Festive Film Showcase
No it wasn’t a screening of comfy Christmas Classics. Organised by Lee Thomas and his team from Screen WM it was an opportunity to learn what you need to get there, what it was like, and tips for how to make it work, from four people whose films the screen agency had recently supported.
First up was screenwriter Geoff Thompson, whose Coventry-based feature Clubbed is out in the New Year. His main advice was work hard and be motivated. If you can work 8-10 hours in a factory, doing a job you don’t really enjoy, surely you can do the same hours as a writer? Motivation? Geoff is going for his Oscar. He’s already got his BAFTA three films back.
Next up was Natasha Carlish, co-producer on ‘Souled Out’ set in the 1970’s Stoke Northern Soul scene (currently in post-production). Her advice to would-be co-producers was to ‘bring added value to the partnership, swallow your ego and be prepared for masses of paperwork.’
Justin Edgar’s second feature as director, Special People, has been winning audiences at festivals and in cinemas, as well as grabbing headlines in the press. His recipe? Never give up, look for a good marketing angle and hire the best PR person you can afford.
Lastly, and a treat for us as we got to see his horror feature The Children in full, was writer/director Tom Shankland. What I gleaned from the Q&A with Tom was be prepared to change and adapt the script as you go along, get good feedback from test screenings before your final edit and never tell the audience the full story. Always hold something back.
Nuff said.
Tom Shankland
Tags: BAFTA, Clubbed, Geoff Thompson, Justin Edgar, Screen WM, Souled Out, Special People, The Children, Tom Shankland
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.