Filmmaker: Aaron Lee Noyes
“Aaron and I met way back in 2018 and ended up driving a tracking vehicle for me on a car shoot (he’s great behind the wheel) not long after. Despite sharing time together on set, it wasn’t until more recently, capturing aerials for his soon to be released short ‘Remember’ that we really connected.
What has really drawn me to Aaron is his unwavering passion and drive, it’s unmatched. His determination and heart, resulting in 2 formidable short films after very little time in the industry just blows me away. Aaron’s energy is infectious and he’s just the kind of person I want to be around. Talent & depth in spades and I can’t wait to see what he’s conjuring up next.”
FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW YOU, WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHERE ARE YOU BASED ?
Hi! My name is Aaron Lee Noyes and I’m a Photographer and Filmmaker based in Melbourne, Australia.
CAN YOU SHARE A BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW YOU GOT INTO THE INDUSTRY AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO MAKE SHORT FILMS?
The short version is that I’ve always found the idea of making films romantic. I love cinema and even from an early age I had a keen interest in how films are made. Prior to the two short films I’ve made my only industry experience was in photography. My brother-in-law Jesse made a short film and I saw the tail end of that process and thought I could achieve something similar. My father-in law Sal is quite an accomplished actor and I decided to share with him the first draft of the script and with his support and that of my partner and producer Liza we started to develop a story and connections to produce it.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SHOOTING A SHORT FILM LIKE?
Hectic! The truth is I had almost no clue what I was doing. I had to contend with a pandemic, a 30-person cast and crew and a team member with a last-minute injury. This caused a domino effect of delays of almost one year. The whole experience was a baptism of fire BUT we got a great (now award-winning) picture produced which I am very proud of. Watch ‘Mr Gypsie’ here
WHAT ELEMENTS OF THE FILM INDUSTRY DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING TO NAVIGATE?
I still feel quite new even after a couple of years and would say the hardest part is networking and finding ways to seek funding and navigate the business side of the film industry.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING A SHORT FILM?
I believe it's really important to incorporate something deeply personal into the story. Whether it's dialogue or character style, something you've experienced or felt within your story must reflect you. If you do this, the audience will pick up on that heightened sense of authenticity with the story no matter what it's about.
CAN YOU CHAT US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FROM CONCEPTING TO SCREENING?
In a nutshell, I try to ask a moral question early into the writing process and build around it. It could take a year or two or just a few months to get a good screenplay done, it really depends on what I’m trying to say. I take my time and confide in my producers and work on fleshing out the story collectively. I often write late at night and listen to music that relates to the feeling of the film I envision. I like to immerse myself into the characters and environment. From here we then begin to get into pre-production.
TOP THREE FAVOURITE FILMS AND WHY?
(Coen Brothers/Deakins)
This is probably the most wonderful use of tempo and space in any film. It’s pretty amazing that this film was so powerful and so successful yet only had diegetic sound the whole way through! There’s no score at all.
(Villlenue/Bradford Young)
In my opinion this is one of the most original sci-fi screenplays out there.
(Matt Reeves/Greig Fraser)
I love this take on the Batman series. From a visual standpoint, it’s a dystopian-esque noir thriller mixed with incredible compositions, action and the use of vintage lenses all makes me feel the happy things!
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
My short-term plan for this year is to produce a sci-fi short, called “A Sudden Loss of Sound.” and start on my first documentary. My long-term goal is to develop a feature length screenplay which I’d like to shoot in 2025.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR FONDEST MEMORY ON SET?
It was my first day of filming and the scene involved dialogue between two of the main characters which they absolutely nailed! I was standing there looking at the monitor thinking to myself “these are my words” something that I’ve written has finally been brought to life! It was surreal!
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM PROJECT?
I’m slowly building my skill set and network to tackle a debut feature film. The story is a thriller expanding upon story from of my first short film Mr. Gypsie. I hope to be able to pitch for funding for it by the end of 2024. I’m keen to chat with anyone interested in collaborating with me.
WHAT GEMS OF ADVICE COULD YOU OFFER BUDDING CREATIVES WANTING TO MAKE A SHORT FILM?
I’d say get really comfortable with collaborating! Respect your team and be inclusive of all walks of life in your crew. I see plenty of up and comers with really strong ideas and pure devotion to capturing something a specific way which I respect! Even Spielberg listens to his team so always be open minded!
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view his work here.
