By Davis Morrison
Independent cinema, a staple in the filmmaking community, has long been a place for storytelling. While the landscape of the independent filmmaker has changed drastically over the years, the tenets of resourcefulness remain the same. These ‘indies’ stand out for their dedication to raw emotions and the power of stories. Combining creative collaboration with inventive budgeting these films never go out of style, appealing to those looking to escape the world of big budget productions.
Victor Pigasse is a director and producer dedicated to the art of storytelling, and his unique and transformative impact has been recognized throughout the industry, by leading critics, film festivals, and awards for his work on acclaimed films such as Acquiescence, Sofia’s Tapestry, Gift of the Magi, Remember to Remember, A Clean Break, Deep Tissue, Sticky, Together or Separate, La Sape, On the Run, Ménage À Trois, How I Learned to Die, and many more. Some of these festival awards and selections include at the New York International Film Festival, the Globe Film Festival, Mountain Shadow Film Society, the Prague International Indie Film Festival, the Independent Short Awards, Medusa Film Festival, 8½ awards, Rhode Island International Film Festival (which is an Oscar qualifying festival), Indie Short Fest, First Run Film Festival, FLICKFAIR On Demand festival, Toronto International Women Film Festival New Generation Film Festival, and many more. Victor’s growing list of accolades not only highlights the depth of his creative vision but also cements his reputation as one of the most compelling and versatile voices in contemporary independent cinema.
Born in France, his journey has taken him to New York City where he graduated from the prestigious NYU-Tisch School of the Arts. He has had the privilege of working at some of the finest production studios in the world such as Les Films du Worso and Iconoclast, but is now looking forward, working on his own features. As an already distinguished figure in the industry, he continues to remain resourceful, following the road laid out by his mentor Oscar winner Spike Lee, in creating beautiful independent works of art.
One of the biggest challenges in independent filmmaking is standing out in a crowd of talented professionals. One must have a vision that is truly unique and capable of transcending the production, impacting each viewer on a personal level—leaving a lasting impression that lingers far beyond the closing credits.
For Pigasse, it all comes down to meticulous planning and preparation. Every project begins with an in-depth understanding of the story’s emotional core, followed by a detailed vision that guides every stage of production— he is involved in every aspect of this from writing, to casting and location scouting to camera movement and post-production. Victor works closely with everyone on the production to ensure a smooth and successful execution of his creative vision whilst still remaining agile in the face of unpredictable circumstances. This approach is what sets him apart in the industry. He doesn’t just simply produce or direct; he builds immersive worlds with intention and care, ensuring that each element on screen serves the story with clarity and purpose.
Pigasse’s educational background is surprisingly diverse for a filmmaker. Prior to attending film school at NYU, he studied political science, social sciences, economics, law, and sociology at Sciences Po Paris, followed by a master’s in finance. His multidisciplinary background, he views as a significant asset giving him the tools necessary to understand and support every aspect of production. , “I think it is great to first experience life and learn what to make movies about and then to learn how to make movies,” Pigasse reflects. “I felt lucky I was able to do all of that before doing movies.”
His diverse background extends beyond just academics, as he also attended drama school, studied improvisation and even took dance classes. These experiences provided him with a deep appreciation for the craft of acting. “I have a real love and respect for actors, and this allows me to relate more to them when I direct. I try to put them in the best condition all the time because I know how vulnerable they are.” This understanding plays into his role as a director, allowing him to communicate more clearly and inherently trust the actor’s decisions.
Furthermore, his training at NYU, where students are taught all aspects of filmmaking from cinematography to sound mixing, enables him to effectively communicate with his crew. “So once I direct, I have the ability to wear different hats or at least understand everybody’s job. I think this is important for a director to understand them because you can put yourself in their position, talk to them about some technical elements… You are a better director if you can put yourself in everybody’s position.”
When asked about his strongest asset as a director/producer, Pigasse points to his meticulous preparation. “Especially when you film a movie on a limited timeframe with a small crew. You have to coordinate everything that will happen during the day and have a clear plan. I feel I was very prepared thanks to my amazing crew and the time I took to work on the movie. We shot listed all of the movies with my DP. I could rehearse with the actors…” Preparation, however, is only half the battle. Pigasse also emphasizes the value of flexibility and adaptability on set. “It is also important to know that things will come up during the day and that you will have to be flexible and improvise at some point. You have to be very prepared but also open to adapt and change on the spot.”
Despite his on set success to date, Pigasse is also realistic about areas where he can improve. He aims to make faster decisions on set, relying more on his instincts while filming. “I think I can improve in doing less takes and being more confident in choosing the ones I like quicker,” he admits.
While reflecting on valuable lessons he learned during his first feature film, Pigasse acknowledges the challenges he faced when adapting to a larger production scale. Having successfully navigated the complexities of his first feature, the producer emerged with a deeper understanding of how to balance creative ambition with logistical execution. This growth is evident in his current feature project, which has attracted the support of distinguished production companies such as Providence Pictures and Northmen Productions. In addition, despite not yet being released, the film has already garnered critical attention, inclduing earning NYU’s Clive Davis Award for Excellence in Music in Film—a prestigious post-production honor that affirms both the artistic merit and technical sophistication of Victor’s work.
While the journey of an independent filmmaker is marked with many challenges, Victor Pigasse has taken them in stride, utilizing each bump as a lesson and springboard for improvement along the way. With his eclectic educational background as well as his collaborative spirit, he is carving his own path through the industry. His biggest strength to date has been his preparation which has allowed him to stay the course on even his biggest productions. The future is bright for Pigasse as he follows in the footsteps of famous indie directors before him, moving from one strength to another and learning along the way.
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