Hello fellow bloggers! Now I don't normally post anything else on my blog, other than film stuff. But I found today so awesome that I felt I just had to write about it!
As you may or may not know, I am a NASA geek! I've been to Florida twice and have been to NASA's Kennedy Space Center more times than I can recall. I've also had the honour of experiencing, first hand, the last ever launch of the space shuttle, STS-135 in July 2011. Today has been a very eventful day in Florida, as the Mars Science Laboratory, a.k.a. the Mars Curiosity Rover, launched today from Cape Canaveral, atop an Atlas V rocket, bound for the red planet! I watched it on NASA TV today and continued watching after the launch until the end of the coverage, along with a few extra news conferences and programmes about Mars and it's future new inhabitant, Curiosity. After today, I feel even more interested in space science, planetary science and science in general and have even considered going along the path of doing something scientific in life, instead of a job in the arts, as a film director. However, I still think I'll go into the film industry, as its a possibility for me to potentially involve my interest in space and in science, by making a film about NASA for example! It's been done before (Apollo 13, Transformers: Dark of the Moon) to name but a few. So there is that cool possibility to combine science and the arts!
Well that's pretty much all I wanted to say for this post! All that's left to do to climax this awesome day is to listen to David Bowie - Is there Life on Mars, go outside and admire the red planet, assuming a clear sky of course and finally say...
GOOD LUCK CURIOSITY!!! I hope there ain't any cats on Mars...
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Thursday, 24 November 2011
My Brand New YouTube Channel
Hello fellow bloggers! This is an update to say that I have created a brand new YouTube channel!!!
Simple called, "Fraser Films", I have specifically designed it to showcase my short films and showreels on. I feel that I can potentially go very far with it! I have been thinking for a while now, since deciding to become a film director, that one good thing to do would be to create an independant film production company, with a group of friends, all of whom are like minded individuals who are hoping to also break into the film industry. I have also had this name in mind for a while. Short, sweet and to the point (excuse the pun...I'll be making "short" films...yep...ha ha). Anyway, this is just a quick post to say that I have created my all new YouTube channel. I haven't uploaded any videos to it yet, but that will soon change, from early December, as I have been given the opportunity to film my University's Christian Union nativity play. This will most likely be the first video premiered on my new channel!
So that's all for now folks! I will keep updating my blog when I'm home during Christmas, as I hope to be visiting a wide range of film studios in the UK, mainly to gather data for my dissertation. I'll also take the opportunity while I'm at these studios to have a look around and maybe get to talk to a few people in the business! Namely, directors, producers, even actors! So that's it for now!
I'll leave you with this...love life and live it to the fullest! Also love the one's around you, your family, your friends...and during this festive season, remember this...your family are the most important thing in the world, the best gift you've been given. Far better than the latest iPhone 4S, PS3 game or film. All I want for Christmas is my awesome family and friends around me. I hope you do too.
(Instead of ambitious, inspirational advice, which I normally give, I personally believe, above all else, family and the people around you are your number one priority in life. Your career goals, aspirations and dreams come second. There we go people!) God bless.
Simple called, "Fraser Films", I have specifically designed it to showcase my short films and showreels on. I feel that I can potentially go very far with it! I have been thinking for a while now, since deciding to become a film director, that one good thing to do would be to create an independant film production company, with a group of friends, all of whom are like minded individuals who are hoping to also break into the film industry. I have also had this name in mind for a while. Short, sweet and to the point (excuse the pun...I'll be making "short" films...yep...ha ha). Anyway, this is just a quick post to say that I have created my all new YouTube channel. I haven't uploaded any videos to it yet, but that will soon change, from early December, as I have been given the opportunity to film my University's Christian Union nativity play. This will most likely be the first video premiered on my new channel!
So that's all for now folks! I will keep updating my blog when I'm home during Christmas, as I hope to be visiting a wide range of film studios in the UK, mainly to gather data for my dissertation. I'll also take the opportunity while I'm at these studios to have a look around and maybe get to talk to a few people in the business! Namely, directors, producers, even actors! So that's it for now!
I'll leave you with this...love life and live it to the fullest! Also love the one's around you, your family, your friends...and during this festive season, remember this...your family are the most important thing in the world, the best gift you've been given. Far better than the latest iPhone 4S, PS3 game or film. All I want for Christmas is my awesome family and friends around me. I hope you do too.
