Interview:: Glendyn Ivin

If you're loving 'Offspring', then you have to give credit to director Glendyn Ivin. He's directed episodes eight and nine (last week and this week), and here he gives some insights into his life as a director/filmmaker/photographer on the rise.

Father to two, husband to one, director of many and sure to be many more, he won the Palme D'or at Cannes in 2003 for his short film Cracker Bag, and last year released his debut feature length film Last Ride (a beautiful and memorable film).

PMM - You've just finished working on (Ten's) Offspring - what were some of the highlights?

I had never had any real interest in directing series TV. But after making 'Last Ride' I was keen to explore other territory. The light-hearted romantic comedy of 'Offspring' seemed like a challenge and a response to the hard drama I am naturally drawn towards. I had also worked with some of the cast before so it was an easy decision in the end. The cast is really amazing, and the producers gave me their trust, so even though it was not typically my style of story telling, I felt I could learn something new while still leaving my fingerprints on it.

Asher Keddie is a dream to work with. She is an actor who is truly focused on giving her best. She worked close to seven days a week, for five months making the first series of 'Offspring', yet she managed to make every day fresh and full of energy.

What made you want to go into directing?

I was always drawn to film-making and photography. When I was in high school there was no 'media' class, but I was obsessed with the video cameras. I would take the clunky VHS camera out at lunch time and just film my friends for hours. I had no real reason to do it, I just felt compelled.

I distinctly remember when I first edited two pieces of footage together. It was like an epiphany, I saw how two random images could take on a whole new meaning.

I'm still fascinated by that process now, I get really excited by it. There is always something new to learn and explore. I feel very lucky doing what I do. In many ways I'm still a kid filming my friends at lunchtime.

You have a young family - how do you balance a busy work schedule with family life?

I'm sure like any parent who loves the work they do, it's very hard to strike a balance between work and home. I work long hours, and even when I am at home there is always a phone call to take, an email to respond to and more work to be squeezed in after midnight. I'm sure it's a familiar story for many. There is always an excuse to be doing something other than being present with the family. I'm sure a lot of parents who really love what they do have the same problem. I have to be really conscious to make time and take time out, which is always easier said than do, (hence I am writing this as my daughter Rosebud (3yo) is calling me to watch her ride her pretend horse). But I find if I don't, home life isn't as fun and relaxing as it can be.

It helps that I have an absolute super wife, who is very understanding and supportive of me and my work. She is a super mum.

Do you think having kids has changed the way you make films?

It definitely changed the way I made my feature film Last Ride. It's a film about a pretty intense father/son relationship. When I first read the script I could read as a son, but also as I was a new father I could see it from the father's perspective as well.

Having children opens you up to a lot of different experiences and a whole new range of emotions. It helps you put things into perspective, to see the world differently. All these things can be beneficial to being a filmmaker, as being a director is about having your own perspective or take on the world.

What's coming up for you?

I'm working on my next films. 'Cherry Bomb' is a little like 'Puberty Blues' meets 'Bonnie & Clyde' and a horror film based on the book 'One Foot Wrong'.

I also make TV commercials and the call of the TV series is going to be there from now on as well.

I'm also working on planning a photographic exhibition for 2011.

Inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere. From flicking through high fashion magazines to riding public transport and looking and listening to conversations. I like to find clues and ideas in and amongst real life.

I look at a ton of photographs. Online and in books. I find still images to be just as inspiring if not more than moving images.

I'm also obsessed with music. It helps me focus and relax. I actually think I'm a filmmaker, because I'm not a musician.

A completely random fact we should(n't) know about you?

I have the scariest addiction to talk back radio. It drives my wife Natalie nuts!

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To read more about Glendyn and his projects head to his website Hoaxville.

All images courtesy of Glendyn Ivin.