What themes and ideas do you want the audience to think about from watching the film?

I want them to think about the importance of mentors and friends … about overcoming fear in order to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life … about how hard it is to be an artist, especially, in many cases, a woman artist, and that talent isn’t enough, it takes endless perseverance … about how fleeting life can be … about embracing life despite the hardships we all face … I want artists and lonely people and sick people and broken people to know they’re not alone in their suffering … that kinda stuff! Ultimately, the film is about overcoming fear in order to live your life as fully and as fruitfully as possible. And the importance of mentors to help point us in the right direction when we are adrift.

What was the most challenging sequence for you to film?

Shooting the scene with Harper singing to Molly in The Cobalt was almost the end of me. Smoke machine giving me massive headache, making me nauseous, tons of extras, not enough food or water for them, live music blasting all day, a massive shot list … I has hanging by a thread. But we got it all done and it’s one of my favorite sequences in the film. Larry Lynn, our DP did a fantastic job lighting it, and the gals’ performances were excellent. There’s a photo of me on the cover of the Reel West magazine issue that contains my director’s diary that was taken that day, and if you look closely at my eyes, it looks like I’ve been kicked in the head by a horse.

Which steps can directors take to build positive working relationships with their cast and crew during the making of a film?

Something I learned from Babz Chula: treat everyone the same. From PA to Executive Producer, they all deserve respect (as long as they give it to you, that is). Don’t suck up to people and don’t let anyone treat you like shit. Create a family. The film is the baby. The Producer is the Daddy. The director is the Momma. The rest of the cast and crew are big brothers and big sisters, helping to take care of the baby. As far as the cast goes, treat the actors as individuals — everyone has different needs. There’s some good basic tools, but there’s no instructions or manual. You have to use your intuition, moment to moment and learn as you go. Don’t try to come up with things to say if there’s nothing useful to be said. Some actors need space, some need a hug, figure out which kind you are dealing with, and know that these traits may change day by day or even scene by scene.

You have also done a lot of acting. What inspires you to direct?

I like telling my own stories and I like feeling like I’m in control. As a kid I always felt loved, but I didn’t feel safe. Directing creates the illusion of control, and with that comes something that feels like safety. I once read that George Clooney said, “The director is the painter, the actor is the paint.” I think that’s an oversimplification in many cases, and doesn’t give the actors their due, but there’s a lot of truth to it. And I don’t like small talk. On film sets there’s a lot of small talk because things take a long time to set up. I like keeping busy. I like doing shit. The director is always busy.

Are there any authors or specific books that have been influential in your development as a filmmaker and actor?

Too many to mention. I read a lot — fiction and non fiction, biographies, plays … and when I meet truly literate people, I am always a bit embarrassed by how much I have not read. There’s just not enough time to read all the great works out there. Here’s a few good reads for filmmakers: The Second Circle by Patsy Rodenburg is one I am reading now and getting a lot out of. The Power of The Actor by my mentor, Ivana Chubbuck. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Open Up or Shut Up by my very wise friend Barbara Deutsch. Kazan by Jeff Young. The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri. And I must sheepishly admit that Save The Cat by Blake Snyder has helped me achieve clear, concise structure in several screenplays. It’s such a Hollywoodized, commercially-minded book, but the lessons are valid no matter what genre you are writing in. Certain things have always worked and always will. John Steinbeck is my favourite author of fiction. I have read everything he has written and every time I read his work, I feel like I understand what it means to be human a little more clearly.

What is the biggest obstacle facing independent filmmakers today?

There are so many films being made these days, that getting noticed has become incredibly challenging. Would Clerks be a huge smash if it was made today? I don’t know. You have to be really, really good and really, really smart, or at least really, really unique and you must work really, really hard, or the experience of making a film can be really, really disappointing. You better care about your film a lot, and believe in it, or you’ll be living a lie for years.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors and directors?

Act and direct as much as possible! Take classes and learn from people whose work you admire. Get out of the house and connect with other like-minded people as often as you can. Take chances. As the character Pearl says in Down River, “Fear is the enemy of Art.” I borrowed that from my teacher Ivana Chubbuck, who told me, “fear negates art.” Acting and directing ain’t for the weak or the meek. As Elia Kazan said, “You have to do something every six months that almost kills you.” That’s why I’m directing a play (White Hot) starting next month, and writing a new screenplay right now. Life is short. If you call yourself an artist, stop bragging about how much Netflix you watch and make a contribution!

Down River is now playing at Fifth Avenue Cinemas in Vancouver and at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas in Toronto.

The post The Biz Interview: Ben Ratner – Writer and Director of Down River appeared first on Biz Books.

These days, she’s busy with her newest film role in Down River, which premieres in Vancouver at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Jennifer talked to us about the film, her growing career, and her time at Biz Books.

