In Conversation With... Jak Payne, Creating A Visual Direction

Behind every great film, idea, shoot, is an even greater director forefronting and bringing to life several visions and creating one. Peckham’s very own director, Jak Payne is one of several emerging directors taking London and its film industry by storm. Only discovering his love for film later in his life, Jak started out as a musician; playing in bands and finally moving towards making music videos for artists. Most recently portraying the impact of Covid on the clubbing/rave industry and working with Dazed in a film depicting the underground club scene.

New Wave spoke to the up-and-coming director, as he embarks on an exciting career ahead…

Let’s start at the very beginning, where did it all start for you; where did you grow up, family life, etc…

I grew up in Peckham, in South East London. I still live really near where I grew up.

When did you know you wanted to become a film director?

I came to film quite late. I was a musician when I was younger. I left school to play in bands and that’s how I made a living when I was a teenager and in my early twenties. I started making music videos for other artists, who I knew through that world, and just discovered a real enjoyment in film-making. I only directed my first promo when I was 27 and just learnt through doing. It’s something I’m still relatively new to, so am still very much learning.

Would you say your upbringing reflects the work you do today?

I think it did more at first. I was interested in a particular kind of Britishness, which I think is equal parts humour and a kind of melancholy. I loved artists like Martin Parr and wanted to make these kitsch, hyperreal films inspired by that kind of imagery. But I think my tastes have changed and now I am more interested in more abstract visuals that don’t really have a root in anything overtly narrative or my own experiences.

How would you describe your creative style?

I think how I approach videos is always to try and have a strong sense of the images I want to make. I don’t think that is necessarily at the expense of the story, but just that it is told through something you discern on a less literal level. I don't like videos that are really on the nose, I like videos that make you feel emotion without you really knowing why. And I think this is why I enjoy music videos as music operates in a similar way. It hits you in more obscure psychological ways.

What would you say is the most important quality to have as a film director?

Play well with others… Directing is a really collaborative thing and if you don’t embrace that I think the work will suffer. I also hate it when there are these implied (or sometimes explicit) hierarchies on set. And people feel like they can treat other people badly because they feel they are more important than them. Think that is something that is improving but still needs work.

Why do you make films?

Sounds maybe a bit too simple, but it makes me happy lol. I love coming up with ideas and shooting videos. There’s no grand design or motivation behind it. Just do what gives you joy.

Your work is very eccentric at times also vivid and tells a story, what thoughts do you have in that moment behind the lens?

Shooting is kind of weird because you do loads of pre-prod and then when you are actually shooting stuff it is generally rushed. You have an AD telling you you have 5 minutes to get a shot so you have to be instinctual, and just trust your eye. The process is weirdly subconscious. Lots of the time the things that will upset me about a film are the parts of a frame or a performance I’ve missed at that moment, but you’re never gonna get everything right.

The best and worst project you’ve produced and what you learnt from them?

Ah, man. I’m generally not happy with anything I make until at least 6 months after shooting it. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to try and distill down a concept and focus your efforts and resources on capturing that core thing that interests you. A lot of videos I’ve made, especially lower budget promos, go south because I have tried to do too much and spread the production too thin. If you can do ten things badly or one thing well, do the latter.

Your short film, The Rave Must Go On, definitely was impactful in exploring the impact of covid on the club scene, you were someone who would go clubbing regularly before the pandemic. How has changed the work you produce and what did you do to fill up that space?

Yeah, I’ve always loved going dancing and it was something I missed. It was good to be able to make a film about something which I felt personally invested in, and was interesting talking to people when I was collecting the interviews. I think it’s made me more interested in documentary work. Just trying to find something else I want to make a doc about…

What are your favourite techniques or things like colours when filming?

I’m really into purple at the moment ha-ha. But I think that stuff changes a lot. You will become really interested in shooting purple light, or borescope lenses, or mo-co for example, and then use it until it gets boring and then find something else to fill that stylistic niche. Saying that I really enjoy shooting on 16mm film and don’t think that will change.

You have directed music videos for several artists, what do you look for when collaborating on projects?

The first thing is whether you like the music and if it inspires any ideas. I think if you don't like a track you probably won't make a good film for it... And then the second thing is whether the brief gives you space to make something that you want to make and isn’t too restrictive.

As a director working as a team is important, what is one thing the people around you have to know about your work style?

I’m not really sure. Like I said I think the collaborative element is really important so would hopefully be me trying to adapt to the people I work with as much as the other way around.

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently?

Start making films ten years earlier.

What is the best-directed film out there that you feel like all directors should see/be familiar with?

That’s tough! The film that’s inspired me the most is probably BladeRunner 2049 in terms of its visuals, but my favourite film is Memories of a Murder by Bong Joon-Ho. Also, everyone should watch some Roy Anderson.

Who would you like to work with?

Roger Deakins the GOAT

What’s next for you?

I’m shooting more photography and am setting up a studio this year, so I’m excited about that.

E: jak@sharppayne.com

www.jakpayne.com

https://blinkprods.com/director/jak-payne/