Some People Are Born Filmmakers - Others... Geez... Well...

There's been a wide variety of people I've met over the years in my filmmaking ventures. I tell you what, it's SO great being amongst people who know how to write and analyse scripts and provide great feedback, others who can pick up a camera and fit lenses, white and black balance without batting an eyelid, then you meet competent editors who can talk about the software they use and why, taking pride in their ability to help construct the narrative with precision, followed closely by the visual effects artists who offer their input on more things than you could imagine to add that extra cinematic flair.

There are directors out there who know exactly how to target an emotion and relay it to their actors so that they get there naturally and realistically. I've met dozens of actors by now that come along with the script burnt into their memory, that intelligently question the character's backstory in order to give a convincing performance and bring in something extra. Not to mention having met some great music composers out there that always come back with more than you asked for.

Then again there are those out there who don't seem to have the first clue!

The experience usually start with a crap script! Then ooh boy, it can get worse!

Crap script / writer = Non-sensical story, characters, improperly formatted, over explanatory dialogue and an overall rushed looking piece with more ego than efforts of proof reading.

Crap producers and production managers = People who are afraid to look at more than setting a film using their own house again and again and again. If you want people to take you seriously then go start procuring bars, night clubs, schools, hospitals, offices otherwise what is it you're looking to take credit for and impress people with?

Crap cinematographers = People with egos who 'seriously' believe it's their way or the highway on set. You've got skills, you may even have your own kit and more often than not you'll know more jargon with the technical side of the production's shooting with your light meters if you're a professional. Equally if you're a beginner who just rushes straight in and wide shots are the only thing you understand then keep well away - These guys can waste so much time at either end further exacerbated by disregard for manners and communication at times.

Crap editors = Those afraid of too much video to audio syncing or to even mix them around to invent some new ideas and the ones who don't take advantage of the best shots and have every excuse under the sun for not even being able to produce a decent enough rough cut on deadlines. Wait until you get the finished product and count how many wide shots are in there, as if they're expecting audiences to put down their 3D glasses and replace them with a pair of binoculars!

Crap actors = People who cannot remember lines! Others who try acting a film as if it's a Shakespearean theatre performance and holds a wide-eyed 'DUM-DUM-DUUUUUMMMMMMMM!' expression at the end of every line, a consistent look that they're just solely focussed on line delivery then deliver them in unnatural pauses and laboured expressions.

Crap directors = The worst thing for a production is having someone who just gets a budgetable enough script, slapped a few actors together and never actually directs as they watch a shit performance in the wrong frame through their monitor and says 'ok, next shot' after one take and little concern for how this will later work in the edit. Furthermore, the absolute twats who say "fix it in post (production)" when the solution has not been provided during the shoot as if their editor is some sort of magician.

Whilst I see students make these mistakes, I also remember how shit I was when I first started. It is down to the teachers at the time to explain the importance of EVERYTHING here and then getting of your ass and putting it all into practice as many times as you can. Not only for the sake of passion but for the sake of getting it right.

When I did my first professional short 'Switching Beers' I knew enough to orchestrate it, I was ready! I knew how to write film and take feedback, how to cheat locations to look more than what they were on screen, how to look for, audition and direct actors, how to shot list, 1st AD and communicate to crew, how to cut film together effectively. Other tricks of the trade I learned from here but the important thing I'm trying to say is -


IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING, GO LEARN SOME MORE OR LEAVE - THERE'S NO SHAME!!! Go too soon & your lack of professionalism doesn't just affect you, it affects ALL attached to the production!

Is it any surprise so many corporate clients out there think the way they do out there, when you've got so many indie's for example asking for tens of thousands when their promotional trailers look like they were shot in 5 minutes?

I can give you an example of one who asked for £20,000 just for their editing and distribution stage. The fucked up thing is, I acted for their "production company" at the time as did an actress I know for different things and on both occasions they post on every Facebook group with a new Indiegogo or Kickstarter campaign with a shit looking trailer each time.

