Roman Coppola talks film with Ringling students

Acclaimed film director and music video director Roman Coppola visited Ringling College Tuesday, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Nov. 6, to host a guest lecture and work with students. Coppola formed a relationship with Ringling this summer, after the college worked with his film studio, American Zoetrope, on Aubrey Plaza and John C. Reilly’s film, “Life After Beth.”

Coppola showed students samples of his work, which includes films such as “The Darjeeling Limited,” “CQ,” and “Moonrise Kingdom,” and music videos for musicians including Daft Punk, Phoenix and Arcade Fire.

He discussed his creative process, including his unique artistic relationship with music. In his films, he explained, music is often the impetus for a scene or idea, and the music almost becomes a character of its own. In his music videos, however, he said he attempts to keep the story separate from the music, and that listening to the song too closely can be a distraction.

“You still want to capture the spirit of the song,” he said. “But, if I listen to the song over and over, you can start to go in this downward spiral.”

In his discussion with students, Coppola revealed that even he isn’t immune to the struggles any artist faces: getting a project off the ground, finding a fresh approach — even writer’s block. He encouraged students to take advantage of the tools and opportunities available to them, and that a life spent pursuing one’s passion can be its own reward.

“You can find inspiration in things all around you,” he said, encouraging students to continually hone their craft. “My taste is in things that are delightful — things that inspire a sense of awe and that astonish.”