Filmodus Operandi
Recently I interviewed my cousin, Cameron Malott, scriptwriter and director of the movie Filmodus Operandi. If you love to write, are into filmmaking or like to dream big, then read on!
Q: How long have you been in film making? What first got you interested?
My first video was of my brother Taylor’s birthday celebration, shot on my mom’s digital camera and edited in Windows Movie Maker, in September 2005. My first film was several months later, after seeing a one some friends of mine had made. I liked it so much that I ripped it off and made my own version. Later that year we got together with them and made Use The Force, a spoof on Star Wars. I made many silly short films after that, but as the Holy Spirit worked in my life I became more and more passionate about using film to bring glory to God.
Q: Describe the process of the script-writing for Filmodus Operandi?
Fun for the first thirty minutes. While I knew the lesson I wanted the main character to learn and the setting for that to take place, it took me a long time to even come up with the story skeleton. I had a lot of directions in which to take the story, and had to decide which would best convey the message I wanted to teach. Then, once I got it all written, there was a lot of fluff to get rid of. I did this by purging some scenes, and incorporating the important dialogue into others. It’s tempting to make your film as long as possible, but it will be much more effective if it is short and sweet. I then worked on making the dialogue and circumstances as natural and believable as possible. A few script consultants helped me to make the finishing touches. By the time it was all said and done, it had been three months. You can read more about the writing of the script here.
Q: Why did you choose your theme?
It is something I feel strongly about, and one I think many people need to hear. Christian films are not a rarity, but films that teach about sin and the Gospel are. As Christians, we have more to offer the world than character qualities; they can get those from Hallmark. I hope and pray that we will see an increase in Gospel-Centered films as the industry grows and matures.
Q: What was your favorite scene to shoot for Filmodus Operandi?
Scene 1. Being the opening scene of the film, it needed to give a good first impression. I told everyone long before we shot it, “I want this scene to look epic.” We lit the whole scene with a single LED flashlight, giving it a mysterious, almost eerie feel. A little echo on the narrator’s voice and a beautiful music track and the scene is, well, epic.
Q: Tell us about your cast.
It starts with Jared, a filmmaker passionate about changing lives through film. But as the film progresses, he comes to realize that, while he may be able to teach people to change their actions, only God can change their hearts. This causes him to radically change his filmmaking philosophy (which he calls his “Filmodus Operandi”). Brandon is Jared’s good friend who has helped him make movies for years, but isn’t so convinced about his new philosophy. Jenna is Jared’s faithful and willing sister, whose practicality helps to balance out his visionary ideas. And Pastor Bruce is the one who awakens Jared to his flawed approach to filmmaking, and suggests to him a higher goal.
Q: Do you have another project in view?
At this point, no. While I would love to make another film, there are other things in my life to which I need to give priority. Making a film is a stressful and demanding project, and while the benefits can be well worth it, it can take away from other, more important things if not kept in perspective.
Q: What advice would you give to other young script writers and filmmakers?
A film is 90% script, 7% acting, and 3% music. You can spend all the time you want achieving beautiful lighting, smooth camerawork, and interesting sets, but without a good story to put them in it will all be worthless. Pour yourself into the writing of the script; it’s the element that will make or break your film. Re-write until each word in the script either reveals more about the characters or drives the story forward, in a manner that is concise and consistent everything else you’ve written. Here’s a hint: if you’re not tired of writing, you’re not done yet; probably not even close.
When it comes time to shoot and edit, don’t expect to have fun. If you pay any attention to your lighting, audio, and acting it will be work, hard work. But if your script is well written, and your message is original and relevant, it will be worth the effort it takes to transfer it to film.
Above all, whatever your message, ultimately champion Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and the salvation only He can provide.
Cameron Malott
Filmodus Operandi