Alex Burunova is a filmmaker whose latest project is a documentary called Enter the Anime, a film now streaming on Netflix. I had the chance to talk with her about the film and more about her career in movies. Here’s what she had to say.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I like to start interviews with a few fun questions to break the ice. Let’s kick off with you. Can you tell me just a little about yourself and how you became interested in movies and television.
When I was 5, I started telling people that when I grow up I’ll be making cartoons. Which later turned into movies. I have no idea where that came from. Now, after attending USC film school and working in the industry for over 10 years – here we are.
If you were to take me to see any movie, which movie would it be and why?
I’d take you to see an old Spike Lee movie, like She’s Gotta Have It – to see if you like it (and if you’re cool or not). His films always pushed the limits, even for the ‘90s, both formally and with their themes.
I do like that one and would gladly go see it again. So then, if you could watch any movie with any one of the actors or crew in the film, which movie would it be and who would be sitting beside you?
I would take my producer and superhuman Estefania Lee to watch The Little Mermaid, because I know she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from singing along and I could film that and blackmail her.
Nice. Let’s get to your most recent project, an original Netflix film called Enter The Anime. Could you tell our readers a little about what that is?
It was created for anime newcomers as an entry into the anime genre and features many Netflix Originals. This Netflix special is composed of interview vignettes with many seasoned legends of anime, as well as some newer creators paving the way for new generation – who currently work with Netflix. We tried to cover as many sub-genres and techniques as we could – from 2D hand-drawn, to CG, Stop Motion, Motion Capture and 3DCG. It’s an electric high-octane trip to Japan. We tried to make it feel like the first impression of Japan many people experience – like walking into Shibuya or into Robot Restaurant straight off the plane. Some people might find it intense.
Right. You frame the film as an introduction to the medium. Did you find that during the process you wanted to dig deeper?
In 58 minutes, we could only focus on so much. I would have loved to talk more about other titles, Netflix and otherwise, and dive further into the different sub-genres of anime, as well as the history and current landscape, its skyrocketing popularity worldwide. But this is an introductory film, so maybe in the next one.
So what got you interested in anime and your need to explore its origins?
I think it’s one of the most Influential art forms right now – I wanted to learn more. Being in the thick of it, I am seeing its influences on narrative films, commercials, branded content, social media content – from editing techniques to effects to themes to story arcs.
Just on a quick side note, you mention the video game Castlevania as the start of all this for you. Are you a gamer?
I am actually embarrassed to admit that I’m not.
That’s okay. At least you appreciate the art form. You had the chance to speak with some very big names in the anime business. How were you able to get access to these people?
It’s hard to get access to many of the anime creators – they are typically very private and extremely busy. Without Netflix, or another streaming powerhouse, this kind of access to different creators across different subgenres of anime would have been completely impossible. I think it’s a little miracle we got all the people we did.
If you could sum up in a few sentences about the experience of making this documentary, what would you say?
It was eye-opening. I came into it knowing barely anything about anime … or Japan. And came out with a deep appreciation for the genre, and its mind-blowing diversity. And I was also very impressed by the diversity of Japanese culture – the variety of personal expression, the different characters we met, the multitude of subcultures. It might be the most diverse place I have been to.
You’ve been part of or in the crew of many big productions, including True Grit, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and spent time with Lucasfilm Animation. What about your experience with these has had the most impact of your career?
Animation people are the most down-to-Earth. No, I am joking! Hard work. Hard work pays off. Sleepless nights pay off. If you want to make anything – you have to prepare for insane hours, dedication and giving up a lot of things.
You got your start making short films. What do you like about that format? And will you continue to do more?
I love short films because they are so liberating. Comparing to features – they are cheaper to make, so you can usually let your imagination go wild. In a short amount of time, you get to tell a story – and focus more on each moment and each scene/performance. With features – you kind of have to graduate to that level, when you start making higher budget ones.
I understand you will be filming something new in Greece, a feature length title. Is there anything you tell me about the project?
Yes, right now I am developing my next feature film in Greece, this time it’s fiction. Something I am more familiar with. It’s a psychological drama set on a Greek island, called Satisfaction. It is polar opposite to Enter the Anime – slow paced and focusing on inner conflict.
Looking forward to it. And lastly, our site is dedicated to celebrating great moments in film, discussing their influence on cinema. Has there been a movie moment (or simply a movie) that has some significance for you?
For me, it was that moment in Blue Valentine, when they intercut between the flashback of Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams both crying at their wedding from happiness, with a moment of them both crying while deciding to get a divorce in the present. That moment rips your heart into pieces. It’s one of the most powerful moments in cinema for me. That connection between extreme happiness and extreme pain.
Great movie. Great moment. Alex, it’s been great talking with you. Best of luck and I hope our paths cross again.
Thank you so much.