What is more important, story or character?

In the case of OINK, at the heart was “the idea” more than either story or character: exploring the complex relationship between man and pig: so critical was finding the right mix of place, story and characters to make the viewer respond both emotionally and intellectually.



What made you first want to explore the subject?

A set of conversations with the legendary Nick Fraser, an old friend who was the executive producer. We have a very similar sense of humour – and agreed that Pigs are at the heart of so much that faces us as a planet and a species.



How long did it take to get the film off the ground?

Peculiarly not long, because Yaddo, the new online documentary platform, decided to fund it fully. What a relief!



What were you most surprised to learn in the course of production?

Oh so much…that pigs could live 20 years but that we kill them at puberty, that pork consumption is one of the best measures of development for China over the past half century, the unbelievable research going into genetically modified pigs and transplant potential (Frankenstein versus Lives saved) and that Margaret Atwood’s brand of speculative fiction is magnificently terrifying. And finally Pigs seem to have no sense of death: they do not react when the pig next to them is squealing and being killed. A weird truth.



What have been the differences in reception to the film in countries it has now travelled to?

That every country and culture has its own PIG stories and myths – from complete adoration to complete rejection – and most have their own pig jokes.



Which documentary has most inspired you?

Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah



Favourite Website/blog?

The Guardian



Best piece of filmmaking advice you’ve ever been given?

If you can’t describe your film in one (max two) sentences it probably doesn’t work, AND work out why you are filming a scene BEFOREHAND.



Best piece of filmmaking equipment you can’t live without?

My cameraperson.



If money was no object, what is your dream documentary subject?

At this moment, I want to make a film about the events and meaning of PALMYRA, past and present…..so if anyone has the money?

And...

A film about The Mexican Wall. – again if anyone has the money



Favourite film of all time?

Love Story (70’s), When Harry Met Sally (80’S), Notting Hill (90’S) and Love Actually (00’S)



Most difficult access?

Undoubtedly getting access to the El Chapo Guzman, then supposedly the most wanted man in the world.



Best recent read?

Vargas Lhosa : The Myth of the Celt

