Ask the Director: Nicola von Leffern
Go with the spark between you and your story/topic/protagonist. This spark will translate to the film and furthermore to the audience. The right people will find your work – I promise.
You often tell other people's stories while reflecting on feminism, sexuality, and personal freedom. What do you think is important in such a storytelling process?
Intimacy and honesty. I will cast people I know very well for exactly these two reasons. The most beautiful gift one can give to others is to be present in a truthful and raw moment. You don’t get those in a typical „lights-camera-action“ setup – unless there is a deep connection established beforehand. So big thanks to all my friends for continuously collaborating with me over the course of my career.
What is essential for your work?
L O V E
How do you start your creative process and what tools do you use?
I wish there was a method to the madness. But I am a very intuitive person. I mean I think we all use the „safe“ button on instagram a hell lot. But I try to find most of my inspiration outside of the Internet. Chances are high your work becomes bland and samey otherwise. So the best tool is: your own camera + your own eyes.
When you're not making short films, music videos and documentaries, what are you doing? - Are you involved in other creative activities?
I am a filmmaker by day and pottery artist by night. I sit in my 6 square meter atelier and punch clay. It’s my form of meditation.
My second biggest hobby is guessing people's accents.
I will approach anyone in the supermarket, subway or coffee shop, just to proof how precise I can place them. Accents are my kink for sure.
What should never be missing from a set?
L O V E
… + music. I always ask people about their taste in music and then I listen to their suggestions at home. It helps me to understand them better. I love this way of communicating. It gives away so much about people's emotional life and general state of mind. On my last documentary shoot we spent a whole evening just playing songs and dancing together by the beach until we were all in tears.
You direct a wide range of short films, music videos and documentaries - what do you enjoy the most? Where do you have the most artistic freedom?
Blending genres is what I enjoy the most. Thinking outside limitations. Making a documentary but releasing it as a music video for maximum impact. Making a feature film which blends the aesthetics of fiction and documentary. Even shooting commercials but on authentic topics and with a lot of artistic freedom. All of this is possible these days and I am the right gurl for it.
What kind of projects do you see yourself getting into in the future? Would you like to shoot longer films?
I am in the midst of shooting a feature documentary in Lebanon. It’s fun and scary all at the same time. But honestly, growth is the best feeling. So I take on new challenges as often as I can. My past projects vary from theatre work, to hosting tv shows, to making all sorts of art and I hope to add many more adventures to the mix.
Do you have any role models?
100% for sure. Agnes Varda, Maren Ade, Alice Rohrwacher. Queens of filmmaking.
Advice to 20yrs old self?
This has less to do with filmmaking and more with life in general, but no 1 advice: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE NICE TO CREEPY GUYS!
Tips for aspiring filmmakers?
There is an audience for everyone. Go with the spark between you and your story/topic/protagonist. This spark will translate to the film and furthermore to the audience. The right people will find your work – I promise. As long as you keep on creating and putting things out there. Never film to please, film the things that you are truly drawn to and this magnetism will pave the way.
Cool instagram accounts:
@directorcontent @moviesethumor @hicaitlinreilly
