The past few years I have also been concentrating on screenwriting and producing short films. I also set up and run a film-networking group to help young film-makers get a start in the business. Personally I am still waiting for Neill Blomkamp to buy my sequel to his District 9. Sadly he made Chappie and Elysium instead. My sequel, 'District 10' (I know it lacks imagination but it is a sequel), answers all the questions District 9 left us with. But while Neill makes up his mind I'll keep writing new feature scripts.
Uploading my last short film ‘Amelia’s Letter’ seemed like a useful way to introduce the film-making aspect of what I do. It was shown at numerous international film festivals.
We shot the film at Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire, the ancestral home of Lord Byron. It was sub zero every day inside the derelict lodge on the estate. During the shoot the crew re-decorated the the interior location 4 times in 3 days. You’ll see why when you see the film.
But not a lot of bitching - just pleas for hot coffee. Whatever gets it done.
Our lead actress was Georgia Winters who appeared in 'Jupiter Rising'. Did a great job.
But as Georgia wasn't that keen on the water stunt so we got the endlessly brave Becky Carter to double and a boat crew to rescue her. She must have done 20 takes - in February.
The film was directed by Neil Oseman (red hat).
My Producer was the fabulously talented Sophia Ramcharan.
Both Neil and Sophia were aided by a fabulous crew who turned up despite the sub zero temperatures every single day of the shoot.
As with any craft it takes time to develop but it is only by doing, rather than talking about doing, do we make progress. The film is not perfect but neither am I.
I hope you enjoy the film. I'll post more