We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tara Twal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tara below.
Hi Tara, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Creative block can be an artist’s worst nightmare. For me personally, I chose to view this feeling in a more positive light. While I was still in film school, my professors would tell me that creative block is a time for reflection. With this wisdom, I created a plan for myself. Writers block is now a time for me to remind myself why I am a filmmaker in the first place. I seek out inspiration from some of the films that originally drew me to my career such as “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “Boyhood”. These movies bring up so many emotions that I get an overwhelming sense of ambition. Along with watching movies, physically being around art helps me immensely. Thankfully I am in Detroit, where we have so many lovely musuems such as the Detroit Institute of Arts. I love to go there and see the post impressionism paintings like Van Gogh’s “Rowing Boats on the Banks of the Oise at Auvers”. There is so much motion and life in these pieces showcased in a beautifully unique way I just adore. If these two actions don’t work the best, I will go back and watch my previous work. Self reflection on my growth helps me become self aware of all I am capable of and all I am able to create now. Creative block can be a hassle when work needs to get done, but allowing it to refresh your abilities is the perfect cure.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello! I am Tara Twal, and I am a filmmaker based in Detroit, MI. I have been working in the film industry for a little over two years now, and every job has been its own adventure. One week I will be assistant directing on a comedy series where my focus is keeping the director’s communication up to par while keeping the crew as a whole on schedule. The next day I will be doing sound utility on a documentary where I have to place microphones on people discreetly and as quick as possible. That same weekend I will be a production assistant on a major brand commercial running water bottles to grips, understanding that every roll on set is important. Currently, I am a freelancer with a focus on Assistant Directing and the Audio department, but am happy and open to filling other rolls when needed! I produce, direct, and write my own work as well. I currently have two short films out(“Toothpaste” and “Hush Now”), and have more planned! My future works will continue to celebrate my culture, perspectives, and personal experiences in the narrative and experimental world. I love being able to work on productions as I have worked extemely hard to get myself where I am now, and have no intention of slowing down my ambitions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Say “yes” as often as you’re able to is my biggest word of advice. When I was first getting started in film, I was being hired on indie sets as a production assistant, but ended up being ‘promoted’ in a sense as I would fill higher roles while making sure I was given credit. My first job ever I went from PA to assistant director in a single day… and yes, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing at the time, but I was so excited to learn on the spot. I think one thing that helped start my career as well was observing how others work. Even if I was only a production assistant on those jobs that promoted me, I still would have being given the chance to see the flow of work. One thing I like to do, no matter what position, is get a feel for what is working on set and what isn’t. If you are looking to lead your own sets one day, be a department head, or just strengthen your skills, you should be able to understand how to keep things efficient. Often times the things that work and don’t work are smaller actions that go a long way. After that I make sure to pay attention to those who are moving things efficiently (typically the department heads) and make sure I talk to them. I think people often time value technical skills over communication/personal skills on set, and to me, both are equally important. Make sure you get as many contacts from a production as you can. This entire industry hires based on word of mouth. I have never gotten on a set by showing someone my CV. So for those who are just joining the film industry: say yes as much as you can, be observent on the job, and make your name well known!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to collaborate with artists looking to get their work out there! This can mean a music video, interview, commercial, anything that would be a good fit for me really! I would love to direct more projects and potentially produce them as well. My work lives in the narrative and experimental world and you can find my projects on my instagram @tara.t.art and website taratwal.com . Instagram and my email [email protected] are best places to reach me! Let’s talk and see if I am a good fit for your goals. As for any production crew out there, hit me up too! I am always looking to meet new crew members of any department and location.
I’d love to talk all about our works, passions, and goals!
Contact Info:
- Website: taratwal.com
- Instagram: @tara.t.art
