Developments

Hello fellow bloggers! I will firstly start off by saying that I know I haven't updated by blog recently. I therefore hope to no longer have any long gaps such as this one from now on and will try to keep you updated with new developments that come about.

Ok, so since my last blog post, there have been a good few things which have happened in my life. I have been to another film studio, this time Elstree Film Studios, to go on a course entitled "An Introduction to the Film and TV Industry", which proved to be very much of an eye opener and has led me to, along with various other events, decide that I really will be going for my ultimate goal in life. I won't stop until I get there; there ain't no prizes for second best! The course was taught by Phil O'Shea, a film director, who has directed many films to date, including Vampire Diary and Spirit Trap.

Along with my day to Elstree Film Studios, I have also taken a leap into the world of YouTube...for the second time. I mentioned in my first post that I have a newly created YouTube channel with my friend Alex. For our first video, we chose to somewhat copy an idea from my friend's idol, Danny Wallace; every Friday he goes out to try to get as many "high fives" as he can in one minute. We tried to beat his record...I'll let you see for yourself how successful we were!

So along with trips to film studios and uploading a new YouTube video, I have also been given a very big opportunity which could potentially become a turning point in my overall career goal of becoming a film director. My Dad has a couple of friends at work who are looking to become professional actors. They have done a few plays together and are looking to get themselves more known in the filming industry. I will also take this opportunity to say that they are engaged, so I wish them the best of luck with the start of their lives together! Back to the main point, however, which is that they both want to act. I, of course, have grasped this opportunity with both hands and believe I can help them. They would like to do a show real with me, including making a short film together, whereby I would direct the film, along with being the cameraman, editor, producer and basically everything behind the camera. However, as this will be my first proper experience of making a film, along with the fact that they are both fully trained actors, I will take a step back and let them guide the overall process of creating the film, thus leading to me gaining much wanted experience and have something to show for it at the end! As my Dad has said to me, it's a win-win situation; they are getting themselves known as actors and I am getting myself known as a director. I am very excited to be getting this opportunity and will update you in a later post to let you know how it's going!

So there we go. As you can see, I have now reached a point in developing my career whereby I have moved on from merely thinking of becoming a film director, through to thinking practically of how I can achieve this, through to finally making some physical progress and gaining contacts and making short videos!! So I leave you with this thought in mind...one can do whatever one wishes to do in life...all you need is ambition, commitment and the desire to achieve!

My First Experience of the Film Industry!

Hello fellow bloggers! Today I have taken my first step into the glamorous world of filmmaking by visiting the world famous "Pinewood Studios". On first impressions...amazingly awesome! I went there today to gather primary research for my dissertation, in which I am taking my two main interests of geography and film and combining them for my third year geography dissertation. I was greeted at reception by a warm welcoming lady, who gave me an "Access All Areas" pass, to which I was very greatful I had, as it allowed me into places any ordinary member of the public cannot get into. I guess, however, I am actually an ordinary member of the public, but as I arranged two meetings with 2 film companies at Pinewood, I was allowed to "take one small step" into the industry.

Anyway, my first meeting got off to a flying start as I interviewed Jim Groom from Ivory Tower Entertainment, a film director...a very friendly and welcoming film director at that! He gave me lots of advice of how to start off in the industry; the general trend I found is through work experience and becoming a runner. That is considered to be the benchmark, entry level job into the business. After all, most famous film directors all had to start somewhere...at the bottom...and worked their way up, which is what I hope to do. There is of course going to film school, which is always another option.

So after my meeting with Jim, I had a walk around the studios and managed to get a glimpse of some of the sets. It was during this period of time between interviews that I actually accidentally wandered onto the film set of "Dark Shadows"; what a very happy "accidental stumble" it prooved to be! I was magically transported to Main Street, USA! I have to say seeing my very first real set really made me think to myself that this is really what I want to do! I've been to Universal Studios theme park in Florida before, but this was the real McCoy! I think it's appropriate for me to apologise to anyone on the production team of "Dark Shadows" if I wasn't meant to be on set, but it was truly awesome!

So, after that nice surprise, my second interview also went very well. It was with Robbie Moffat of Palm Tree Entertainment, also a film director. He was also a very nice guy to chat to, giving me advice on the first steps I should take and also gave me a whole loada DVD's of productions by Palm Tree Entertainment! So Robbie, if you're reading this, thank you very much! Thanks also to Jim for the meeting!

After that, it was with great happiness that I then left Pinewood Studios after a spot of lunch and returned home. A great day had by many, especially moi. Here's to winning the pub quiz tonight, let's hope it's film themed!