#BonfireStories — Introducing Filmmaker and writer Anton Sazonov
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Q: When it comes to storytelling, where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly it’s the life around me that inspires me. Also, the way people behave.
Q: Anton, playing three integral roles: pre-production(writing), production (directing) and post production with editing? Did the final edit of your film match what was written in the final draft of the script? and how did you effectively play these three roles?
In fact there are four main roles — I also was one of the producers of the film. But it’s hard to separate yourself from other processes, for example, creating a press release or a film poster. In independent cinema you participate in all processes of film creation. For me it’s not a matter of control, but the essence of creativity and an auteurs cinema.
The film after editing is only slightly different from the final script. All the images are retained at its maximum. Although the editor and I abandoned some of the scenes eventually, so that we could keep up the desired rhythm for the story. We also shortened the line with the main character’s father a little.
Q: Leave of Absence just debuted at the Locarno Film Festival and won Best director. How important is this to you personally, and to your…
