CSD SVF’s Interview with Ruan Du Plessis

CSD Social Venture Fund recently had a chance to sit down with Bus Door Films Director of Photography & CoFounder Ruan Du Plessis for a quick Q&A. Watch and read below to see what he had to say!

How was the launch of Bus Door Films?

When we launched the business and announced it, I got a lot of messages from people who are thrilled to have a production company that [creates] professional commercials, long films, short films, etc. 

Many artists are looking for places to work because before there was no central place for [deaf] filmmakers to grow their skills. There are jobs out there, but most [deaf filmmakers] aren’t skilled enough to [get them]. Our company will provide that training and prepare them to enter the [field]. The more filmmakers we have, we can measure what kind of projects we can handle.

You are right, as a manager, I will be more likely involved in management now and involved in filmmaking a bit less, but we can figure something out.

What is one of Bus Door Films 3-4 year goals?

Our goal is to fix misrepresentation, like [having] a hearing actor taking a deaf role – or [having] a deaf actor, but a hearing cameraman – does he really understand our culture? 

We [want BDF to be a place] where the industry looks for a deaf filmmaking team that’s available. We can work with the industry and show them the right way. 

Often, in general, filmmakers [choose] the wrong frame or miss. For example, [they] want to emphasize an expression the right way, so they aren’t cutting out our signs. Most hearing filmmakers will do a close-up – [but] we will make sure it’s more clear with signing. Sure, sometimes we can break the rules. We don’t always have to capture things in the frame, we can film from the back. Really it depends on storytelling.

How has your role evolved over time?

Good question. Before I focused only on film and everything else took care of itself. And now, I’m a business owner, which means I make sure Bus Door Films is running, getting opportunities and projects coming in.

And yes, we don’t see ourselves as a one-man-show for all things, so we need help and support – more people coming to work on projects. But yes, it’s not as if we are leaving the light off. We will always be involved with filmmaking, we will make sure the lights are set up like always.

How did you get started in filmmaking?

I remember in high school after I moved here from South Africa, Indiana School for the Deaf gave me an opportunity to play with cameras, video, and photos. But I had never had that thought of becoming what I am now, at that age I didn’t understand what “Director of Photography” meant. Didn’t understand directing, didn’t understand the different roles, I thought I was just a cameraman.

That was my understanding of things back when I was young. Then one company wanted to start a movie because of our skills – this was all in high school. So I got an offer right after graduation and learned about the different roles involved and how to succeed in the film industry. So I was involved in many different experiences. Like a light specialist, a gaffer explored editing, switched to a production design assistant. All of these roles helped me become a Director of Photography.

How does one get started in filmmaking?

As a filmmaker I remember when I was young, the first thing I started with was a camera, taking pictures. Because when you take a picture, how do you story-tell through a single frame?  Does this picture have a story to tell? If successful, the next step is frames per second. How you story-tell with that, so it builds up.

But I suggest starting with pictures. Learn how to handle the light, if you want overexposure it’s fine storytelling. Underexposure? It’s fine, still storytelling. So I practice constantly and that is what I discovered myself as a Director of Photography, which helped me become a filmmaker.

What would you say to someone that wants to join BDF?

If you want to work with us in the future, I would encourage you to start somewhere. Even with an iPhone, go ahead and tell a story. Even with an iPhone you will learn and learn. It doesn’t matter what quality camera you have, what’s important is storytelling. How to make people fascinated with your stories and ideas.

Keep up with practicing your skills related to lighting, cameras, and editing. Go ahead and get involved in any project related to filming, get your hands wet. It’s fine if you are a best-boy that helps with coffee. It’s fine. It’s learning how they do things so it will apply in the future.