Welcoming Academy Films' Remi Laudat to Quick Fire Fifteen - the ultimate quick fire questionnaire for the music and creative minded where we get under the skin of some of our favourite directors, musicians and bands to reveal what makes them tick musically and creatively, from their favourite band to the latest book in their hand! 

Remi initially trained as a dancer (ballet and contemporary) before shifting into filmmaking. He made this transition after discovering the broader reach he could have through film rather than as an individual dancer on stage, as well as the artistic scope film has to tackle any subject matter. His directorial style centres heavily around bold tones and cultural fusions. His willingness to explore different cinematic techniques, enthuses his work further with dynamism and movement creating a striking visual language. Remi’s ability to elevate production value as well as heroing his subjects has deeply ensconced himself as a directing voice creating poetic editorials, music promos, ads, and short films.

1. What bands or artists are you listening to most right now?

I’ve been listening to Tayc’s Fleur Froide live show a lot, Adekunle Gold, Sarz, DJ Maphorisa and a lot other Amapiano artists/DJ’s. 

2. What was the first record you bought?

I bought this Bossa Nova and Samba collection album from a stall in Portobello road when I was a kid. This definitely cemented my love for Brazilian music and culture.

3. Favourite podcast? 

I don’t really listen to podcasts that often, but the Indie Wire podcast is pretty dope and informative. I really enjoyed the Southbank Centre’s one with Akala and David Olusoga.

4. What was the last gig you saw?

I saw Obongjayar’s gig with Sarz, they’re both super talented, and brought the vibes.

5. Favourite album cover?

Probably TLC's Fanmail, or one of Rick James’s album covers, they’re always pretty epic.

6. What's your go-to karaoke song?

It would probably be Summer of Love by Lonyo. 

7. Favourite music video? 

Hmmm that’s tough, I don’t a favourite but definitely Missy Elliott’s Get Ur Freak On is up there. Or Rock with U by Janet Jackson, the choreo and the camera movement is top tier and so seamless. 

8. What song gets you dancing in your living room?

Practically anything, but throw on salsa and I’ll be shaking a leg. 

9. Favourite movie and soundtrack? 

Don’t have a favourite movie soundtrack, but The City of God soundtrack is pretty insane, and timeless.

10. If you could direct a music video for any artist or band, who would it be?

I’d like to work with FKA Twigs as her creativity levels are always pushing boundaries. Tayc, he’s a great performer so would be great to work with him. Ohhh and of course Normani, Shenseea and Burna Boy. 

11. Film director idol?

That’s hard to say because different directors inspire me in different ways. I love Nolan’s crafting of time and space. Barry Jenkins emotional connection to characters. Ridley’s tenacity to create such a wide portfolio of films.

12. Greatest influence on your career?

Probably being an ex-dancer, my pathway into film is a bit different, I didn’t go to film school so dancing really helped fine tune my appreciation of pairing movement and music together, also trained my eye in an unconventional way.

13. Your favourite use of music in a commercial?

I think the whole Joga Bonito campaign was awesome. The rawness of it and the layering of Samba and Bossa was just fantastic. Each film had it’s own unique bit of Brazilian flare in it, and pairing it with football was great.

14. What are you watching at the moment?

Succession, and I’ve been watching a lot of documentaries recently.

15. Is there anything you want to tell us about?

I'm currently working on two short films, one of which will be released very soon called Mi O Le Kú. So watch out for that it’s dropping 24th March:

Thank you Remi! Check out some of Remi's work here: