Mastering the Art of Short Film

Direk Arvin Kadiboy Belarmino

As of the moment Direk Belarmino is writing a full length feature (5 years in the making)

Observation on short films: masyadong ineexplain, maingay!

First 20 seconds should get the attention of the audience. 1st and 2nd sequences should involve the audience in
the journey of the film. As experimental- expressionists approach- HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE VIEWER.

First 2 scenes should have an impact with the viewers. Other short film doesn’t show the important scenes-
they must be visualized throughout the film.

Direk style: NOT BY THE BOOK but THROUGH HIS EXPERIENCE. On his first three short film- which was shown in
different local and international festivals.

6 STEPS in CREATING A FILM

1. Set the genre.
2. Create the concept. NOTE: Interchangeable with setting the genre. It depends upon the intention of the
writer or director.
3. Creating the storyline. Creating the chronological sequences of the film (start to end). This doesn’t
mean to be polished but it will be a foundation/blueprint of the creation of the sequence outline.
4. Sequence Outline. Is numbered by Sequence/Scene: can be interchangeable in chronology.
5. Detailed Sequence Treatment. Magnified view of the sequence guided by the senses. You may smell,
feel and hear the world created.
6. Creation of the Script/ Screenplay.
Highlights:
a. Concept creation stage. Research is key. Example in his DEPRESSION concept. He went to Mental
Institution to interview subjects and experts on the topic.
b. Be responsible in topic.
c. CONCEPTUALIZING: Example: TARANG- interviews on prostitution in Quiapo. Research and immersed
with the actual subject because the stories becomes raw and genuine.
d. RESEARCH: Helps in the flow and details of the film.

QUESTION and ANSWER PORTION

A. Pano po nyo pinipili mga stories nyo? Mostly po ba nung films nyo are taken from experiences? Lahat
po ba is based from research? More of the experience- by getting the facts first. E.g. NAKAW- deep
research on snatching by talking to friends since it was based on a real experience when he was a
child. It was first founded thru research before it was fictionalized. The intention becomes real. It will
help you become more truthful to the story.

B. During interview direk, how do you handle sensitive info? Naka on cam na po ba kayo agad? Build the
rapport with the subject and secure the identity of the interviewee. Sometimes safety of information
should be done in a contract. Be transparent in your intentions to your subject to ensure that
information that will be given will be less filtered.

C. Method acting rin po ba yung "immersion" ng actors mo direk? 80% of my films are method acting. My
actors immerse with the actual character reference before shooting. Watching films that are related to
the film. Acting becomes truthful and real and can convey the message across.

D. Gaano po katagal ang process nyo ng script writing direk? 1-2 months in Conceptualizing- the creation
of the backbone of the story including the research. Script/Screenplay usually is created within 1-2
weeks.

E. Was there a point n naubusan n kau ng ideas... wer do u get d inspiration direk, pano humugot haha? I
get inspiration by watching films- films that can help you grow. Rest and watch film that can make you
intelligent: Russian Films, French Films and Korean. Visit micro-cinema: Cinematheque and Cinema
Centenaria. Bombard your mind with creative thing then eventually your mind will puke lots of
creativity. Avoid some Hollywood films.

F. How to tackle weird/artistic films in school? Tackle the film with humanity. There must always be a
purpose and reason why violence and disturbing scenes appear in student films. Try to understand the
human in the film output- have a human condition, have a journey with the characters and understand
the purpose of the violence. Have an empathy with the character and understand the visual violence in
a film/material.

G. Influences of Director Arvin Belarmino: Martin Scorsese (The Irishman, Godfellas, etc.) Harmony Corrine
(Kidz) and Lino Brocka. Lino Brocka magnified the life of the ordinary Filipino people. They helped me
become honest in storytelling.
H. What discourage you to watch a film? Film that is “MADIALOGUE”. Important scenes should be
visualized. Important scenes should be visualized- this makes the film deeper.

