Robber's Dog has announced the signing of award-winning director, Robin Walters, to its expanding roster.
Walters
has a reputation as one of the most original and perceptive directors
working in the entire Asia Pacific region. Known for both comedy and
drama, Walters' work has been commended throughout the industry as some
of the honest and funniest to come out of Australasia in recent years.
Having
worked with brands including Ebay, NZTA, Hyundai, Nibble, McDonald's
and Spark, to name but a few, he has been providing his unique approach
to shortform commercials for over a decade.
Says Walters: "I've always thought that the directors they have on their
roster, and the overall company ethos, is one which I could buy into."
Throughout
his career, Walters has worked in every corner of the world
establishing his presence as one of the best character-driven directors
working today. He has also been highly decorated throughout his career,
including securing the Best Director award at AdFest. He has gained
global recognition for his short film, 'The Platform', winning awards at
film festivals in Japan, Germany, Australia and Spain, where it won the
prestigious Silver Spike Award at the Valladolid International Film
Festival.
A lover of the quirks and nuances that make up human
beings, Walters' work has always been built around the genuine
characters he uncovers in casting.
Adds Walters: "I'm constantly
on the lookout for new and potential talent; I love street casting. I
have tremendous respect and faith in actors, because it's not easy what
they do."
Below Walters, opens up on documenting the Marae of New
Zealand, the key to Kiwi comedy and why filming models is just like
filming tomatoes...
How did you come to have such a varied portfolio of styles and genres in your work?
RW:
I used to specialise in food and table top. I would shoot the
milk/chocolate/tomato at 300fps then the agency would hire a talent
director for the appreciation shot. One ECD took the punt and said,
"Mate, if you can direct a tomato, I'm sure you can direct a model". So
then I started specializing in beauty. Then I did a spot that people
thought was funny, so I became that guy. Then I became the car guy. The
thing is, I love doing it all but I am particularly good at directing
tomatoes.
Much of your work is character driven, how do you know when you've found the right cast members?
RW:
It's a number of things really. I'm quite familiar with the talent pool
especially in New Zealand and Australia, so I'll often have someone in
mind before the casting process has begun. I have a close relationship
with the casting directors who regularly update me with any new
discoveries. I'm also constantly on the lookout for new and potential
talent; I love street casting. There are a number of actors I work with
regularly who are tried and trusted. I have tremendous respect and faith
in actors; it's not easy what they do, I certainly couldn't do it! Then
of course it could be that they have nice teeth.
What skills and techniques would you say are invaluable when casting comedy spots?
RW:
I don't think it's much different than casting for a dramatic role.
I've always found that comedians are usually very good in dramatic
roles. Robin Williams, Steve Carrel, Sarah Silverman, Jim Carey, the
list goes on. Having big ears helps, big ears are always funny.
Why do you think Australia and New Zealand are so renowned for their comedic commercials?
RW:
New Zealand certainly has a unique flavour which is different to the
humour in Oz, Britain and the US. I've sat in cinemas in the States
where all the locals are laughing their heads off and I'm like 'WTF??' -
I don't get it. Although I've introduced Kiwi comedy films to
foreigners who have an equally baffled reaction... Big ears are funny
though.
In 2014, you put together 'Marae - Te Tatau Pounamu: A
Journey Around New Zealand's Meeting Houses', a book which documented
Maori Meetinghouses all over New Zealand. What was the motivation behind
this extensive project?
RW: I was brought up in a very rich
Maori environment. I moved overseas for 11 years, and my children were
born in the UK. I really did this for them. They don't appreciate it now
but I think they will when they're older. My Maori heritage certainly
influences what I do, but so does my English and Scottish heritage.
Do you have any plans to follow up this book, or do you have any other passion projects ongoing/upcoming?
RW:
We have been asked by all the marae that weren't in the book to make
another one because they feel theirs is the most important marae in
country. So we'll see what happens.
You have travelled and worked throughout much of Asia. Where would you say has a style you find most enjoyable?
RW: Bangkok, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because they haven't been colonised, so they smile a lot.
What motivated your move from Curious to Robber's Dog?
RW: They said they'd give me a shiny new phone... and Mark has big ears.