Imagery plays a crucial role in filmmaking, shaping how a story visually unfolds. This element must be integrated into the scriptwriting process, rather than being left for production. With fall film festivals in full swing, indie filmmakers are not only focused on storytelling but also on the challenges of navigating the competitive market and selling their films. A strong visual narrative can make all the difference when it comes to standing out and securing distribution deals.

Director Niclas Larsson’s feature film Mother, Couch! brings an intriguing mix of surrealism and family drama to the screen. Premiering at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, this film stars Ewan McGregor and explores the strange dynamic of a mother refusing to leave a couch in a furniture store. Its unique visual storytelling and offbeat premise are sure to leave an impression.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Jason Hellerman and Niclas Larsson to discuss:

• Why memorable imagery in scripts is key to creating impactful films


• The challenges of today’s film festival market and indie acquisitions


• Niclas Larsson’s unique creative process and his “Storm Book”


• How the physical layout of Mother, Couch! plays a critical role in the story's themes


• Why sticking to your gut and vision is essential in the post-production process

Memorable Quotes:

• "Imagery is something that should go hand in hand with filmmaking." [1:55 ]


•  "We're missing images right from the core. We're relying too much on cinematographers or directors to find them later." [5:08 ]


• "If you can master the short form, if you can really pay attention to every single second of what you're doing and the importance of every second." [24:23 ]


• "Everything we do in scene one to nine needs to be confused, it needs to resemble or picture, convey confusion and displacement." [30:12 ]


• "You make movies for other people—the real people. A singular vision is supposed to be criticized." [01:04:37 ]


• "The level of filmmaking has declined and is declining rapidly. And we need to stay strong, giving an adult audience bang for their buck, because that's our job." [01:04:56 ]

Mentioned

Jason Hellerman on IMDb

Jason’s library of content on No Film School

Learn more about Mother, Couch! on IMDb

Niclas Larsson on IMDb

Follow Niclas on Vimeo

Follow Niclas Larsson on Instagram

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