(Instead of ambitious, inspirational advice, which I normally give, I personally believe, above all else, family and the people around you are your number one priority in life. Your career goals, aspirations and dreams come second. There we go people!) God bless.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
My First Big Idea
Hello fellow bloggers!
I write today after having created an idea which I think has the potential to be a great success! However, this film will be very hard to make with the equipment I have at my disposal at this moment in time. It will therefore be an idea I will keep throughout the development of my career as a film director and will be made when I will hopefully become successful enough to be able to direct a multi-million dollar feature film. I have high hopes for this film; it is an original idea that hasn't been done before, combining popular genres of action, adventure and comedy, all mingled into what, in my opinion, I believe to be a recipe for success. I may be getting way too ahead of myself, as I am just starting out. However, it's good to think big!
For now, I won't release any details of the film until much later, just in case anyone out there decides to go with this idea and make it into a film before I get the chance to! I have a pitch, a plot outline and 2000 words of notes about the film, which I won't disclose on here or anywhere on the internet. All I will say however, is that it relates to my interests and travel experiences, combined into one story. The only other thing I will say about it is the genre, which I mentioned above as being a combination of action, adventure and comedy. For now, I'll leave you to guess the rest!
So with that short post, I'll leave you with these awesome words of advice...
Dream big, because you never know where life will take you!
I write today after having created an idea which I think has the potential to be a great success! However, this film will be very hard to make with the equipment I have at my disposal at this moment in time. It will therefore be an idea I will keep throughout the development of my career as a film director and will be made when I will hopefully become successful enough to be able to direct a multi-million dollar feature film. I have high hopes for this film; it is an original idea that hasn't been done before, combining popular genres of action, adventure and comedy, all mingled into what, in my opinion, I believe to be a recipe for success. I may be getting way too ahead of myself, as I am just starting out. However, it's good to think big!
For now, I won't release any details of the film until much later, just in case anyone out there decides to go with this idea and make it into a film before I get the chance to! I have a pitch, a plot outline and 2000 words of notes about the film, which I won't disclose on here or anywhere on the internet. All I will say however, is that it relates to my interests and travel experiences, combined into one story. The only other thing I will say about it is the genre, which I mentioned above as being a combination of action, adventure and comedy. For now, I'll leave you to guess the rest!
So with that short post, I'll leave you with these awesome words of advice...
Dream big, because you never know where life will take you!
Thursday, 3 November 2011
My First Short Film
Hello fellow bloggers! Since I last updated my blog, I have been thinking long and hard about ideas for films, both feature length and short. My friend James and I were having a brainstorming session and one idea has come about, inspired from reading a script of a classic comedy film, Ace Ventura! I won't disclose the title of the film just yet. That'll have to wait until it is finished. But for now, for this very short but awesome post, I will say that the film is currently in development; we're writing the script, casting the actors, many of whom are close friends, and working on composing the music, of which my musical friend James Brown will lead.
I've also just heard about the new James Bond film, Skyfall, which will be filmed at Pinewood Studios, starting monday! This is very exciting to hear; I may also have an opportunity to potentially play a small part. From my first visit to Pinewood Studios, I gained two contacts. I will therefore try to send an email to ask if it's possible to visit the studios this coming monday! This would be fantastic. I will keep you updated about whether or not I succeed in future posts.
So that's what's been happening in my world for the last few weeks. I leave you with this...quite a powerful message on a poster I have.
If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. Powerful words right there.
I've also just heard about the new James Bond film, Skyfall, which will be filmed at Pinewood Studios, starting monday! This is very exciting to hear; I may also have an opportunity to potentially play a small part. From my first visit to Pinewood Studios, I gained two contacts. I will therefore try to send an email to ask if it's possible to visit the studios this coming monday! This would be fantastic. I will keep you updated about whether or not I succeed in future posts.
So that's what's been happening in my world for the last few weeks. I leave you with this...quite a powerful message on a poster I have.
If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. Powerful words right there.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
UK Premiere of "Johnny English Reborn"
Hello fellow bloggers! This is my first blog post back at university; I am now in my third and final year at Canterbury and will continue to update my blog from here! I am writing this post atfer what has been a simply amazingly inspiring day I have had yesterday with my friend, James Brown, at the UK Premiere of "Johnny English Reborn" at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square. And yes, my friend is actually called James Brown...and I think he feels good...and so do I after yesterday's awesome events!
