An interview with Jean François Rouzé, noted down by Marieke Steinhoff.

You study film at the ECAM in Madrid, can you describe the curricular design there?

In Spain, the ECAM is the best option you can choose if you want to study film. You can share knowledge and experiences with professionals and filmmakers and talk with them after class. There is a close relationship between students and teachers during the three years of class.

How would you describe the production conditions in Spain for young filmmakers? Is it difficult to realize first projects? What are your experiences?

In Spain there are difficulties for young filmmakers, but Spain is a virgin market for new technologies and I think that young filmmakers have to work across all media. After the ECAM I founded "WakeUp Pictures" with strategic partners, a multi-platform film company. My partners and I created a 360 approach to every content we produced. Today our company produces Web Series with brands product placement, TV programmes with Mobile and Web integration, and Digital Campaigns for brands like L’Oréal Spain, Havas Digital etc. So, yes, I think that there are difficulties, but there are much more if you still use the classical way of producing.

Film as a medium is characterized by the creation of moving images – how did you come across the idea to play with this basic principle in 5 SEGUNDOS and to oppose moving images to film stills?

Reading a book about neurological anomalies I discovered several problems about people who cannot process correctly what their eyes are watching. I decided to write a story about this, trying to imagine how life can be with this problem, especially for a kid.

While developing the script and storyboard, what did you focus on? The (intellectual) examination of moving images or Frank’s story?

During the development of the script I was scared about the idea that people will not understand the story and feel bored by the mix between freeze and moving images. So I decided to film a trailer with my Canon XL1 and a MacBook. During the shooting I was excited but also worried and thinking, "What the hell are you doing?" But during the editing on my Mac I learnt how to mix the still and moving images. And it works! Now I can say that this trailer was the best I did to prepare myself for the real shooting.

Can you describe the camera work in 5 SEGUNDOS and the editing process afterwards?

Thanks to the things I learnt during the trailer I decided to film with two cameras. A Sony 2K Professional Digital Cam and a Canon Photographic Cam. Both have an excellent definition. The editing process was like a puzzle, looking where you can insert a freeze image in a scene; choosing the best moments was difficult, but also very interesting.

Why did you shoot with two different cameras?

I decided to shoot with two cams for a simple reason: freezing moving images have not the same quality like that of making a picture with a Photographic Cam. So, during the shooting, we first filmed the scenes with moving images and then we had to repeat all the scenes, but with the Photographic Cam, like a subjective view of Frank.

How was the critical reception of your film and where has it been screened so far?

Well, people understood the story after the first five seconds… So for me, this is the most important thing. Also I can say that the film has been selected in film festivals in over 20 countries, so this is a sign that people appreciate Frank’s character and his neurological problem. I’m glad to see that.

Links

• 5 SECONDS (E 2008. Jean François Rouzé)
• A Fraction of a Second of Happiness – Marieke Steinhoff about 5 SECONDS
• A Steady Rise – Marieke Steinhoff about the Spanish film market