Artist Spotlight - Lawrence Fung

Throughout the years we’ve met incredible people within the dance film community. We have decided to do an interview series to spotlight these individuals. 

Lawrence Fung is an Artistic Director, Choreographer, Filmmaker, and Dancer based out of Phoenix, Arizona. His film “Burden” was an Official Selection of our 2020 Film Fest. His contemporary dance company Kraken Still and Film strives to continually produce works in various mediums and spaces and hopes to build a global reach as an American contemporary dance company. 

What inspires you as an artist?

The natural landscapes, different architectural environments, paintings, and the primal and rigorous movement.

What draws you to dance filmmaking?

Being able to explore various places and cultures, and using the world as your own stage. The playing field is leveled when it comes to dance filmmaking as long as the artists and dancers are interested and committed to create work beyond the theatre. It has always been a difficult entry point for up-and-coming companies and choreographers since most of them aren't backed by a theatre space but when it comes filming, the possibilities are more flexible and less closed off.

Choreography vs. improvisation? Which do you prefer and why?

A combination of both is much needed. We need solid choreography to ensure the movement is crisp and up-to-par, it also makes the editing more cohesive. Furthermore, dancers need to be able to adapt their movement into various landscapes and flooring. Being able to modify, have room to improvise on set without needing too much time to reconfigure the overall movement is crucial. Time is always against filming on location and the desired lighting is fleeting.

What is your company Kraken Still and Film currently working on? 

My company has finished the production of our 2021 flagship project "Distant Worlds." The film premiered on May 20th at Tempe History Museum. The project was partially funded by the city of Tempe via a Vibrant City Grant. Stay in touch with us @krakenstillandfilm to find out more about tour dates for "Distant Worlds" film as well as its live performance.

You can find out more at  www.krakenstillandfilm.com 

Instagram @krakenstillandfilm

Images provided by Lawrence Fung