From Concept to Contender: A Sit-Down with Director Frederic Kau

Today, I had an awesome chat with director and Oscar finalist, Frederic Kau. His film, "Those That Follow," dives into the heavy topic of neo-Nazism in police departments. It's a tough watch but worth every minute and definitely gives you a lot to think about. 

We talked about how being an Oscar finalist is such a huge win, even if (spoiler alert) you don't take home the trophy. It’s a lot like us actors getting callbacks but not booking the role. It's about recognizing the achievement and knowing you were good enough to be considered and the boils down to politics, trends, and chemistry.

Frederic shared some intriguing insights about his film. It uses a married couple to show different views on a complex situation, rather than just seeing things as black and white. We also discussed casting. He has a unique approach—he looks beyond headshots and focuses on actors in action. And, it was eye-opening to hear how editing can change a character's perception entirely regardless of choices and performance.

Be kinder to yourself. Getting a callback means you were good enough, even if you didn’t get the part. It's a win in itself. So, keep pushing forward and believe in your talent.

This interview is packed with great insights, perfect for any actor looking to better understand how they fit into the grand scheme of a film, from casting to the final exit.

If you want to check out Frederic's film, follow him on Instagram and reach out to him for the link. 

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