Spikes Film Craft Jury President Peter Grasse Says Execution is Forever King

Arriving at Curious Film Sydney in 2004, Peter Grasse is a well established figure down under, taking the production company from strength to strength with his innovative outlook and brave perspectives on everything from film craft and distribution, award politics, upcoming directors and dress code.

The US native Sydney-siders now proudly call their own doesn’t need you to take his word for it as the production house clocks up award wins that speak for themselves. Earlier this year, Curious was awarded Production Company of the Year for Film Craft at Ciclope and rejoiced in IDA’s Oscar and BAFTA wins as its distributor in Australia and New Zealand. In 2014, Curious’ feature, The Rocket, was selected as Australia’s entry to the Academy Awards, and Curious’ commercial division became Australasia’s most awarded production company for its multiple Cannes Lions wins in Film Craft and Branded Content. And, in 2013 Curious added Singapore to its production syndicate in both Australia and New Zealand.

Peter Grasse catches up with LBB’s Larissa Meikle to depart some worthy knowledge on what he’s looking out for at Spikes this week.

LBB> How are you preparing yourself for your stint in the jury room at Spikes?

Peter Grasse> Preparation as a judge is working diligently to craft and perfect your own work year after year, because personal involvement helps us to appreciate the dedicated spirit that produces work worthy of awards. Every member of our jury has been recognised for producing, directing and creating crafted executions of valuable ideas. As president of the category, I’m enthusiastically reading about my fellow jurors to best understand and interpret the context of their perspective.

LBB> What words of advice will you be giving to your jury?

PG> This is important and my favourite part. Film Craft is a relatively objective category to judge. Unlike something elusive like Titanium, it’s relatively easy to determine the short list. In other words, there is great work and there is average work. The jury is usually unanimous in the first round as to what is great and what is average. Then it’s down to our collective experience as craft conscious filmmakers to determine what is most deserving of recognition for editing, direction, etc.

Above all we should listen to our instincts and not be swayed by product, cause or context. We also have to be careful not to be seduced by the strength of the idea or the modishness of the technologies employed. We are judging work on the quality of the execution. It takes a discerning and educated eye.

Furthermore, we need to be fair with regards to the film’s length. All submissions have been purposefully limited in length and so we are obligated to watch each in their entirety. Too often after too many successive works, a jury’s attention begins to wane. Nevertheless, we need to stay fresh and attentive to give each and every entry the consideration it deserves.

LBB> What kind of campaigns do you hope to reward in the Film Craft category?

PG> For the purposes of this jury, the execution will forever be king and worthy of our highest praise. Such that Film Craft not only represents quality production, but also represents passion and success despite all odds. As fellow filmmakers, we know the inspired representation of an intangible idea isn’t easy, and so we’ll reward those that have overcome their obstacles to express their idea and elevate the category as as whole.  

Overall, it’s an honour to be in the room with a talented group from the most enterprising and innovative corners of the globe. I’m sure there will be new work that I’ve never seen before and it’s exciting to think of that potential.

LBB> Obviously you’re going to spend a lot of time locked inside for jury deliberations… but is there any event or talk your hoping to catch while you’re there?

PG> Reed Collins. He’s great. Purely inspirational.

LBB> What do you think the big talking point (aside from the awards!) is likely to be at Spikes this year?

PG> Donald Trump. Wait, No… REED COLLINS! Seriously, Reed has great insights and will give a great talk. I’m looking forward to it!