In this Featured Filmmaker article, we talk to Portuguese filmmaker and Director Rui Vieira about his career and the emerging trends in documentary-style commercial short films. Today, forward thinking companies who want to increase their level of brand exposure, while still maintaining a level of creativity, are looking for ways to add original, creative content to their advertising campaigns. "The world of advertising is changing," says Vieira, "and the campaigns are becoming more 360, so it’s a window of opportunity to enter into the film industry."
Rui Vieira combines his passion for filmmaking as well as his experience as a creative director and produces cinematic level, high-production short films. Some of his more popular short films include "Algo de bom" for the LG Campaign, "Good Things Happen," and "M" — a series of short films which showcase artists, designers and cultural creatives who discuss their passions for their careers (each having worked for McDonalds at some point in their life.) Vieira, an Island man from Azores, draws inspiration from the design and photography world and by observing the urban landscape with everyday people living in cities around the world. From his poetic still photography to his beautiful cinematic films, Rui Vieira is leading the way for this new genre of filmmaking and transitioning a thriving commercial career into his passion for making independent film.
Scene caption from Rui Vieira's Algo de Bom
What made you decide to get into the film industry?
Since I was a young kid, I have been passionate about filmmaking. But until last year, I was working mainly as an art director and creative director at digital advertising agencies. But the world of advertising is changing and the campaigns are becoming more 360 — so for guys like me, it’s a window of opportunity to enter into the film industry. With the digital DSLR revolution, it is now possible to create new and fresh content with low budgets, something almost impossible to even think about two years ago. So, now as a director, I can create complete campaigns for website distribution in addition to making films. It is also one of the reasons I decided to enter into the industry and make my own projects and films. At the end people like it. So for me, it is enough to continue.
What do you love most about the film industry and the process?
I love the possibility to share, tell and show stories to people. Stories I create or even stories I have dreamed about. Sometimes I listen to music and imagine a story. Immediately my brain says, "That’s a good one! Do it!" It’s amazing to start with a simple dream and create the conditions to tell that story to people and then evolving the team and observing all the synergies on set between staff and actors. It's a pleasure to watch and be involved. It's very overwhelming to feel that your team believes in you and believes in your vision. The possibility to use the negative parts and last minute stress as positive energy –that’s something. And of course, I love the edit/post production part, giving life to the film.
Elite Lisbon. Ruben Rua. Photo by Rui Vieira
Elite Lisbon. Victoria Guerra. Photo by Rui Vieira
From where or from whom do you get your inspiration?
Maybe it’s a cliche, but I get inspired with all the people I observe. I came from Azores, 9 beautiful small Islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but I get inspired by the urban landscapes and by the people who live in the cities. Mainly my inspiration comes from music and all the guys with new and fresh ideas. Most of my inspiration comes from people in the design & photography fields, people with no degrees in cinema schools, no viciousness and no rules. People we can meet in communities like Vimeo.
Shooting Algo de Bom on location in Alentejo. ©Vladislav Sokhin
Shooting Algo de Bom on location in Alentejo. ©Vladislav Sokhin
Scene Caption from Rui Vieira's Algo de Bom
Anything unusual ever happen on set or location?
Yes! We were shooting "Algo de bom" in Alentejo, south of Portugal, and we had to shoot the final scene with the girl inside the car using a crane, so we had to close the road for a few moments (and I am talking about the only road there) so the police closed it. After only 10 minutes, there was already a big traffic jam. My team and I started getting stressed watching all the people waiting in line and we feared a big problem. However, when we finished the scene, the police let the cars pass and all the drivers thanked us for coming to their town and wished us good luck for the rest of the shoot! We were surprised and happy because if that had happened in a city like Lisbon, we would have been in trouble for sure! Sometimes people surprise us.
Director: Rui Vieira. Executive production: Fullsix Portugal. DOP: Marianna Yakobson. Music: Alexei Aigui. Script: Filipe Santos. Wardrobe: Paulo Gomes. Make-up and hair design: Anne Sophie Costa. Colorist: Paulo Inês – Light Film.
What current projects do you have in the works? Any Personal Projects?
At the agency (Fullsix) I am directing more Stories with an "M" for McDonald’s. It’s 7 small stories about real people that at some part of their life, have worked at McDonald’s. They never talk about the brand. Also, as the creative director, I am working on the next short film for LG. As far as personal projects, I am shooting some fashion films which will be ready next month. I’ll be shooting my next short film "NOAH" (English speaking) on March 26, 2011. Also, I am photographing some fashion editorials for some Portuguese magazines but under the name "Kind and Naked," a project I'm working together with photographer, Marianna Yakobson, also my DOP.
Any other things you want to add about your background or history?
I studied Communication Design at Fine Arts University of Lisbon. My background is more in the interactive design field, but as creative director, I was able to work in film. For example, I was the creative director of the LG Campaign, "Good Things Happen." That includes not only the "Algo de bom" film directed by myself, but also "Momentos" by Nuno Rocha and "Orion House" by Christopher Hewitt. Additionally, I organized the OFFF festival in Portugal for 2 years (2008 and 2009.) As I said, I am an Island man from Azores!
What's next for you?
Next, hmm…I want to continue doing what I am doing. If possible, doing it more!
Watch "The Making of ALGO DE BOM" for lgportugal.com. Filmed over three days in Alentejo, Portugal. Directed by Rui Vieira.
Rui Vieira grew up in magical Azores: 9 beautiful small Islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He studied Communication Design at Fine Arts University in Lisbon, Portugal. Vieira draws inspiration from the design and photography world and by observing the urban landscape and everyday people living in cities around the world. Some of his projects include the LG Campaign: "Good Things Happen," featuring his short film "Algo de bom" for which he directed. He was also the creative director for the film "Momentos" by Nuno Rocha. Recently, at Fullsix, he began directing Stories with an "M" which features the lives of real people and artists who at some part of their life, have worked at McDonalds. His next film "NOAH" (English speaking) premieres March 26, 2011. He currently lives in Lisbon, Portugal and works as a designer, photographer, director and producer. Visit http://www.ruivieira.net for more information.
Find Rui Vieira
http://www.ruivieira.net
http://www.vimeo.com/ruivieira
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ruisimasvieira/
Creative Director Work — http://www.vimeo.com/fullsixpt/videos
Stories with an "M" McDonald’s. Directed by Rui Vieira. Fullsix Agency.
Pedro Reis ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO754bVlDu0&feature=player_embedded
Susana Anágua ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtB7j–CtZA&feature=related
Edite Fernandes ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lIhfv0ELNs
.jpg)
.jpg)
