FemmeFilmFest20 Interview: Daphne Lazou, Director of Photography on ‘Diane Keaton’

Set entirely in one apartment, Georgia Michailidi’s short film ‘Diane Keaton‘ is shot by Daphne Lazou, the film’s Director of Photography. For the 5th Femme Filmmakers Festival we asked the woman behind the camera some questions on the filmmaking process and what inspires and challenges her.

questions by Morgan Roberts and Robin Write

What was a favourite film as a child that you still love today?

I remember watching “Singing in the Rain” when I was 9 years old for the first time. I was already into music, dancing and acting at my school plays so when I discovered that film musicals combine all of that with a new profession I didn’t know until then, film directing, my life changed. That was the first time I thought that when I’d grew up I wanted to make films.

Who is a woman in history that we should know more about?

Though she is well known, Nina Simone is one of my favourite artists. Her dream was to become the best pianist in America and she started playing jazz music at clubs only to earn some money to fund her piano lessons. Her incredible voice and piano arrangements made her one of the best singers/songwriters. Her artistic uniqueness along with her political and social activism are the reasons she is one of the most respected female figures in history.

When did you know you wanted to work behind the camera? Who or what inspired you in any way?

After watching “Singing in the Rain” I started watching movies with another perspective. I fell in love with musicals and classic movies like “Casablanca”. At my teens I started writing short scripts and filming it with my friends and my parents’ miniDV camera. Then I discovered David Lynch’s work who inspired me to learn more about directing and cinematography.

Until then I thought that what makes a good movie is just screenwriting and actors. A year before I finished school I met Alexandros Voulgaris, a Greek musician and film director that I admire to this day, who taught me a lot about cinema and introduced me to a whole new world of movies.

What struggles come out of shooting in such a small environment like Diane Keaton? And what really worked in your favour?

The struggles of shooting in a small environment are definately the limited equipment and the limited space. But at the same time you try to make the best you can with what you have. Limitations are not always a bad thing. Also a small crew means that the colaboration between the departments is easy and the environment is very friendly and fun!

How did you work with the director and other camera crew during filming of Diane Keaton?

Georgia was very specific about her vision but at the same time open to Diane Keaton’s crew to express our creativity and ideas as well. We prepared a photo story board to guide us but throughout the shooting we found challenges we didn’t expect. The chemistry between the team worked so well that everyone was ready to overcome whatever challenge we encountered.

What advice would you give those wanting to pursue a similar career in the future?

Start with what you have. We are extremely lucky to live in a time where you have infinite resources online to teach you the basics, you don’t need equipment as a beginner just a basic DSLR or even your smartphone.

Film schools are great to share your passion with other people, teach you how to work with more professional equipment and environment but are not necessary. In the end the most important thing is to find the unique way you want to work, what kind of movies you want to do and the people you want to work with.

Who is an actor/editor/cinematographer/writer you want to work with?

I live for the day I will collaborate with Gaspar Noe.

How has lockdown treated you? What have you done you perhaps couldn’t do before?

During the lockdown I had sometime to stop stressing over the things I’m not doing. We all want to be productive all the time but we forget to relax and think over the things we do just because we love them and not just because we have to. The truth is we sometimes need some time in isolation to be creative and inspired. 

What is next for you?

As I am also a musician, I am currently working on new music as well as the music videos I will release with them. Combining visuals with music is the most direct way I’ve found to express my creativity and my love for those two arts.