sitting well with me I’ll usually write a poem, statement or contemplative text to start a treatment with and set an energy, tone or intent. The concept building process helps set certain departments and approaches and it slowly starts coming together. Once approved I love to dive into conversation with HODs to work out how my ideas can be elevated and well executed. My sets are quite energetic and working with crew and talent requires good vibes to get the shots you need so pre, shoot and post production all require trust and ongoing development. 

What's the power of a commercial to Politics and Ethics?

Whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate, the fact is that we are all influenced by brands we love, people we admire and organisations we respect, therefore association becomes a big player in what we adopt from these people or companies. With great power comes great responsibility and the decision makers in power be it Balenciaga or Biden need to be conscious of the messages they are putting out. More often than not I feel like bashing my head against a wall when it comes to modern day politics and the backward thinking that’s going on. As exhausting as it can be pushing for things like diversity, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights within our commercial work I feel like it’s a small power and privilege we have to be in these conversations. In cities we live in a bubble but a lot of our work reaches huge audiences of people that may not be exposed to others like them on a day to day. There’s power in the right commercial but companies shouldn’t just hide behind a surface campaign they need to follow through on all levels. Wake me up when people get that. 

How do you distinguish music videos from advertising campaigns? Where do you have more artistic freedom? What do you like more?

Every project is different no matter the type and each come with their own challenges and creative stimulation. Luckily my style crosses over reasonably well between music videos and advertising but I would say music videos have more creative freedom and that's where the magic happens. Often the energy on MV sets is so much more enjoyable, it rarely feels like work (on set). Having a balance of both is the key I think and at the end of the day the rent aint gonna pay itself. I’d like to do more personal work that includes no client or artist. 

You are also a model, DJ and choreographer. What influence do these experiences have on the way you make films?

Naturally I love to work with dance and movement just because it was such an important part of my life for a time and everything I do outside of film somehow influences how or what I shoot. I feel quite lucky to have had the experience on the other side of the camera as a talent because I can understand the struggles and craft of both positions. Diversity in all forms is a strength and in a world of so many talented creatives leaning into your own unique process and experience is really all we’ve got to differentiate ourselves. 

5 favourite films?

Next question…. 

Cool instagram accounts?

@lunchboxcandy - our Berlin based queer rave  @joshquinton - Love their style @jontyknight - A dear creative friend  @dustinhanke - Another dear creative friend  @janinazais - Hair, face, body arrrrrt.