Interview with filmmaker Antonio Saillant - part 3

To read part 1, click here. To read part 2, click here.

Cendrine Marrouat: How long will it take you to make "Dream Destinations"? And how challenging was it to put such a project together?

Antonio Saillant: How long? The anticipated production schedule for this documentary, once complete funding is obtained, is as follows: Total Production Timeline - 52 weeks / 12 months. I actually started filming certain very important scenes:

I co-hosted the surprise 80th birthday festivities for Ted Kotcheff with Chris Meloni, on March 20, 2011. The event, also hosted by his wife, Laifun, screened his 1971 Australian film, "Wake in Fright," which debuted 40 years ago at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2009, "Wake in Fright" was declared a "Cannes Classic" (and was screened again as part of that year's retrospective program). It's one of only two movies to hold this "Cannes Classic" distinction. 

After the screening Kotcheff held a Q &A much to the delight of the audience. Also joining the celebration and the party afterwards held at Bice (East 54th) were actors Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: SVU"), Brian Dennehy and Michael Talbott ("First Blood") and many other close friends and family of the honoree. Filming this very important event and to include this on the documentary shows that Mr. Kotcheff continues on this incredible journey.

In addition, I submitted "Wake in Fright" to the Montreal's Fantasia Film Festival on behalf of Ted Kotcheff and was accepted and played at The Montreal's Fantasia Film Festival, which ran from July 14 through August 7.

"Wake in Fright" was part of a special tribute sidebar to the Australian cinema. Ted hosted his screening, conducted a Q&A and the press on the film and on Ted was amazing. Tony Timpone, programmer of the festival, was there to assist with his presentation and of course the interview was filmed and to be included in the documentary.

Most critically-acclaimed is Ted’s movie, "Wake in Fright (Outback)," which was screened in official competition at Cannes in 1971. The film almost disappeared into obscurity, lost forever, until the original editor Anthony Buckley embarked on an odyssey to bring it back to life. His investigations, starting in 1996, revealed that original source materials were missing and a 35 mm print uncovered in Dublin was of way too poor in quality to restore. However, he finally found the original materials slated for disposal in a vault in Pittsburgh; a fluke of a discovery that enabled a digitally reinvigorated version of "Wake in Fright" to be given an Australian cinematic rerelease in 2009.  This has provided a new generation of curious cinephiles the opportunity to see this masterpiece, a once reviled film that divided audiences and caused patriotic Australians to metaphorically call for the head of its Canadian director.  Now, a film treasure, in 2009, "Wake in Fright" was declared a "Cannes Classic", which was screened again as part of that year's retrospective program. It's one of only two movies to hold this "Cannes Classic" distinction!

The challenges putting this project together required finding a crew of individuals that were pure genuine and talented, which of course I did. They all must know Ted’s work and love and admire him as much as I do. 

CM: Any memorable moment during the shooting?

AS: Actually the events mentioned above were very memorable but recently The DGC congratulates the 2011 nominees announced last week in Toronto and on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at the prestigious Royal York Hotel. It is an honour to be a part of this special event and to join in the celebration as my mentor and dear friend Ted Kotcheff who will be receiving The DGC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented by Silver Sponsor, Shaftesbury Films. This will be a very memorable shoot!

CM: What is next for you?

AS: Future works include a football high-school drama entitled “The Golden Knights” two comedies entitled “If” and “Pumping Up,” as well as thrillers “Wormhole” and “Gripped." I am currently shadowing the executive producer, Ted Kotcheff of "Law and Order Special Victims Unit."

In addition, I am in the works on directing another documentary entitled, "Special Victims Unit Detectives." Not every police department has an SVU division. It requires the study of criminal justice, forensic science and a knowledge of psychology or sociology. This documentary explodes how real life detectives use science to bring killers to justice and justice to victim’s families. We will take you on a journey to the set of the top rated and successful NBC "Law and Order: SVU" television show and how it made the real SVU NYC divisions gain a great deal of prominence in today's Police force.  We will examine how Special Victims Unit detectives handle specialized cases involving sexual assault crimes, such as rape, child pornography and the sexual and physical exploitation of children.   

CM: Where can people find more information about "Dream Destinations"?

AS: Well, the buzz has already begun but you can go to the film website www.dreamdestinationsfilm.com  and the film is listed on the IMDB as Dream Destinations.

CM: Any last words?

AS: A quote: “…when I direct, I become possessed, a possession I’ve never quite understood.” –Ted Kotcheff

Which I truly follow!

End of the interview.

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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com