​Florian Reittner​​'s helping hand

Did you always want to direct, and what is it about directing that you enjoy the most? 

Yes, I always wanted to direct. I just didn’t realise it before I got into making films. Making up stories and visuals in my head was a big part of my past time as a kid. 

I always wanted to direct. I just didn’t realise it before I got into making films.

Later, when I realised that you can make a job out of exactly that, I was hooked. Giving those images and stories a home in my films is what I love most about directing.

Above: Florian Reittner's Gold Screen winning film, The Giving Dead.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

Emotions inspire me the most. A feeling carries everything: the story, the mood, the context, the build-up, the climax. Making emotions visible and audible is really all I try to do.

What was the inspiration behind The Giving Dead?

My inspiration was, most of all, a feeling. I once went to an incredibly sad funeral. It was one of those occasions where you think nothing can ever be okay again. Then, as everybody left, still stricken by what had happened, nobody could figure out the ticket machine for the parking. 

The situation was so ridiculous; it was really all you could do.

We were standing there, all in black and in complete silence, fumbling around with the stupid computer when somebody started laughing. The situation was so ridiculous; it was really all you could do. And, in a matter of seconds, we were all roaring. It didn't make that day less sad, but it made everyone remember how to smile. Life is weird like that.

Above: The Giving Dead was inspired by the absurdity of life and the sadness of death.

Was it important to you to use humour to convey a sensitive subject matter? 

Absolutely. The subject of the film should not necessarily determine its mood. I wanted to offer a different angle on something we all know but prefer not to think about. If I made you not only think but also laugh about death, I achieved what I aimed for.

What is about the short film format that appeals to you? 

I love a film that makes every second count. As much as I respect a long and winding tale, it's the one-two punch movies that leave me in awe. Those that sweep me away, make me hold my breath and ignore my phone. 

The subject of the film should not necessarily determine its mood. 

It's this characteristic that makes the short film and commercial scene so very interesting to me. And, if I ever get the chance to make a feature, it's with this attention to every second that I would tackle it.

How long did it take you to make the film, and what was the most challenging aspect of its creation? 

It took about eight months from concept to the final film. The most challenging part was preparing the background for the volume stage. I had never shot a virtual production before and there were many uncertainties initially. Luckily, I had an amazing team who knew much more than me and helped me develop the visuals.