I was born in Buenos Aires, and grew up in England, Canada, have lived in Philadelphia, Spain and am currently living in Los Angeles. I started studying classical piano at the age of 3 along with ballet, and later attended the National Ballet School in Toronto, Ontario.While I was in Canada, I also participated in the pre-Olympic gymnastic and figure skating programs. I worked as a singer-songwriter while living in Philadelphia, creating CDs, DVDs and music videos of my music, and I also joined a modern dance company, as well as a flamenco dance company. Later on, after moving back to England, I started acting again, which eventually led me to Los Angeles. Although I was trained in theatre, I got into film, and realized I preferred being behind the camera, and began producing and directing various projects.
How would you describe your work as a director
I try to explore ideas and concepts that are interesting to me, and try to dive deep to find ways of presenting them clearly. I also like to play with expansive images, and like to explore the mystery in each story.
How did you get into directing
I was producing and acting in a short film, and realized I liked being behind the camera. It all happened very naturally, and I found I had more freedom to tell a story as a director, involving myself in many aspects of the filmmaking process.
A few more credits on my #IMDb page are up! Have a look 😉 http://t.co/O2QYrfQ8CY #filmmakers #director #filmdirector pic.twitter.com/iH4Dn5mmwq
— JenniferNicole Stang (@La_Yeni) July 29, 2015
How do you choose a project to direct
So far I have directed projects based on scripts I’ve written myself. When considering any project, I consider whether or not it’s a story I’m drawn to, if the story is well told, if the characters are strong, and if there’s a depth and a mystery to it as well.
Briefly describe in a few words wrong impressions actors, writers,and directors have about directing
I think every director has their own style of directing, so I wouldn’t say anyone’s had any impressions that I would call wrong. Actors are looking for particular things in a director, as do writers. I think a director’s work is all-encompassing, and it may be more involved than people think.
Do you take courses to increase you craft
I started learning about the technical aspects of film on my own, so I was self-taught along with the help of the RED user community, as I worked to understand further the equipment I was using. I like to discover how to make films by making them myself. I find it’s the best way to improve, at least, it has been for me.
What books do you read
I like to read mostly classic novels such as Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky, Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, and a lot of Shakespeare. I find classic novels are a good workout for the brain! I haven’t read too many books on filmmaking, although The Reel Truth by Reed Martin is one that I read when I was first starting out and found it extremely informative for indie filmmakers. It helps a filmmaker that’s starting out know the landscape they’re venturing into.
Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for
As for an actor, for me it is all about capability and talent. I cast Livvy Stubenrauch (voice of young Anna from Disney’s FROZEN) in the lead role of my short film, The Clouds, because she was professional, energetic, showed many layers, and had a focus that was impressive for her age. I am also particularly drawn to actors who are chameleons, that can jump into the heads of a wide range of characters. As for choosing a producer, I look for someone who’s had experience, who is capable, works well with others, a hard-worker, and who understands the vision I have for a particular film. I also like to be surrounded by people who speak their mind and challenge me to do better work.
When you are offered a project what things do you put in place to do a good work
It depends on the role I have in a particular project, but usually when someone hires me as a director I want to fully understand the purpose of what they are doing, and to execute that as closely as possible to what I think they are looking for. I directed a music video for the band, Way Jose, and they really gave me carte blanche on the project, so although I had freedom to do whatever I wanted, I spent more time intuiting the images to get as close to the heart of the music as possible.
Briefly explain your latest work
Currently I am in pre-production for a horror film. It is my first feature film as a director, and since I am also the writer on this project, I am taking my time to make sure I have a solid and exciting script that I can bring to life. The story is about a young woman named Clare, who, after the death of her mother, ventures out to Blackwood Falls to meet a side of the family she never met before. And what she finds there is truly frightening… I can’t divulge too much yet, but I am really excited about this project!
What thing/situation helps you during production
During a production, it’s important to have willing, capable individuals around you to help you complete a product. Because making a film is always about team-work, and the team is crucial to making a great movie.
Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production
When I’m on set I tend to be over-prepared so I have room to be spontaneous when I’m there. If I see an angle that I haven’t thought of, I will take the camera and capture it. I recently shot a music video (that hasn’t been released yet) and we were on the beach in the afternoon. The actoress/model I was working with was extremely talented, knew exactly what I was looking for, and so it was just a matter of capturing the right light and the right angle as the sun went down. There were a lot of moments and shot that weren’t in the original storyboard.
How do you advice directors to find projects
I think it depends if a director is also a writer as well. I have had no trouble finding projects, because I usually write my own scripts, but it is important to find a writer whose style you like, and if you have specific ideas, collaborate with a writer you work well with. IMDb is a great way of looking up writers you might be drawn to.
How can filmmakers finance projects
Financing is always very difficult. These days IndieGogo and Kickstarter, amongst others, have been very helpful in financing projects. Social media is a great way to do it, especially if you plan on making a low-budget film.
What do you want from an actor in production
I want an actor to feel free to portray a character how he/she thinks fit, I want them to feel like they’re in a safe, comfortable environment, and to have fun enough to explore and try new things. It’s a delicate process, and having worked as an actor myself, I always appreciate directors who have absolute trust in me.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
During a production, I usually work with producers who are in charge of the organizational aspects rather than creative. I would absolutely be open to that in the future, but haven’t yet had the opportunity.
What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry
A director can offer to do projects for free to prove their skills. Be open to doing any kind of project, whether it be a short film, music video, or any other kind of project. It is all about finding the right connections for you, and being open to working on different kinds of projects.
Who is your favorite director
I have many favourite directors. It’s hard to pick just one! A few favourites are: Mel Gibson, M. Night Shyamalan, Peter Jackson, and Luc Besson.
Why this director
I like each director for different reasons, but I feel all of them excel at creating a complete film that excels in every department. I find these directors not only tell a story well, but they capture fantastic performances by the actors as well.
What advice would you give to directors around the world
I would just say to tell stories that inspire you, and to work with people that challenge you to make a better film.
Briefly write about your career
My short film, El Lago (The Lake) received various awards, including Best Fantasy Film at the Mexico International Film Festival, and 1st place at the Honolulu Film Awards. El Lago is also featured on Gaiam TV and Cinemakers. I directed Livvy Stubenrauch (young Anna from Disney’s Oscar-winning film, FROZEN), in my short film Les Nuages (The Clouds) which is part of The Dream Series on YouTube. I also directed the short film, The Devil’s Snare, which got into a number of film festivals, and was nominated for best screenplay, best actor, and best sound mixing at the TERROR film festival. I also produced the web series, Englishman in LA, starring Ashley Fink (Glee), Eddie Jemison (Ocean’s 11, 12, 13) and Cameron Moir (Non-Stop). The series received rave reviews from In Touch Magazine and Broadway World, and won several awards the the LA Web Series Festival 2014. You can find my latest horror project, Blackwood Falls, and watch as we document the making of our new feature film.
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