Relevant stories: Get to know ‘Play It Safe’ producer Chris Toumazou
Chris Toumazou has things to say and the filmmaking chops to say them. He co-founded the production company COMPULSORY, which boasts a roster of international directors and multi-faceted artists.
Toumazou produced the film Play It Safe, which recently screened and earned critical praise at the South by Southwest Film Festival. Play It Safe is directed by Mitch Kalisa, and tackles socially relevant issues like prejudice and racial stereotypes.
Film Daily had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Toumazou about his producing career, his involvement with Play It Safe, and his plans for COMPULSORY as a brand. Here’s what he had to say:
Tell us your journey into film. What did you do before becoming a filmmaker?
Nothing, I was very lazy.
Was there any particular film or TV show that inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Hal Ashby’s Being There totally changed my life. I remember seeing that at 14 and it shifted my world view – whatever it was, being a 14 year old.
What was the first project you worked on? What did you learn from that experience?
It was in music videos as a runner. I don’t know if I learned much… I was trying to keep up the appearance that I knew what I was doing. By making tea and moving a C-stand simultaneously.
Would you consider yourself an indie filmmaker? If so, do you think you’ll have that title forever?
I would say so. Indie in that I co-founded an independent company, COMPULSORY in London. We’ve worked with big commercial clients like Gucci and Madonna but we also independently finance our own films. That doesn’t answer the question does it?
What are five films you think everyone needs to watch right now?
In no particular order
- Blue Collar (RIP Yaphet Kotto)
- Putney Swope
- Bliss (incredibly Australian film by Ray Lawrence)
- I recently re-watched Body Double, it’s got even better with age.
- I guess it’s a cop out but our short film as it’s only 10 mins, Play It Safe.
Who are your current influences?
I actually don’t know.
Do you have any experience with mentors? If so, would you recommend them for up and coming filmmakers?
I do, but in business. Not so much in film. Daniel Blake is our mentor for our company COMPULSORY. He is responsible for a lot of our successful company behavior and thinking.
What’s your favorite part of the filmmaking process?
When you’ve shot the film it’s in the can. You know you’ve committed what you have to screen but you’re waiting on the lab to see how the rushes look.
How did you become interested in being a film producer in the first place?
I think it’s a personality trait. I’m a sleep with one eye open type of person I guess. In turn I think those are the habits that define you as a producer. You go to lengths unthinkable to make sure your project is a success or that it gets made in the first place.
What inspired you to start your own production company?
I couldn’t land a job so my friends and I created our own. We also realized there was a gap in the market for people who were trying to tell relevant stories of their time. I think COMPULSORY’s strengths lie in being a part of the culture its projects are grounded in.
Why was it important for COMPULSORY to focus on giving voices to newer filmmakers?
I think it’s our way of looking back and seeing the passion and talent we came with but that no one listened to us. So we make sure to listen to everyone, because there’s going to be a new us, a new COMPULSORY, and I’d be glad to have mentored and supported them. Had we had that at 21 when we formed the company, who knows where it would have been?
How did you get involved with Play It Safe?
I read the script back in 2019. Mitch and I were discussing some ideas to help get him signed. Our plan was to find projects we could create to develop his reel and I believed in him. I read this and was absolutely blown away. I then started to work at connecting the dots, making sure I could put together a team that matched his vision.
I am close with Jonathan Ajayi who serendipitously came on board to play a character also called Jonathan. It was a project where things worked in a way they shouldn’t – very seamlessly. I think there’s a lot of magic in that. Sometimes things work if you open yourself up to it.
What was your experience working on Play It Safe?
Incredibly rewarding, the whole team was a joy. The entire process felt very personal.
Producers never wear just one hat while working on set. How do you balance multiple responsibilities?
You make sure you’re organized. I also cameo’d as an uncredited art director. Sometimes you just have to get down to get the film made.
What do you hope the audience takes away after watching Play It Safe?
I think for the most part this film is about awareness. It’s meant to start a conversation, not be the conversation.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m not sure but I’m going to try and enjoy the time counting down to then.
If anyone could produce the story of your life, who would you choose and why?
Wow what a question. It’s odd I would probably want the opposite type of filmmaker to myself making that story. Just to see it come out with a new perspective.
What has been your biggest success and failure to date?
Everything.
What advice do you have for up and coming filmmakers?
If you give up you lose. Don’t give up.
How has COVID-19 affected your production company?
When the pandemic started, like many others we were scared and unaware of the threat or impact imaginable. I am very lucky in that, the size of company mixed with our ambition has always allowed us to adapt and move with the times. We were actually busier last year than in previous years, along with being selected for Best Production Company at the UKMVA’s for the second consecutive year.
I think the strength of COMPULSORY’s brand has helped steer the company away from being a service to becoming a moment in culture. Our work and our values reflect that. I think that’s what’s helped essentially grow the company in a Pandemic.
Do you think the film industry will be able to recover after COVID-19 dies down?
Yes 100%. What is everyone doing if not staring at a screen these days. The size is irrelevant and as long as they exist, people will be able to put moving pictures on them.
