Justin Barnes
from Australia
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Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
I was born in South Africa, moved to New Zealand while in primary school and then in High School moved to Perth, Australia. When I was in my second last year of High School I made my first Individual short film. It was entered into the “Quest for Excellence†competition by my school. In my final year of High School I was Awarded the role of Head Boy – where I lead the student body and strived to get things changed on behalf of the student body. Being Head boy was a great accomplishment for me. That year I also was involved in many different projcts such as Ball committee, year book committee, peer support and Stage Manger for the Schools Rock Eisteddfod. The Rock Eisteddod is a stage dance performance put on soley by students and our concept was “Threadbo’s Landslide†and paying tribute to all the workers. We got to the finals and didnt get a place but I am so Proud to say we won the Television Special for Western Australia for “BEST SCREEN PERFORMANCE†for the state. I was proud of this due to all the long hours of work that was put into the set and costume design. During my last year in school I also did a part time tafe course in editing with final cut pro. After I graduated from high school I got accepted into the Screen Course at Central Tafe, in Perth but I opted to do the Edith Cowan University Preperation course instead. Since then I have been focusing on studying Film and Video at Edith Cowan University where I am currently in my Final year of my Degree.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
I started filming when I was in late primary school and early high school making home video’s with my dads video camera. Only when I started to study Media in year 11 at high school (after falling in love with photography), I realised that my passion was greater in terms of the moving Image. I have not stopped thinking about film since.
3.What kind of subjects have your films?
My films so far go on the lines of thought and relationships. Although a lot of the films have many other meanings, most of my films incorporate and play with relationships or people, obejects and things and have a big thought process behind the structure and vision.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
I first look for an Idea and then start drawing pictures to give myself extra vision. I generally start research at this time to find other artists who have dones something simular to drive my inspiration. I am currently really in love with David Lynch’s work and he has been a great source of inspiration in some of my recent films. Once I feel that I am gaining from my research I start planning and story boarding the film and then it all flies from there. I feel that incorporation of art into my films is important, whether it is in physical art work, artistic direction or artist camera shots that have been edited to have vibrant and beautiful colours.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
I do all my work digitally, at the moment I am studying so I get to use sony HD camera’s which are great. My favourite editing tool is Final Cut Pro – but I dont mind Adobe Premier at times. I really would love to buy a HD camera, but for the moment I am aiming towards my Mac Computer with Final Cut Pro edit suite!
6. What are the chances of new media for the genre film/video in general and you personally?
I think I am a person who will look into any type of new media and explore what its about to see if it suits me, i love being artisticand creative and if I was apart of a new genre I would embrace it. New Media is great as it explores different avenues of artistic talent in any artistic
field.
7. How do you finance your films?
All my films are currently financed ‘cheaply’ by myself – when I finish university I will be applying for funding more often so that I have help in making films.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team? if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I like to work on projects Individually constantly to build my understaning and ideas in film development but I love working in Teams to create films that have a lot of different colaboration and meaning. The difference between team work and individual work is that in Team work you discuss and create a film along the lines of certain themes that is decided on a group level. In terms of individual work you are able to explore yourself and your own thoughts to create films to expand understanding of film and film theories which I love.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
I have many influences from Macel Duchamp, David Lynch to Steven Speilberg. There are so many more influences but as a rule of thumb – they change frequently.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
I want to expand my knowledge as a filmaker working as an editor or camera guy. I will then try eventually get an assistant director position and work my way up. My goal is to one day be a Director for a feature leagnth film. I would also like to possibly open or own my own production company in the future.
Can works of yours viewed online besides on VideoChannel? Where?
List some links & resources
I have a Myspace which has all my films since I Started University.
www.myspace.com/productioneruption
I also have a Youtube profile which has all the films aswell:
www.youtube.com/justininoz