Ruben Tomas
Spanish videomaker
Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
I was Born in Valencia , Spain, where I studied drama. I moved to Madrid where I continued my studies in Cinema and Acting in front of the camera. I have contributed to the audiovisual world working as an actor in different fields as Short-films, Television, TV Commercials and Theatre. I’ve lived in different countries as Spain, USA, UK, and currently in Belgium.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
I’ve been doing video arts since a couple of years ago. After years working in front of the camera I started to be interested in the way of filming and how it would be have this point of view as a filmmaker. At the beginning I started experimenting with my digital camera ,shooting different and unusual points of view, always using what was around me and myself as an element .I have discovered this way to express myself and it became essential in my personal way to create .I have always felt attracted to the power of images and visual elements.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
Visually I do like to work with natural elements such a landscapes, street-views, woods, water, grounds… All this mixed with personal feelings turned as a video art. My films are recognize with different stages of my life and what’s happening around me. So, subjects are subjective personal feelings connected with honesty, brightness, purity, standstill, respect and the right to expression.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
Mostly I have an idea to develop. At the time of the shooting I follow the idea and I use improvisation as well. I work with various angles and different points of view. Music takes an important place in my films. One of the most important steps is the edition in which I enjoy the most, it is amazing to discover how images can fits perfectly with the music I have chosen.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
I use HD and SLR cameras for photo and video. Camera tripod, cars, bikes,…..Mostly handmade options instead using expensive material to shoot.
6. The field of “art and moving images†(one may call it videoart or also differently) is is manifesting itself as an important position in contemporary art. Tell me more about your personal position and how you see the future of this field ( your personal future and the future of “art and moving imagesâ€)
I see a big future in this field. I think art develops constantly in all different ways. It is amazing the power of art and images. I think feel so lucky to have the opportunity to examine and enjoy all the work coming from video-artist .Regarding my personal future I think there are a lot of new things I want to discover. I do like to experiment mixing the strength of the images, movement and music. I see video art as a need of expression and a powerful tool to communicate.
7. How do you finance your films?
I do finance my films by myself.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team?
I have always worked individually except sometimes I asked for some friends to help me with some shoot. For my next project I start to co-work with a fashion designer, with which I find new elements as fabrics from cloths ,working as well in the forms and how can be adapted to different bodies.
if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I think both experience contributes positively to the project. When I work individually everything comes from me. When I work as a team with someone else I always find interesting different points of view that enriches the project.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
I’ve always loved cinema. Filmmakers as Kubrick , Lars Von Trier ,Kim ki duk… I get impressed the first time I’ve discovered Pipilotti Rist work’s at Hauser & Wirth London, how that way of moving images made me feel so connected to myself. I guess my personal life its what attracts most of my films , purity, honesty and good intentions are my personal influence .A lasting aesthetics influence on my film/video I would say Alexander McQueen’s work and Photographer Steven Klein.
10. What are your plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
I’m looking forward to making an experimental film who mixes the power of images and stories. A film about caught sentiments in human beings . A film who invites people to think about themselves and how every human being has the right to be as they are and to be accepted to the others. I think there are still on me a lot of new ways of expression and communicate.
Can works of yours viewed online besides on CologneOFF or VideoChannel? Where?
List some links & resources
http://www.youtube.com/user/rubetom#p/u/0/j8nmpxIhOI0
http://vimeo.com/album/1454393