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Bardya Ziaian is the founder and CEO of SITTU Group, a Toronto-based consulting management firm that’s now expanded its reach into filmmaking through SITTU Entertainment. The production company has produced two films, Super Dicks and Golden Boy. The transition from financial technology and consulting to filmmaking has brought its fair share of challenges. Today, Bardya shares the wisdom he has gained through his filmmaking experiences.
Q: In your opinion, what makes a good film?
BARDYA ZIAIAN: There are many things that can set good films apart from mediocre ones, including technical things like lighting, as well as more subjective things like how well the plot resonates with the audience. To me, there are two key components to a good film: balanced subject matter, and proper length. For the first, having a storyline that is entertaining enough and not too pedantic or depressing is key. You want your audience to want to watch the movie again, or recommend it to their friends; if the movie leaves people feeling miserable, they’re not going to want to come back. Length is also important, as audiences don’t want a movie that drags on for ages. It’s got to have great pace and keep the energy throughout the story. Keeping the film length in balance with the storyline—by cutting filler, or increasing the pace of a scene—keeps the audience engaged and likely to come back for more.
Q: What are some things to keep in mind when writing a story?
BARDYA ZIAIAN: The biggest thing is to not be afraid to change the original idea. Sitting with your concept, expanding on it, and rewriting areas that don’t work are all parts of the process, and shouldn’t be skipped. If you rush ahead initially, you will often end up with a weak story that causes you problems in the long run. If characters aren’t fully fleshed out, the acting will seem aimless and won’t be engaging to watch. Take your time. Create a clear direction for the plot to go in, and understand each of your characters. Your first draft is made to be changed, so don’t let it limit you.
Q: How does writing the story differ from writing the script?
BARDYA ZIAIAN: Stories and scripts have both similarities and differences. Your story is the overall plot. It’s all about the direction of the film, the settings, the resolution, et cetera. Your script, on the other hand, is all about the characters. Their personalities truly start to shine in the script, which is exciting! But, just like when you’re writing your story, you should be investing time here. Take the time to “get to know” your characters, and think about how each of them would communicate—would they be blunt or timid? Kind or fierce? Make sure to read your scripts aloud too, and adjust anywhere that feels awkward.
Q: In terms of the more technical side of filmmaking, what advice do you have?
BARDYA ZIAIAN: I believe that even with a smaller budget, it’s possible to make impressive-looking films. One of the ways that you can do that is through your shot composition and backgrounds. Try your best to not make any compromises in terms of locations, because having gorgeous views and elegant architecture will leave a great impression and elevate your film to the next level. However, try not to leave too much “dead space” either. Focusing too much on the background and not enough on the action taking place can make a shot look unbalanced.
Getting even more technical, make sure to have proper lighting and sound quality. Always double check the quality of your shot—both lighting and sound—and invest in good equipment if possible. That doesn’t mean blowing your budget on the highest quality stuff! Find a good middle point that will serve you and your needs.
Q: What lessons do you think translate from financial technology to filmmaking?
BARDYA ZIAIAN: Budgeting is a large part of filmmaking, and an area where I’ve been able to apply my fintech knowledge. Planning ahead and deciding how much you can spend on each part of your movie is crucial. For example, figuring out what equipment you want, then narrowing it down to what you actually need based on how much of your budget it’s taking up. Or looking at potential shooting locations and making the tough calls on where to settle on. I’ve learned through my time as a financial advisor that you always want to make sure you know what your non-negotiables are—then you can figure out how to work with what you have left over.
Q: Do you have any other advice?
BARDYA ZIAIAN: Amateur films will often have a lot of awkward pauses. Sometimes pauses are a great way to create tension, but overusing them will ruin the effect. Only use them when they truly add to the scene, and otherwise do your best to cut them. On top of that, when you have your finished film, don’t sell yourself short by entering into every single film festival. Always go for the top ones, such as Cannes, Sundance, and the Toronto Film Festival; if you win, these can truly be a kick-starter for your filmmaking career.
