Up Close with Director Tallis Clarke

Movie Marker Magazine got up close with director Tallis Clarke to chat about directing high profile commercials around the globe from Hollywood studio giant Warner Brothers to America’s favorite car brand Chevrolet and more!

Thank you for chatting with us today. Can you tell us about life growing up?

The story definitely doesn’t start with a young kid filming on his dad’s camera, sometimes I wish it did… but I started making films in my mid to late 20’s. Life growing up for me involved watching a lot of films, of all types, waiting sometimes up to 2 weeks to download films with my dial-up internet! Actually, one of my favorites when I was a teenager was Ali-G in da house!

Did you go through any specific training?

Before my film career, I was a formally trained landscape architect – where I worked on commercial and residential projects both designing and overseeing the construction – there is a surprising amount of similarities between this and directing! The hours spent in studios sitting with a coffee creating plans and ideas before going and bringing them into existence. My film career has been a lot of self study and even more just getting out and making things!

What was the first project you worked on?

The first project I worked on was actually a short film of me and my girlfriend, (Now wife). It was a road trip film, it wasn’t the most aesthetic creation but still today it has the power to move me. I guess that’s really what it’s all about! I worked with many small brands and businesses until I got a break with Chevrolet, that was my first commercial project I directed.

Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?

Things I’m proud of mmm, it’s a hard one for me as like all creatives we are on a never-ending journey however I would say the people I have been able to surround myself with from amazing producers and collaborators. It’s not a moment but rather a culmination of them.

What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your directing career?

Directing is an art and like most arts it doesn’t come with any guarantees! The pros are every day I get to discuss bringing new ideas and creations into the world for people to see, to inspire people and move people. That’s the only pro I need. Cons there are plenty ha-ha however mostly I’m focusing on my art, staying in my lane and not paying too much attention on negative aspects of the industry.

What’s coming up next for you?

Things have been really good working in the middle east and in my home Australia, I’ve needed the time to hone the craft, but I guess the dream for me would be to look at a potential move to the US. Surround myself with more like-minded people and continue to move into directing larger scale projects that have more reach and impact.

Are you on social media? How can people find you?

I have LinkedIn account however the best way to see what I do and contact me is through my website, www.tallisclarke.com