Michael Gaddini
italian videomakler
biography
interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and of its formation
I started very young – about sixteen years – experimenting with the camera in VHS-C and Hi8 and
purpose was fun. Then with time has become a real passion! Thanks to digital I could really express
myself and my creativity is slowly output treating topical issues such as addiction or simply
experimental video. My training is purely self-taught, though, I filled my gaps following courses
and workshops on the video operator, screenwriter, film photography and new technologies at
Lucca, Pisa, Florence and Rome, followed by industry professionals.
2. When, how and why did you start filming?
Initially for fun and games! Then over time I have gained the experience and skills that I needed to
become a videomaker.
3. What kinds of topics are your favorite movies?
Usually you do not choose a topic or theme. Aspect of the right idea, the one that manages to
involve me, then development. The topics that I faced most are dependencies – television and
alcoholism – and dreams. Above all what is behind the fears of nightmares. Let’s say that I’m really
attracted to the type of dreams.
4. How do you develop the film, you follow certain principles, styles, etc.?
Research is needed only when you have an idea in my head. I honestly do not know how I can think
of some idea, happens by chance, then I rocked spontaneous idea, get us out of a story. Then my
stories have always been described as “strange”, so for me it’s hard to know how an idea of starting
will take flight as they evolve, and how far it will lead me.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment used.
I started with basic equipment such as; camera, tripod, ect .. and then convert to the SLR. I’m fine
with the Canon – I currently use a 70D – while the camera movements prefer shooting hand
(shoulder) and when I try elegant movements of the crane and dolly. Lighting with neon and LED
spotlights, however, prefer natural light.
6. In these days of digital technology is dominating the video as a medium. How does the digital
part is entering the creation of the video, technologically and / or conceptually?
Personally I owe everything to digital. When I started to say that was the end of analog. Now the
digital market. Was the future! It gave me the opportunity to express myself and to work
independently as best I believed. Even the great directors such as David Lynch, have experimented
with digital turning Inland Empire. Crazy experience! But I like the result very much.
7. How to finance your film?
For me the business side is secondary. I’ve always been around budget of zero, actually my videos
are signed “Anti-Production”, because I believe that the medium of film can work with or without
money. Depends on what you want to say and how you want to tell. In 2012 I spent the entire year
to seek funding for a short film – very ambitious – but there was no way to get us out of a euro. Then
I decided to make it happen alone the short film. Looking back I lost a year without shooting
anything. A pity!
8. Do you work individually as video artist / director or work in a team?
I tried both experiences .. Unity is strength is true, but often certain projects and better if made
alone and with the help of a few trusted co.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on the making of a film / video?
My influences come from the movie of my favorite authors, like David Lynch, Martin Scorsese,
Sam Raimi, John Carpenter, ect .. But over time I was able to have in my language. But I owe so
much to the film that saw.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film / video maker?
I am currently working on more projects and more in the works. I would not know where to start ..
despite my young age I have given a lot to the role of film makers, who knows, maybe there will be
an evolution of my work. I’d like to explore the role of photographer and devote much more time to
shoot landscapes and twists where I can tell the stories in a single image.
Link: www.michael-gaddini.com