Dianna Agron bid farewell to the hit television series Glee earlier this year, and while some of her co-stars have moved on to other acting projects – Lea Michele will appear in the highly-anticipated Scream Queens and Matthew Morrison is currently in Broadway’sFinding Neverland – Agron has opted to step behind the camera, taking on directorial duties at Tory Burch. The American designer recently opened the doors to her first boutique in Paris and to honour the occasion, she decided to tap Agron to direct L’Américaine, a short film featuring her Paris Capsule Collection.
“A video is a great way to capture the unique spirit of the collection and, at the same time, celebrate one of my favorite cities in the world,” says Burch about the film, which was shot in Paris. “Dianna is incredibly talented and shares my passion for Paris – she lived there on and off for years when she was studying ballet and more recently for a film project. As an actress and a director, she brought a unique point of view to the project and I knew she would have a fresh, exciting take on our collection.” Agron may be known for her beautiful all-American good looks, but she’s got a certain grace and poise that’s very Parisian. Here, the actress and director talks to us about working with Tory Burch, being a self-professed Francophile and her passion for directing.
How did you get involved on this project?
It started off as a complete joke. You know, the kind of thing where you say to a friend, “I could do a video for you…” and then the joke becomes a reality. It was such a happy coincidence.
What was it about this project with Tory Burch that attracted you?
I love being behind the camera. It is so freeing, it is so collaborative. It makes my heart sing.
What was the inspiration behind the narrative and how did it come to you?
I love old movies. It was what I was bottle fed on. And An American in Paris is one of my all time favorite loves. So, when I was brainstorming ideas, that one particular scene in that movie, the one I drew inspiration from, it became the most obvious choice to move forward from, adapt, and [the project] took shape from there.
You shot in many different places around Paris. Why did you choose these locations?
I have to say, it was partially due to ease. It was pre-spring so things were not quite in bloom. We had to improvise so the Paris we shot was a bit more timeless.
Favorite moment in the film…
Every time Margaret laughs. Or giggles. Her infectious joy is something I thrive on. I just love it.
And one fun behind-the-scenes moment from filming…
Every night after filming we were able to have a little moment of Paris. My Paris. My favorite restaurants, spots and whatnot. I am such a Francophile. It never gets old. That was the extra bit of joy. And I say this because every bit of [the filming process] was a treat and a joy to me. I can never pick a favorite moment of filming because it all is a part of the fabric that is the final project.
Your greatest challenge during the shooting process?
The time we had and the weather. It was raining, and we had quite a bit of dialogue to shoot outside. But you make do and you figure it out.
Did you choose the music for the video?
My musical influences are so random. But music is so important to a piece and I always try to differentiate what is real for the moment and what is my new love. You can’t use your musical loves when they don’t make sense to the piece.
What do you like best about Tory Burch?
I love how Tory Burch is a brand that is movable, shakeable and real. This process really furthered my opinion in that direction. Tory knows what it is but still allows a creative process. We were able to explore and go into uncharted territories. And I loved that.
Do you have a favorite piece from the Paris Capsule Collection?
I love the feathered collared bits on the shirts. It is the details that get me. The plaid underbelly of the skirts. No detail is spared.
What about your personal style?
Don’t think too hard, and don’t listen to the rules.
When did you first visit Paris and do you have a favorite memory from that time?
I was twenty. And I fell in love immediately. I am so grateful for Paris. It consumes you. It challenges you to think about what it is you really love, and what you’ll do for it in return.
The Dianna Agron guide to Paris would include stops at…
La Pallete. All of St. Germaine really. Beaux Arts, rhe museums. Random art galleries. The best is to to get lost and keep on getting lost.
Do you feel like an American in Paris?
I do feel quite comfortable in Paris at this stage because I have been so many times. I lived there for four months while filming The Family.
The directing bug first bit when…
I was in high school. I would film my friends and cut together “movies” and they were so appreciative and surprised by the quality. It came naturally and I love it now as much as I did then. That being said, I love each experience. It’s an opportunity to learn more.
Do you prefer being behind the camera or in front of it?
So different. I love them both equally.
And your cinematic influences as a director…
Besson. Kubrick. Allen. Burton. The list goes on and on.
You have multiple movies coming out this year. How do you balance it all?
I know when it feels good, feels right. The past year and a half has been all about that balanced feeling, I can’t quite explain it but I feel oh so happy for it.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
The greatest is hard to say. But I do know this: To thine own self be true. What a powerful, wonderful world to be in when you know what that truly means.
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