Guest studio 1: António Aleixa

As a filmmaker, I see myself mostly as a storyteller. I use film as the medium through which I express myself and spread my opinions and messages. That is why I often refer to it not as an art but as a combination of technical skills that work for the art of storyteller... Of course there are lots of different kinds of films and work methods but when it comes to make it story driven, cinema making looses all its charm and becomes pretty much a mathematical craft where you have to plan every detail. That is why most of my work is far away from actors, cameras, lights or glamour. It has a lot more to do with the sketch book that I always carry around, a laptop and a lot of reading, writing, wathing and drawing. Most would consider it to be a very dull existence, I myself must confess this was not really what I had in mind when I first went to film school, long ago... But the fact is that it´s so rewarding once a film is done that I´m in love with what I do more and more every day.
Nowadays, in The Hague, I am working with Bas Ackermann from Upperunder and Shoot Me Festival in various projects, such as a music video, promos and a documentary. The work is going great and it is interesting that we got together since we have pretty much the same approach to film and all its "industry". I would even consider his Upperunder to be very similar to my own label in Portugal, called Low Cost Filmes. It´s important to say that we didn´t know each other or our work before. I am here because I got a grant from the portuguese government to come abroad and explore new ways, methods and technics. And it was them who send me to meet Bas, Upperunder and Shoot Me Festival.
Although i´ve been here for three week only, I can say I feel pretty much integrated. The city is fine and the people are nice. If to that we could add some more heat and sunny days, it would be perfect!
Also the guest studio is playing a very important role. The place is far better then I initially expected, everyone here is very friendly and I guess me, Oliver and Susan got along pretty well!
I guess that´s it... If you need to know something more just drop by and ask. Everyone is welcome!