BBFF2022 Meet the Filmmaker: Grant James

The Buckleys: Take It As It Comes

Grant James takes us on a journey with young Australian band “The Buckley’s” as they record their new EP in Nashville, TN.

We had a chat to Grant James about the making of ‘The Buckleys: Take It As It Comes’ and his journey from initial development to screen.

Screening at Byron Theatre

• Saturday 29 October at 7:30pm with PATOU: In Black & White

Buy tickets

How did you come to develop the story in your film?

Like most documentary subjects, a genuine story develops over time. Though we initially set out to make a sort of "Making of an album" piece... it became clear through working with The Buckleys (over the course of a couple years) that they have grown as musicians and artists. Though this piece is just a moment in time... I felt there was an organic story to tell beyond the scope of traditional promotion materials.

Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?

I've been a filmmaker for my entire adult life... my path started in high school where I was able to dedicate a majority of my time learning video/multi-media and that enticed to pursue it in college and I can't say that I ever looked back!

As a filmmaker what is your favourite memory you had in the process of creating this film?

My favorite part of making this film was getting to know the band. They are a fun bunch with a great sense of humor which is an important quality. Also, their taste in music parallels mine in a lot of ways so it gives me inspiration to not play things fully safe when it comes to the editing process.

Why do you think short films are an important medium to explore creativity through?

I believe short films allow a filmmaker to be concise with their message. In addition, you are able to experiment with different creative techniques to enhance the story you are telling. During the process of making this doco, I really tried to go into all b-roll moments with little to no plan and let things happen naturally in organic settings. For instance, instead of conducting a traditional talking head interview... I was much more interested in sitting The Buckleys down together and let them have a conversation based on talking points with each other vs. a more formal check list. What I learned was that it provided me with authentic dialogue that I could use as the narration bed in a way that feels real and in the moment.

Part of the filmmaking process is you will face challenges, how did you overcome these?

The biggest challenge was going into this project with a small production approach. We were extremely streamlined with crew and equipment which has its limitations - but in the end, it is all about the story you tell... and I have to constantly remind myself that when it comes to documentary filmmaking.

The pandemic definitely limited my productivity in a lot of ways due to a lot of personal changes in my life with moving across country, having a child, etc... but it also allowed me to finish projects that I had yet to complete. In regards to this film, I think it only helped the story come forward surrounding the bands personal and artistic growth. As we all experienced, the past couple of years have pushed us to learn more... and I hope this short story communicates that importance.

What is next for you in the future?

I have several music documentary projects on my plate that are in their infancy. As those are kicking off, I continue taking on commercial work from time to time as well as plotting my next foray into quasi-narrative filmmaking coming off the heels of my first scripted short film.

What is your biggest creative influence on your filmmaking style?

I tend to lean heavily on Cinéma vérité as style of filmmaking - it allows for more creative exploration that allows for interpretation based on a viewers takeaway. It creates a bigger dialogue surrounding a film which is my favorite part.

What is a piece of advice you can give to all aspiring filmmakers?

Stick to your gut. There are many different avenues you can take as a filmmaker... not all projects are going to be something you want to push on your showreel and not all projects will be successful - but they all are learning experiences and as long as you take that knowledge onto the next film you make - the better off you are for it!

Film Festivals are an extremely important platform for filmmakers to share their craft.

This will be my first time at BBFF so I am excited to get on the ground and meet the filmmaking community.