INTERVIEW: Brenda Chapman, Director of Brave

Brenda Chapman is one of the biggest female directors currently working in the industry. She was the first woman to direct an animated feature-length film by a major studio. She is also the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Chapman has directed popular films such as Prince of Egypt and Brave. She has also worked behind the scenes on the story writing team of movies such as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Currently, she’s working on Come Away, a movie that will combine the stories of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.

We had the honour of getting a chance to interview Brenda Chapman. She spoke to us about her work in film, the lack of female directors in the industry and her upcoming movie:

How did you become interested in directing films?
Becoming a director was actually never my ambition. Jeffrey Katzenberg asked me to direct Prince of Egypt, but I was more interested in building the story department for DreamWorks SKG at the time. He finally convinced me, when he said, “Fine. But you’re directing until we find somebody else!” And I never stopped, even when he brought in the two other directors, Simon Wells and Steve Hickner. I’d found that I really enjoyed the challenge! I’ve never looked back.

What was your favourite project to work on?
That’s a hard one. As a story artist, I’d have to say Beauty and the Beast. I just loved the team and the story. As a director, even though I didn’t get to finish it, Brave is the one. It was and is my baby. So much of myself and my daughter is in that film!

What’s your favourite part of working in the film industry?
The collaboration! I love working with people, sharing inspiration, ideas and laughs. It can be so much fun with the right combination of people!

What was the inspiration behind Brave?
My daughter, mainly. We’ve had a tumultuous relationship since she was little. She is a real fighter and pushes back a lot. I started writing Brave when she was almost 5 years old – and I was wondering what she was going to be like as a teenager if she was like that at !! Thus, Merida was born.

I also love the old dark Grimm’s fairy tales and of course, Scotland.

So Brave was inspired by my 3 loves: my daughter, fairytales and Scotland.

During the production of a film, what’s your daily routine usually like?
There isn’t one, really. Every day has a different goal. There are periods of time when I am more in the room with my story team, that eventually changes to the editorial room. Those days can be broken up with movement to offices with my production designer of character designers, environment designers, character builders, etc. As time goes on, my focus will shift to whatever department needs a spotlight to get the job done. I play the role of the Great Question Answerer!

We’ve been writing a bit on our website about the lack of female directors in the film industry. Why do you think this is currently such an issue?
It’s always been an issue. It’s just now finally getting some press! Hollywood has been a boy’s club forever and a day. We need fresh points of view to tell good stories – different perspectives – not only from women, but minorities, as well.

What do you think are some obstacles that female directors face that their male counterparts don’t necessarily have to deal with?
Double standards, to start. If a woman speaks her mind firmly and decisively, she is usually described as being “a bitch.” A man is considered a leader. We have to jump through all kinds of hoops to get done what a man is allowed to do in his own way. It will be nice when we can just be who we are and do the job we know we can do!

Do you think the future looks brighter for female directors?
I do, but it’s just taking way too long – even now with all the attention to the issue. It’s great to talk about it, but we need action now. That’s why so many of us who are in the position of doing the job are speaking out.

What advice would you give to young girls and women looking to break into the industry?
Stand up for yourself. Have confidence. You will get knocked down – but now you are prepared and have examples of women before you to follow or do better than! Get back up and do the job you want to do!

I’m really excited for your new project, Come Away. Why did you decide to combine the stories of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland?
I didn’t write the story. A young writer, Marissa Goodhill, wrote the script. It was her idea. I read her story and thought it was great! Two characters I love combined into one story. It’s a very clever idea.

Are there any movies that you would recommend to our readers?
The Secret of Roan Inish by John Sayles is one of my all time favorites. Whale Rider, by Niki Caro is another.  The Heiress, directed by William Wyler. All great stories with female protagonists. Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella and Dumbo by Disney. Sarah Polley is a director whom I admire very much – Take This Waltz and Away From Her. She hasn’t done anything for a few years… I’m waiting for her next!