I. Changes from Film Script to Actual Shoot. Advise: Always be open in changes. Know how to intelligently
create an improvisation. It makes a director mature in decision making. Remember that the concept is
you core- your big ideas. As long as your vision is not altered. If the vision is changed, then stick to your
script.

J. Why are you meticulous in creating your film? RESPECT your story to justify- to perfection. Respect the
vision of the writer and director. Be satisfied in the creation of film.

K. Possible dn bang gumawa ng pelikula n walang screenplay? Concept lang? Kumbaga may draft lng per
scene? You must have a script to discipline you. It keeps you grounded and humble as an artist. Even
Master Filmmakers follow a script- from your actions to your ideas.

L. What about scripts that have no dialogue? It is possible to create a film for as long it’s a detailed
Sequence Treatment. It is important that films have scripts- you have a document to follow during the
film production.

M. Sa pag gagawa po ng stories paano po if may gusto kayong ibigay na bagong idea sa veiwers like paano
niyo po ipapakita or ieexecute ung idea mo into a film? Follow my ways in creating the film. The Six
Steps in creating a film. You should have a process in creating a film to inject an idea into the film.

N. Professional Fees in the Film? Always be transparent and should have a mutual agreement on the fees.

O. Do films always have to be deep? Not always- Honest, Genuine and Raw are more important. It is
important as a filmmaker to be honest and truthful in your film.

P. How do you create your characters? Research and Immersion plus personal experience. It makes the
characters grounded also to the vision.Sharing his experience with Sir Ricky Lee, Sir Lee finds
characters by riding a bus. As much as possible, adding a personal experience to a character grounded
with your vision.

Q. Is it ideal that a screenplay writer is the director? Not always- relationship and respect is key in
creating a film. Kadiboy, experience having a writer. As a filmmaker, we should be open for suggestions
 and comments to vanguard the vision of the film/ screenplay. Director has the final say in the film- but
must have a solid agreement on the vision in their collaborations.

R. Do you always use symbolisms in your films? Yes- in most of my experimental films. Complete
Narrative Symbolism: the meaning is found in the totality of the film. I am more

S. When you create your character, do you know the appearance of the character? Or in the Casting Call? I
usually know my character before my casting call. If I will find my character in casting call, the vision
might be altered.

T. How do you work in a tight budget? David Leech says that people becomes resourceful and creative
working with limited budget. E.G. Kadena- 30,000 pesos budget. Always bear in mind of making a good
film- First. Despite limited resources- the vision of the film should be safeguarded.

U. Have you created a documentary? Not yet.

V. Nakikialam din po ba kau s cinematography? Or do u allow your cinematographer to do his thing? To

what extent na pwede o hindi? As a director, you should always have the call with the shoot. You know
a good cinematographer if he knows how to tackle the vision of the director. If the cinematographer
suggest a good shot, then you have call.

W. Rules in Experimental? The only rule is: Do what you want- EXPRESS your VISION. Creating visuals for
shock value- is irresponsible filmmaking.

X. What is the one mistake most filmmakers make, regardless of experience? Or can you describe a time
when you’ve made a mistake in you duties. How did you rectify? Having a not being honest film- where
the vision of the filmmakers is messed up by other people. Films that have long dialogues and
dialogues to deter the possibility of showing them visually.

Y. Inspiring Message: Films make you immortalized. It’s you contribution to your existence in the world- to
the creative world- even if you are not already living in this world.

3 STAGES in CREATING a FILM

a. Pre Production: Talking with the crew: Humanly. I usually go in the house of my crewmates before the
shoot to understand what will they do during the shoot. It shows my devotion to my craft. Share your
vision (big idea), financial transparency and assigning of tasks.
b. Production (Principal Photography) Actual production of the film
 c. Post Production: It’s another realm of filmmaking due to editing. By checking your script and checking
your actual footage, make sure that the vision is not altered.

TARANG Film

SAMPLE of SHORT FILM SCRIPT.