E04: Adrian Ortega - Writing and Directing Westgate, festivals and distribution - the real secrets to the life of a film after post

In today’s episode we are joined by Melbourne-based writer, director and producer Adrian Ortega, the director of feature films Westgate and Cerulean Blue, both of which were in MIFF and had decorated festival runs and award wins globally. He is the founder of Proud Wing Films, an Australian production company, where he also produces short films, championing debut and emerging filmmakers. Throughout this episode, we touch a lot on the details of feature filmmaking, talking about the challenges of both features- and every step of the process. Gaining experience in many roles- particularly ADing, can help you become a better director How living in isolated societies made film seem like an unattainable dreamThe importance of film school in Melbourne/Australia vs America The importance of doing volunteer work and upskilling before doing HOD rolesTransition into making his first feature filmBudgets for independent features Using the volume screen Car scenes in films Immense pre-production planning Proud Wing - Starting a production company, supporting first-time directorsFestival strategy- is it even a thing? Writing plans and creating deadlinesCasting process How important Instagram is for actors Madman Distribution - how it came to be MIFF Premiere Fund Period Films - making films set in the 1990s VFX for period pieces Budget towards locations Good vs bad charactersAustralian Cultural Fund - CrowdfundingRehearsals “If something goes wrong, then it’s supposed to happen.” - Greta Gerwig's advice that changed both of our perspectivesThe Happy Place & Cerulean Blue anecdote - working through when things go wrongAdvice for up and coming filmmakers Westgate still has select screenings and Q&As- keep an eye on Adrian's instagram for more info!Cerulean Blue is available to watch on Stan!Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠ Follow me on instagram: ⁠@teavandeburgt⁠ Follow Adrian on instagram: ⁠@adrian.movTo leave the podcast feedback ⁠follow this linkOther media mentioned:The Belie - Sarah Nicolazzo (Proud Wing's New Short Film)The Happy Place - Tea Van de Burgt & Harrison RookThe Eulogy  - Natalie Cicciarelli The Florida Project - Sean Baker