The Power of Adrian Powers

Someone can be a film director, screenwriter, or editor, but Adrian Powers, with his “power”, chose to pursue all these three roles. He shared his 15 years experience and also spilled the tea on how he got and maintained “the power” with us, everyone who joined the FSAI 2025’s Masterclass in Mataram.

Another inspiring masterclass in Mataram this morning, led by @adrianjpowers. Today was also the last day of #FSAI 2025 in Mataram. Thank you to everyone who joined this wonderful 🇦🇺🇮🇩 film festival. See you next time! pic.twitter.com/ofS6K8qtOI

— Jo Stevens (@KonJenBali) May 31, 2025

Taking place at Dapoer Sasak Mataram on May 31, 2025, this masterclass, which is part of the Festival Sinema Australia Indonesia 2025, was held. So, what kind of power (as I mentioned before) that you expected? Something related to magic? Of course not. Here, this incredible guy not only shares the story of how he was able to play these three roles, but also about his journey of loving the film industry and trying hard to learn what he loves and aspires to.

Through a masterclass entitled Delivering Hollywood Quality on a Lean Budget, he proved that it is possible to make a Hollywood quality film, even with a limited budget. One of his works, A Royal in Paradise (the film we saw the day before the masterclass- part of FSAI 2025), won a Queensland & Northern Territory Gold Award as a Feature Film – Budget Under $2M. Amazing, isn’t it? And for your information, this film only took 12 days to shoot. Took place in the winter season, but this film takes the background of a tropical holiday.

Passion, Education, and Carrier

Which is more important, passion or education? How to turn your passion into a career through education? Seeing Adrian’s presentation, I thought it’s all connected. He tells us how this 15 years journey started. Since he was a kid, he has really loved watching movies. Watching the same movie twice or more is common for him. The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Sydney became the place where he spent a lot of time, watching various films. After graduating from University of Sydney, he was not directly making something related to film, he worked in a video game store. Until one day, he got an idea from everyone who knows he’s a movie freak. Considering that, people suggested he start to make a movie.

Yes, Adrian developed his passion by deciding to go to film school. From 2009 to 2011, he got a holistic approach to the film industry while pursuing his degree at the International Film School Sydney. On his education journey, he learned everything (screenwriter, director, editor, etc- you named it), that’s why he said that his school taught a holistic approach. It’s amazing to study in a good environment. A supportive learning environment. That’s how you start your career. By meeting people like you.

Started his project by making a short movie titled Scruples (2010). And then his first long movie titled Forbidden Ground (2013), it’s interesting to know that it was the first time for him to take all three roles-as a director, writer, and also editor for that project. Likewise in various film projects (Love is In The Air, A Royal in Paradise, etc), that he works on until now. Because of that he chose to call himself now as a filmmaker, not just a director.

Delivering Hollywood Quality on a Lean Budget, Here 10 Tips to Deal with

Back to the topic related to the masterclass session about A Royal in Paradise (oh yes- i will post another blog post focused on this film review) a Hollywood quality film with low budget and short time spent, here is the power that i mentioned before (LOL). Yes, it’s tips from Adrian Powers that you might be able to apply.

1. Writing, Directing, and Editing are All The Same

The key to Delivering Hollywood Quality on a Lean Budget is to understand all three of them. The same is telling the story, only tools are different. Remember that you can always pick one. But knowing all three makes you better at all of them. It gives you more perspective, and a better understanding of film making. And also, it allows you to communicate with other members of the crew.

2. Write What You Know

It’s important to draw inspiration from your own experiences, hopes, or/and dreams. It doesn’t need to be about you, but it has to be about something that you understand. When you do that, the story will be authentic and feel real. Something that feel real, will affect people.

Related to A Royal in Paradise film, Adrian doesn’t know what it’s like to be a prince, or a famous novelist. But he said that we all understand how it feels to struggle with parental expectations, creative blockages, break-ups, and the excitement of a new love.

3. Write What You Have Available

Start to write what you have available by shape your idea to take advantage of the resources at your disposal. He gave an example while making Forbidden Ground, that the entire reason the movie is a WWI movie is because of what was available. They had a giant, dead paddock with no grass, and a lot of explosives. So making a war movie was a smart choice!

4. With Casting, Follow Your Guts

The most important part of directing a movie is casting. So, trust your gut and instincts. It’s okay to get other people’s opinions, but remember- don’t be afraid to defend your own.

5. Plan Your Shots

The easiest way to save time and money is to always have a plan for what you’re going to shoot.

6. Steal Your Shots

Although everything is on the set, remember to steal shots. This can help filmmakers get the shot they need to tell their stories.

7. Always Trick Your Audience

Did you know that what you see on the set is not what the audience sees in the movie? Yes, you can always trick the audience. So, be creative and understand how things look through a lens, and how it looks after editing.

8. Taking Care of Your Actress

Remember that an actress is asset, no film without an actress. So it’s important to always be humble with each other.

9. Be Kind

We all know that as a director, you set the mood. Once you are angry, the set will be tense. Likewise if you are warm and kind, the set will feel like a family. Remember to thank everyone, all cast and crew, at the end of every day. It will make them happier, and also more productive.

10. Ask yourself, are you sure you want to do this?

Making movies is extremely hard, so if there’s another job that interests you, do that instead.

The Lessons I Learned from This Masterclass session

Thanks to the Sambung Sinema for the opportunity given to me. Also for the Australian Embassy and Consulates-General in Indonesia, especially for @konjenbali who prepared everything so this FSAI 2025 and its masterclass session can be held. Last but not least, my lovely family who supports everything I pursue. Wait… it looks like I’ve just got an award or something, actually no, I’m trying to apply some of tips above. LOL~

So, what lessons did I learn from the masterclass session? What “power” did we get from Adrian Powers? Honestly, I got lots of motivation, not only for something related to film making, but also for my writing activities. He taught us about being persistent and consistent in what we are interested in (passion), the importance of being educated, and pursuing a career. Adrian shows how he has become a multi-talented and well-planned figure over time by always being positive, looking for the bright side in every situation, and the importance of taking a break for a while when you get tired.

And the last thing, we also learn from him that technology is unavoidable. But he shows his position that the work produced by AI for him is something that has no souls, no feelings. Process is very important.

Talking about the process, the process of making the film A Royal Proposal – the sequel to A Royal in Paradise has been completed, so it won’t be long before (maybe July this year) and you can watch it in the nearest cinema. See you!