Professional Bio:
Bill Gallagher is the director and producer of the award winning documentary RUNNER which has won ten awards at festivals around the world. He was the line producer for the Academy Award−nominated documentary IF A TREE FALLS (Sundance), and Production Manager on the documentary RACING DREAMS (Tribeca – Best Documentary). Both films were in theaters and broadcast on BBC and PBS. Originally from outside of Boston in the United States, he is now living in Madrid, Spain. He studied Documentary Media at The New School and has lectured on documentary production at the University of Navarra in Spain. RUNNER is his first film as director.
To watch Gallagher’s most recent film “Runner” click here and check out #WhyIRun on Instagram.
Filmmaker Interview with Bill Gallagher
What are the specific qualities that, in your opinion, make a film great?
Authenticity, a worthy protagonist and passion.
With fiction or non-fiction, even in the most fantastic story, I need to feel that the actions and emotions of the people on screen are coming from a real place.
That authenticity is one of the main building blocks that makes a great film subject or protagonist. The audience has to buy into their journey, enough to give their hard-earned money and spend a slice of their valuable time with this person. This person better be special. Not much different than choosing a partner, really.
And lastly the filmmaker needs to be passionate about the project. When you are passionate you’ll get shots you’d never get otherwise, and you’ll attract crew that will go the extra mile for you. That passion will work its way onto the screen.Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspired by stories of people willing to put it all on the line to make a positive change.
What is your favorite aspect of (documentary) film production?
Often it is the sit down conversations with the film’s subjects. I frame it as conversation instead of an interview because when I do that something seems to change from the perspective of the subject. They loosen up. When they share their authentic selves, that is special for me. When it is working well, it can be intense connection, where you sort of get in the zone and time melts away.
Did you make any connections at the Breckenridge Film Festival that have led to collaborations with other filmmakers?
I wasn’t around long enough to connect with other filmmakers unfortunately, as our trip was so quick. But we had a chance to connect with the audiences at the festival – and what a great experience that was. Just about every live screening we’ve had on the film festival circuit has been special in some way, but Breckenridge was exceptionally great. Folks waited long after the film was over just to get a chance to talk to Guor [the film’s subject]. The mayor of Breckenridge was so moved by Guor’s story he called ahead and treated us to dinner at his restaurant. And there was this one couple we met at one of the festival’s parties who sent me this email after I had already left town:
“My husband and I met you at the after party in Breckenridge on Friday evening. We extended our trip so we could stay and see your film on Sunday night.. My husband was so moved after the film that he literally gave Guor every dollar in his pocket [to send to his Mom back in South Sudan] when we saw him in the lobby!”
An amazing and generous audience you have in Breckenridge!
What are the next project or projects you are beginning work on?
I’m developing a documentary about how a few times a year juvenile delinquents in Belgium are sentenced to walk hundreds of miles along Christianity’s largest pilgrimage over a few months, in exchange for their freedom.
If there is one or more thing you think would make the film industry better, what would it be?
More diversity of ethnicities/ colors/ capabilities / settings/ plots/ ideas/ voices/ stories in the mainstream film industry.