Small Talk with Director Jan Ruttner
Welcome back to CINQ's 'Small Talk', an interview series spotlighting directors, DOPs, and other talented crew. In the latest interview, Jan Ruttner discusses upcoming projects, his focus on social issues, and why filmmaking has always been his dream job.
Q> What inspired you to become a director, and what did your first steps on this path look like?
Jan> My dad, who passed away when I was 12. He was also a director, primarily working on documentaries about art. He wasn’t a fan of commercial projects, so I often wonder what he’d think about my work now.
Q> Don’t you think the current market is oversaturated with directors?
Jan> It definitely feels that way – it’s tough to break through. But at the same time, it pushes you to get better.
Q> Which movie convinced you that you wanted to work in this industry, and why?
Jan> The Lord of the Rings. I still remember watching it on VHS and being completely blown away – I couldn’t wrap my head around how they managed to create something so epic.
Q> What challenges do you most often encounter at this early stage of your career?
Jan> The lack of material in my reel is definitely a challenge - it’s hard to showcase your full potential when you don’t have enough examples to back it up. On top of that, budgets are often tight. You’re constantly working with minimal resources while comparing yourself to the best in the industry, who have exponentially larger budgets. But I see it as part of the journey. Those constraints, while frustrating, are also incredibly valuable - they push you to be more creative and resourceful, and in the end, they teach you the most.
Q> You’re interested in photography, directing, cinematography, and you’re an excellent editor. Is there anything else you’d like to learn?
Jan> I’d love to learn how to rest more and spend more time with my girlfriend. Balancing life and work is definitely something I need to get better at.
Q> How difficult is it for you to find something that hasn't been filmed yet?
Jan> It’s always a challenge, but there’s always a way to film something a bit differently and refine it to make it stand out. The process of adding those small, unique touches is what I enjoy the most.
Q> What is your dream job?
Jan> I don’t have a specific dream job. My goal is to build trust with clients so they’ll let me approach projects my way, breaking away from traditional norms. I love injecting humour and irony into my work, and if a client allows me to do that, then every job is a dream job.
Q> Do you think that another era of filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas will come again?
Jan> I believe we’ll see another wave of brilliant filmmakers, but they’ll likely be more multidisciplinary – blending directing with other fields like tech, design, or even AI.
Q> How do you spend your days off?
Jan> I love playing football – it’s one of my biggest passions. Lately, I’ve also been playing a lot of basketball.
Q> What would you recommend to people who want to start in film but don’t know where to begin?
Jan> It’s hard to give advice since everyone’s journey is unique. But if I had to say something: start from the bottom, try everything, and let it guide you. Work hard and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – it’s a grind, but it’s worth it.
