An interview to Susan about film work [Woman and Man]

Susan and I filmed a short film [Woman and Man (Man and woman)] together. And we direct it to be two versions. We use the same videos. But I think the idea of us is different.So after watching Susan's version, I want to interview her, try to understand her idea and explore how different director to film and edit.

(We speak Chinese when I interview her, and I translate it here)

Two version's address: http://tianchiwang.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/two-versions-of-film-work-woman-and-man.html

1.How do you think about this two versions? Do you think it has the same theme?

Susan: En...Because of we use the same screenplay, so I think we have the same theme: the difference between man and woman. But in my opinion, these two versions are very different. When I was filming and editing, I focus on the comedy. However, you pay attention to the character's inner world. For example, Do you remember the scene that actress talk to the doll? I think your edit is very interesting. Your edition shows the girl's anxiety in the film.

2.You do some changes in the screenplay. Can you talk about this?

Susan: Of course, I can. Actually, I just want to make the story more funny.(laughing) Your simple screenplay is just an old story in China. I consider if we want to make it more interesting, we need to add something in it! Because if we film it, we need to think about the effect on the screen. So I make some comedy effect in the screenplay, like man hiccuped in the restaurant, girl talk to a doll, girl fall down on the street, etc. I think it can help me to create characters.

3.After the editing work, do you find any deficiency during the directing?

Susan: Yes, I do have some deficiency. Firstly, I haven't wrote a shooting script like you. So I forget some scenes when we shooting. Secondly, I find some of my ideas cannot be presented on the screen when I edit. I think that's because I consider inadequate before shooting. Next time, I will write a shooting script or draw a storyboard before shooting.

4.I heard that you want to edit it again and make more versions. Can you talk about your idea?

Susan: Oh, that is just a scheme. Because I study in comedy, so I want to explore how to show a different effect in the comedy film. Like use different music, different color, to edit with 200% speed or 50% speed. For example, I try to edit it with the music [Gangnam Style] now.

5. Can you talk about the advantage and disadvantage between your version and my version?

Susan: I think both of our versions are very good. I also study a lot from your work. My story line is event——woman's idea——man's idea, and your story line is woman's idea with the event——man's idea with the event. Different story line will give audiences a different feeling. Maybe my version's advantage is more funny than yours, and disadvantage is I haven't shown the character's inner world. In my version, event is just event. However, in your version, I think the event is man and woman's memory and attitude. I believe that is your advantage.