Well, it all started off from checking online for the latest premieres that are happening in London. Having decided that this seemed like a cool one to go to, I started to invite friends...and ended up with my best buddy, James. We were planning on getting the first train from Canterbury to London Waterloo on the day and returning in the evening. However, a phone call from home gave us the idea which would eventually lead to us getting a front row view of the red carpet! With no prior notice at all, we decided to act on a spur of the moment decision and to go to London the night before the premiere! And if you're thinking that we camped out, we didn't. We stayed the night at my house, in order to get there as early as possible the next day! And sure enough, that's what we did; we were greatly rewarded by our 6:00am start...we were the first one's there! I know, I know, call me a geek. But hey, it's not every day you get to meet a Hollywood star!
So we arrived in Leicester Square even before anything was set up! So what did we do? We waited...and waited...and waited...I noticed that in fact, we weren't quite the first one's there, as 3 people were there already...now I recognised these 3 people. It turns out that I had met them at an earlier premiere I attended, the most recent one to date. That was the premiere of "Cowboys and Aliens" at the O2 a few weeks back. I also met them throughout the next 3 days running at the movie event at the O2 called "Empire Presents Big Screen", which was England's version of "Comic Con", the American movie event of the year. You're probably thinking, why did I not mention that I went to this before? Well, for the simple reason that I had not created my blog at that point! So there you are, I have been to those two events, along with several film premieres before then, including "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" and "The Expendables", both in Leicester Square. In fact, these are the only other premieres I have ever been to! I hope this low number will soon change, as my decision to become a film director is now set in stone. I hope, one day, to have my own premiere either in LA or London. One can do one's best to achieve this...and I aim never to falter in my goal.
So back to the main event of the day, the premiere of Johnny English Reborn. After a period of what seemed like quite a while, 5 hours in fact, everything started to take shape. The barriers were put up, the red carpet was rolled out and slowly but surely everything started to come alive! The news media arrived opposite us, we secured our place in the front of the barriers and the stars started to arrive. First of the stars to arrive was Dominic West, followed shortly by Daniel Kaluuya, who plays Johnny's assistant. As they both started making their way up to our end of the red carpet, the director Oliver Parker, Tim McInnerny, Gillian Anderson and finally the man himself, Rowan Atkinson arrived in quite a spectacular fashion...in a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé...the car used in the film. Slowly but surely, they all started to head our way and to our delight, stayed for a while in front of us on the opposite side of the red carpet to where we were, as this is where the press were set up. After a period of press interviews, Rowan Atkinson came to us! If there ever was a point during the day which I felt could've been better, it was the moment I actually got to meet Mr. Bean personally! I was, to put it simply, star struck. I didn't say a word. All that I could eventually mutter out were the words "can you sign my poster"? My friend, James, on the other hand, actually had a decent conversation with him, mentioning that we got up at 6am to see him and that it was a pleasure to meet him. How jealous am I? Very, I tell you. Very. Oh well, hopefully one day I'll be able to say that I have worked with him, along with many other stars. That day will come.
So as the remaining guests wandered through into the cinema and things started to wrap up for the day, with James delighted at his success with Rowan, myself not so much, we decided to go to McDonalds for lunch. It was at this point where I thought, before heading back to Canterbury; let's see if we can obtain a few more film posters to give to friends. After the meal in McDonalds, we headed back to the cinema and got talking to a few very nice security guards. They told us that we could take down the gigantic poster boards that surrounded the cinema. The only thing I thought, being the more practically minded of the two of us, was how on earth would we get any of them back to Canterbury? A challenge in its own right, I'm sure. And it proved to be one heck of a challenge.
It was at this point where my luck with the stars soon made an about turn, as we just happened to be in the right place at the right time. On a greater scale, the success of my career will potentially involve me being in the right place at the right time!! The stars and guests had finished watching the film and were starting to exit the cinema. At this point, what I can only describe as a convoy of Mercedes Benz cars started to appear around the cinema! We were in luck. We would get to see Rowan Atkinson for the second time! A chance no doubt, for me to redeem myself of my earlier impression of a fool I made of myself in front of him. To be honest though, it's his job of making a fool of himself in front of others...I guess I was merely trying to copy him! What happened in the next few minutes was very awesome, indeed. We didn't get to meet Rowan again; he walked past us into his car. However, Warwick Davis, A.K.A Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter walked right by us! I wish to state that I was not star struck; instead I struck up a conversation with the man himself, shook his hand and felt very delighted! It had indeed made my day! I had met Warwick Davis.