Another "independent filmmaker" I know of, I acted for has a tendency to put himself as the lead role in each of his poorly constructed scripts, looking creepily 20 years older than his other cast members and inputting as many kiss sequences as he can with his lead actress, whilst being able to think adding scenes at last minute is completely acceptable as well as shooting everyone's lines, including his own separately as no-one remembers what they are, so nothing matches and so naturally the entire production collapses on itself. And yet - I ended up acting for this guy too because I just wanted to believe I was wrong and perhaps not giving him a chance.

It is through a pile of these experiences I have learned to trust my instincts about who to work with and who not to, for example if you see a trailer like this (brace yourself - it ain't pretty!) - Just get the fuck out of there!

My amusement reaches new levels when these people refuse to take advice from people like myself who clearly put more effort in and have earned a healthy reputation through nominations, awards and contacts, yet they're still determined to take the moral high ground.

My only guess is, they must have some pretty cowardly mates and / or family to never actually bother giving them some honest feedback or (much needed) areas of improvement!

A student, Adam Hannis who came on as my 1st AC on an MA shoot I was on last month sent me a questionnaire recently asking about my link to success through education. This guy is awesome because unlike most students, he's not some dork seeking work for a grade but because he actually just has a passion and genuine interest for it - good on him. The problem was I don't see myself as successful, but certainly competent in the trades I practice in but if we're going to talk about how education helped me with finding employment, there was no multiple choice option for "Education did fuck all!"

In my last blog, take one look at that timetable - GO ON, do it - What the hell do you think?

And nobody who graduated on it found employment either. How could they? And yet when I was having it out with its shitty 3rd year lecturer or the media school itself, no-one supported me. At least they graduated, right? - Too bad no employer gives a shit or they know what to do next. Can't say I didn't tell you so. Me? I recently shot and edited a film for Quakers Social Action & JP Morgan in just 4 days. It was low pay but it still paid for 3 months of my rent alone and I even got my invite to the hotel conference presentation and hand out a few business cards.

I took a visit back to where I first started at Ealing Studios Met Film School (you may have even noticed their adverts on Youtube) and you simply don't get as credible teachers anywhere near a typical University like the bullshit one I went to. For example, take a look at Philippa Goslett, still going strong, her film 'How To Talk To Girls At Parties' set to be number one of the most anticipated films for 2016. NOW - Compare her with any of the University writing lecturers... No, I mean that - Do It! ....... yeah, I rest my case!

Whilst, freelance is usually a posh term for unemployed most of the time, when that work comes I know I will deliver on every promise I make to the client and those I recommend in my circles are only those like this student I mentioned and those I know who are motivated by more than ego or grades. Another student I've supported & will continue to do so, being Sam Klein who just completed his first short film 'Mallard.' Not a bad effort either. In fact, its tagline works probably smarter than he and his team realise.
Furthermore, I bet you where I could offer feedback, these two would listen as opposed to others who would just moap - You just know who's serious about this film stuff and who's not. You don't have to be a writer to know actions speak louder than words. If you've got no work to show for your claims - leave the argument!

2015 is just about over. I've had some bloody tough challenges but I look back at the things I've got out of it.

6 new short films, a new radio play script edit project, fluency on the c300 & Canon 5D, my biggest client yet, a fully functioning website, a new showreel, 4 close-call career interviews of £30k upwards, 5 award nominations, 2 festival wins, an essay publication by Shore Scripts & 2 high profile international script accreditations.

* not to mention my 1st joint birthday with the 12 year younger brother and the 1st Christmas I've had some money to spend on gifts and go on holiday & even managing to find the time to go and see the new Star Wars film: The Force Awakens (fantastic by the way!) & had my first 'Comedy Store' experience in London!

2016 - I plan on the following:

Improved camera work range (i.e; more time with drones and the Arri Alexa), my attendance and whatever contributions I can make towards Gillian Tully's 'Film Expo South' event, 3 more short films, 2 more clients at least another 4 good interview offers and either the chance to work in the U.S or Canada or if I must stay in the UK, I want my Jeep and / or some more camera equipment.

For those of you I've insulted - Go have a nice cry!

For those of you I've encouraged - You're the one's I write for - Have a great New Year!  :)