Name:
Anu Valia
Occupation:
Writer, Director
Top 3 films of all time:
This is an impossible question! My favorite films change depending on my moo. Some films strike me at the right time, and that's what makes it so magical. So for now, I'm really vibing on Holy Motors, Amour, and Mystery Train. Probably not the top 3 films of all time, but they're films that really affected the way I see moviemaking.
How did you first get into filmmaking?
My dad is a forever cinephile, he's an appreciator of all art. Almost every evening he would bring home a movie for us all to watch while eating dinner, and those are some of my favorite childhood memories. It's how I was introduced to Fellini, Berman, Satyajit Ray, Peter Weird, Deepha Metha.
What is your favorite on-set story?
Every time we make our day it's a wonder to me.
What piece of equipment can you not live without on set?
A pencil. I need to write my thoughts down immediately during a take otherwise I'll forget.
"It's so important for a set to be functioning with a sense of respect and gratitude so everyone can do their best work."
The heart of the Film Pin Society is community and camaraderie. Can you talk a little about that?
It requires an incredibly talented group of people to come together to create a film or a show. Filmmaking is all about community and camaraderie and it's so important for a set to be functioning with a sense of respect and gratitude so everyone can do their best work. When there are budget and time constraints, it's necessary for people to be treated well and to feel they are part of a team that cares about them, otherwise no one's going to show up when it gets hard.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to someone looking into going into your field?
Be kind, be grateful, and don't take no for an answer.
What pin from our collection speaks to you and why?
The timecode slate pin is cute!
"Be kind, be grateful, and don't take no for an answer."
What should we turn into a pin next?
Boom pole! Give the sound team some love. [update: we made one HERE!]
How can we learn more about you?