What followed after everyone left was something which was a joint decision, a little crazy and definitely something which I won't do again. James and I attempted to get the gigantic poster boards off the wall, keep them and carry them on the train back to Canterbury. At the time, we thought it a cool idea to have these boards as one of the most awesome souvenirs of the day. However, we realised the hard way that the sheer weight of these boards was more than double our entire body weight. Yep. I think you can come to the conclusion that we in fact didn't carry these boards back to Canterbury! We tried...we came close...but we had no cigar at the end. However, I decided that our effort shouldn't be wasted; we managed to get one of the best boards back to Canterbury, along with the standard movie posters which we aim to give out to friends. How we managed to practically get these posters along with just one board back to Canterbury, all the way through London, somehow mystifies me. I can only describe it as a miracle.
So, after a long but very awesome weekend, we arrived back in Canterbury at about 1am the following day. We had a quick glance at YouTube to see any videos the press uploaded of interviews, in the hope that we might have been in the background. Well now, there was one final surprise of the day! One video we found through YouTube, that we were filmed by the media! Well, we were obviously the centre of attention...it's just that Rowan Atkinson was in the same shot. The video was by itn's "showbiz" channel. The best way for me to describe the video to you is to link it at the bottom of this post! So there you have it, my experience of the UK Premiere of Johnny English Reborn.
As I update my blog in the next few months here in Canterbury, with updates to films I've seen, premieres I will be going to and films I will be making, keep this somewhat funny but true thought in mind. I am aspiring to become a Hollywood film director, yet, I have never been to Hollywood and I have never made a proper film before! However, I will probably be going to Los Angeles with my parents next summer and I have an aim of making one proper film during my final year of university, with a few friends and aspiring musicians. Not to mention any names, James! He will be helping me with the music side and will be the musical director and conductor for future films I endeavour to make. I also have recently been playing and experimenting with my new green screen, which came with my Pinnacle Studio video editing software. I've found out the practically infinite things I can now do with it!
So for now, keep this more important thought in mind, instead of the above. God has given you the gift of life. The least you can do is live it! That's what I'm planning on anyways!! Goodnight all.
Well, it all started off from checking online for the latest premieres that are happening in London. Having decided that this seemed like a cool one to go to, I started to invite friends...and ended up with my best buddy, James. We were planning on getting the first train from Canterbury to London Waterloo on the day and returning in the evening. However, a phone call from home gave us the idea which would eventually lead to us getting a front row view of the red carpet! With no prior notice at all, we decided to act on a spur of the moment decision and to go to London the night before the premiere! And if you're thinking that we camped out, we didn't. We stayed the night at my house, in order to get there as early as possible the next day! And sure enough, that's what we did; we were greatly rewarded by our 6:00am start...we were the first one's there! I know, I know, call me a geek. But hey, it's not every day you get to meet a Hollywood star!
So we arrived in Leicester Square even before anything was set up! So what did we do? We waited...and waited...and waited...I noticed that in fact, we weren't quite the first one's there, as 3 people were there already...now I recognised these 3 people. It turns out that I had met them at an earlier premiere I attended, the most recent one to date. That was the premiere of "Cowboys and Aliens" at the O2 a few weeks back. I also met them throughout the next 3 days running at the movie event at the O2 called "Empire Presents Big Screen", which was England's version of "Comic Con", the American movie event of the year. You're probably thinking, why did I not mention that I went to this before? Well, for the simple reason that I had not created my blog at that point! So there you are, I have been to those two events, along with several film premieres before then, including "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1" and "The Expendables", both in Leicester Square. In fact, these are the only other premieres I have ever been to! I hope this low number will soon change, as my decision to become a film director is now set in stone. I hope, one day, to have my own premiere either in LA or London. One can do one's best to achieve this...and I aim never to falter in my goal.