Tell us about Down River and what audiences can look forward to.

Down River is a very special project to us. It was inspired by Ben Ratner’s close friendship with Babz Chula who passed on before her time. While the film is classified as a drama, there are many comedic moments and we think folks will identify with its universal themes. Our hope is that audiences will come away feeling inspired to create value and connection and live their lives in the best way that they can.

How did you become involved in the film and what was your creative process like throughout the production of the film?

I became involved through the very convenient situation that I’m married to the director! My creative process started out with the basic questions an actor asks themselves about their character. Then Ben, Gloria (wardrobe) and I worked together to choose what outfits felt most like “Aki”. That was hugely helpful in getting a feel for her. The glasses we ended up using belonged to Babz. We actually used a ton of Babz’s stuff for the film: much of her clothing for Helen Shaver’s character “Pearl”, items from her apartment and Gabrielle, Colleen and I each wore one of her signature bracelets. The way Ben then guided me in going deeper and telling Aki’s story was such an amazing experience for me- he’s the kind of director every actor wants to work with. I trusted him completely and not just because of our relationship. Everyone did. He’s really good at what he does. To be exceptional in one artistic discipline is admirable enough but to be exceptional in many (directing, writing, acting, teaching, painting, making music) is a very rare thing and he actually is. OK, I sound like I’m gushing but it’s all true!

What are the key similarities and differences between you and your character, Aki? How did you address those as an actor?

I think we’re similar in that we’re both pretty nerdy, introverted and weird. Maybe I’m not quite as cripplingly shy in real life so I guess I had to “turn up” that part of myself that is.

What was the biggest challenge for you in this film?

There’s a scene where I had to dance drunkenly and bizarrely and sexually in front of a crowd so yeah I’d say there was some major fear involved in that.

What were your reasons for getting involved with acting to begin with?

I wanted to do it primarily because I really wanted to affect people- make them feel something, change them in some small way. And to me, stories and art were the way to do that. That’s what’s always affected me the most and helped me to understand what it means to be human. I wanted to help other people understand that too.

You’ve had a successful mix between television and film roles. As an actor, what do you enjoy about each medium?

I love the intimacy of both. For the actors and the audience. With film, it’s almost even more intimate than TV because the screen is so huge so the audience is really getting EVERYTHING. But with TV, more can happen in a way. There are more possibilities of how characters can develop as you evolve them through episodes and often, seasons.

Who are the performers, writers, or directors that have been influential to you?

Oh man- where to start? Gary Oldman, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, Meryl Streep, Catherine Keener, Julianne Moore, Judd Apatow, Charlie Kaufman, John Hughes, the list goes on!

Are there any books or specific authors that have been influential to you so far in your creative journey?

Many! When I first started out I remember finding The Actor’s Survival Kit which is written specifically for Canadian actors. That helped demystify the business for me. It seems like I’m always in various stages of re-reading The Intent to Live especially when I need help deepening a character. Writing Down the Bones is an amazing book on writing and the creative process and really made me realize just how important practice is to bettering oneself as an artist. Other ones that resonated with me are: The Actor’s Audition Checklist, The War of Art and I just finished reading Judi Dench’s And Furthermore which I devoured in three sittings.

Speaking of books, you were part of the Biz Books team at our old Vancouver location. How did your experience at Biz Books influence your career?

Honestly if it weren’t for Catherine Lough Haggquist, I probably wouldn’t still be in the business. Her wisdom and insight into the industry and her belief in me made me believe I could do it. I was/am lucky to have a mentor and friend like her. It’s way too easy to go crazy in this business unless you have someone you trust who has a lot of experience in it and can help point you in the right direction. When I worked at Biz, it was like we had a built-in support system. We were all like-minded friends who ran lines with each other and covered each other’s shifts when we had an audition or gig. I was very fortunate to “find my tribe”. Not to mention being surrounded by every book and resource I could possibly need to help me on my actor’s journey!

What is the most important advice you could offer to aspiring actors in Canada?

Make sure you’re always working on your craft in some way. Work hard at it. Class is usually the best way to do that. You need to be ready for when opportunities come and it keeps you engaged and reminded of why you do it. Surround yourself with like-minded, genuine people. It can be a lonely, bewildering profession so find your tribe. Don’t be an actor unless you absolutely have to and are willing to be persistent through the ups and downs.

What can you share about any future projects that are in development?

We start shooting the third season of Continuum in November so can’t wait for that! Also I found myself really fascinated with the post-production process of making Down River so would like to learn more about editing and setting up shots- maybe get involved in the technical aspects of filmmaking as well.

Watch for Down River at the Vancouver International Film Festival and visit the official site for the film at DownRiverMovie.com.

The post The Biz Interview: Jennifer Spence of Down River appeared first on Biz Books.