Shoot day 18/01/20

What did you do?

Today we once again had a free screening, this time of the film 1917. This film was truly spectacular, it is set during World War I, two British soldiers receive an order, that they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades, including one of the soldiers own brother. This film is directed by Sam Mendes (who also directed Skyfall) and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.

We then had a presentation, led by Yen Yao which enlightened me to further opportunities after this BFI qualification. She went into detail about runners, including what they do and what they need to acquire this job (e.g a driver’s license being the most important one). Yen Yao was also involved with the latest James Bond film, and even had some BFI Alumni members with her, who worked as runners in the different fields of film making (e.g. camera work, editing…).

After this we then had a session with ben Wilkinson, who leads the Spirit of Independence Film Festival, which this year is being held at the Abbeydale Road Picture House, Sheffield. Our own films are being shown in this festival so thanks Ben!

He generally informed us about what his festival is and represents, which is independent indie films, both British and foreign films. He then proceeded to show us films that had previously been shown at his festivals, all of which I enjoyed and thought were expertly done. One from Australia was even shot all on an iPhone, which I wouldn’t even have realised unless he had not mentioned it.

What have you learnt?

That if you are trying to make it by creating short films, then they should only be of a short length, and that you should enter them into as many festivals and opportunities as possible, so that you can get your name and films out there for a larger audience to see. I also learnt that you do not need t largest budget to make a good quality film, even if you film it on a phone camera, the quality in current day will be decent enough, or for at least a first copy.

How have you worked well in a group?

Today I believe that the group of us worked well as we engaged and enjoyed the film, as well as the presentations later in the day. Asking questions and enjoying the films shown to us and saying engaged throughout.

What do you need to develop?

I have realised that for any future film that I make, they need to have a unique and rarely seen or brand new plot/theme as through doing this, the festival managers and production companies will be more intrigued with my film, as it’ll be something new and interesting to them. Also I’d need to make sure that my films aren’t too long as if it is a shorter short film, then it is more likely to get a slot in festivals.