So back to the main event of the day, the premiere of Johnny English Reborn. After a period of what seemed like quite a while, 5 hours in fact, everything started to take shape. The barriers were put up, the red carpet was rolled out and slowly but surely everything started to come alive! The news media arrived opposite us, we secured our place in the front of the barriers and the stars started to arrive. First of the stars to arrive was Dominic West, followed shortly by Daniel Kaluuya, who plays Johnny's assistant. As they both started making their way up to our end of the red carpet, the director Oliver Parker, Tim McInnerny, Gillian Anderson and finally the man himself, Rowan Atkinson arrived in quite a spectacular fashion...in a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé...the car used in the film. Slowly but surely, they all started to head our way and to our delight, stayed for a while in front of us on the opposite side of the red carpet to where we were, as this is where the press were set up. After a period of press interviews, Rowan Atkinson came to us! If there ever was a point during the day which I felt could've been better, it was the moment I actually got to meet Mr. Bean personally! I was, to put it simply, star struck. I didn't say a word. All that I could eventually mutter out were the words "can you sign my poster"? My friend, James, on the other hand, actually had a decent conversation with him, mentioning that we got up at 6am to see him and that it was a pleasure to meet him. How jealous am I? Very, I tell you. Very. Oh well, hopefully one day I'll be able to say that I have worked with him, along with many other stars. That day will come.
So as the remaining guests wandered through into the cinema and things started to wrap up for the day, with James delighted at his success with Rowan, myself not so much, we decided to go to McDonalds for lunch. It was at this point where I thought, before heading back to Canterbury; let's see if we can obtain a few more film posters to give to friends. After the meal in McDonalds, we headed back to the cinema and got talking to a few very nice security guards. They told us that we could take down the gigantic poster boards that surrounded the cinema. The only thing I thought, being the more practically minded of the two of us, was how on earth would we get any of them back to Canterbury? A challenge in its own right, I'm sure. And it proved to be one heck of a challenge.
It was at this point where my luck with the stars soon made an about turn, as we just happened to be in the right place at the right time. On a greater scale, the success of my career will potentially involve me being in the right place at the right time!! The stars and guests had finished watching the film and were starting to exit the cinema. At this point, what I can only describe as a convoy of Mercedes Benz cars started to appear around the cinema! We were in luck. We would get to see Rowan Atkinson for the second time! A chance no doubt, for me to redeem myself of my earlier impression of a fool I made of myself in front of him. To be honest though, it's his job of making a fool of himself in front of others...I guess I was merely trying to copy him! What happened in the next few minutes was very awesome, indeed. We didn't get to meet Rowan again; he walked past us into his car. However, Warwick Davis, A.K.A Professor Flitwick in Harry Potter walked right by us! I wish to state that I was not star struck; instead I struck up a conversation with the man himself, shook his hand and felt very delighted! It had indeed made my day! I had met Warwick Davis.
What followed after everyone left was something which was a joint decision, a little crazy and definitely something which I won't do again. James and I attempted to get the gigantic poster boards off the wall, keep them and carry them on the train back to Canterbury. At the time, we thought it a cool idea to have these boards as one of the most awesome souvenirs of the day. However, we realised the hard way that the sheer weight of these boards was more than double our entire body weight. Yep. I think you can come to the conclusion that we in fact didn't carry these boards back to Canterbury! We tried...we came close...but we had no cigar at the end. However, I decided that our effort shouldn't be wasted; we managed to get one of the best boards back to Canterbury, along with the standard movie posters which we aim to give out to friends. How we managed to practically get these posters along with just one board back to Canterbury, all the way through London, somehow mystifies me. I can only describe it as a miracle.
So, after a long but very awesome weekend, we arrived back in Canterbury at about 1am the following day. We had a quick glance at YouTube to see any videos the press uploaded of interviews, in the hope that we might have been in the background. Well now, there was one final surprise of the day! One video we found through YouTube, that we were filmed by the media! Well, we were obviously the centre of attention...it's just that Rowan Atkinson was in the same shot. The video was by itn's "showbiz" channel. The best way for me to describe the video to you is to link it at the bottom of this post! So there you have it, my experience of the UK Premiere of Johnny English Reborn.
As I update my blog in the next few months here in Canterbury, with updates to films I've seen, premieres I will be going to and films I will be making, keep this somewhat funny but true thought in mind. I am aspiring to become a Hollywood film director, yet, I have never been to Hollywood and I have never made a proper film before! However, I will probably be going to Los Angeles with my parents next summer and I have an aim of making one proper film during my final year of university, with a few friends and aspiring musicians. Not to mention any names, James! He will be helping me with the music side and will be the musical director and conductor for future films I endeavour to make. I also have recently been playing and experimenting with my new green screen, which came with my Pinnacle Studio video editing software. I've found out the practically infinite things I can now do with it!
So for now, keep this more important thought in mind, instead of the above. God has given you the gift of life. The least you can do is live it! That's what I'm planning on anyways!! Goodnight all.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, 1 September 2011
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!
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!
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