We’re catching up with the winners of this year’s Young Director Award to find out the inspiration behind their winning work and to check out how things have changed for them since picking up the YDA. First up is the fantabulous Yoann Lemoine from Wanda Productions whose..err.. filthtabulous viral Graffiti took second prize in the European Web Film category. And Yoann’s got a lot to share – not only has he just directed Katy Perry’s new video he’s also started work on an album of his own. Talk about multi-talented!
What have you been up to since the Young Director Awards?
I have directed Katy Perry’s new video in Los Angeles with my UK and US production HSI, and started recording my album as a songwriter and singer.
It’s a very exciting project and I’m working with a lot of amazing people on this record. I am also going to direct my own first music video.
What was the inspiration behind your winning piece?
Mhhh. Penises and Pussies having sex ! Well it’s what it’s about. Honestly, we tried to get some references from street culture and graffiti, but also from illustration.
I wanted to pay tribute to Keith Haring. I’m a big fan of his work and I thought it was very appropriate for an anti AIDS campaign to include some drawings inspired by his characters.
I am a very visual person, i always start working with images. I am not a concept artist, i don’t know how to work on words, they only come afterwards, to defend visions that I have, and spontaneous visual instincts, colors, textures, compositions, lights. I think we can say I’m more of an art director than a screenwriter. But I’m starting to evolve and enter more the world of writing, actor directing.
When and why did you decide to become a director?
I didn’t really decide it actually, i was an illustrator and I was asked to ‘do’ an animation film, i said ‘do’ on purpose because i was not even considering the fact at the time that i could become a director.
Then I was asked to do another one, and another one… Later I started shooting live action, which I’m mainly doing now.
Which film/commercial do you wish you’d directed and why?
Well I don’t really watch commercials actually. I wish I did a film that combines all the aspects that I enjoy injecting in my films : emotion, art direction, and an original point of view on post production.
What are your hopes for the future?
Releasing a beautiful album hopefully, To start working on my feature very soon, and to create commission films that really fit my wills and what I have to say. I am very far from it yet.
