Interview by #MatthewSawyer

I was just wondering how you’ve found things in the last couple of years?

In the last couple of years, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, I have personally fared well. While acknowledging the hardships experienced by many, I believe that it is important to focus on our own attitude and response to such situations. Rather than dwelling on what we cannot change, I chose to view the circumstances as an opportunity for growth. I managed to stay healthy and unaffected by the illness, taking necessary precautions to ensure safety. Moreover, positive outcomes emerged from this period. I had the chance to work on a film project called “Touching the Blue,” which garnered recognition and success globally. Subsequently, I was involved in another film adaptation of a Broadway musical called “Tomorrow Morning.” Despite the challenges of filming intimate scenes during the pandemic, our crew maintained strict safety measures, resulting in a successful production. Overall, while it may be unpopular to acknowledge the positive aspects, I believe that personal attitude and seizing opportunities were key factors in my experience during this time.

That kind of led into my next question, how the tomorrow morning film kind of came about for yourself and how you found working on that?

The film “Tomorrow Morning” came about as a result of a phone call my producer received on January 3rd. The entire process, from start to finish, took six months, which was possible due to thorough planning and sufficient financing. Originally intended for a Broadway show, the production shifted gears to create a movie instead. Overcoming the financial hurdle, the next step involved finding locations and bringing everything together on camera and stage. The project stemmed from our previous experience of turning a stage play called “Touching the Blue” into a film. This garnered attention and established our reputation, leading to more opportunities. We also had the advantage of securing a distributor early on, Kaleidoscope Pictures, who ensured worldwide distribution. The film received a theatrical release in Odeon cinemas across the country and is expected to be released on DVD and video streaming platforms later on. A cinema release can pave the way for subsequent releases on other platforms. Overall, the process was rewarding and satisfying, both professionally and personally.

Do you have a favourite film you’ve directed or been DOP on?

I haven’t personally directed a particular feature film that stands out as my own personal favourite. However, I strive to shoot economically while achieving a visually impressive result, making it appear more expensive than it actually is. One example of this was a music video I shot, which was perceived by Sony Records as having a budget of £25,000 when in reality, we made it with just enough money for petrol expenses. The key is to create something that appears high-quality and expensive, regardless of the actual budget. This approach has been a consistent theme throughout my career as a filmmaker, where the goal is to maximize the visual impact while minimizing costs. Whether working with a small or large budget, the desire to create something visually stunning while keeping expenses in check is universal. This approach has allowed me to excel in my filmmaking endeavors.

I suppose in your line of work, probably one of the best compliments you can get is to be told that a film looks a lot more expensive than it is.

Indeed, receiving compliments about making a film look more expensive than its actual budget is certainly one of the best compliments in my line of work. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not every project is a resounding success in achieving that goal. Sometimes compromises have to be made due to budget limitations. It is relatively easier to create a visually appealing film with a larger budget, but the real challenge lies in working with limited resources. Finding creative solutions within those constraints is where the interesting and unique qualities emerge. As a filmmaker, I navigate between these two extremes, striving to make the most of the resources available and deliver visually impressive results.

Which one do you prefer?

I find myself preferring the happy medium between the extremes of having a very low budget and an excessively high budget. It can feel wasteful and unnecessary to have an extravagant production with a million-pound budget, surrounded by an abundance of people and resources that may not be essential. This realization is gradually being recognized by producers as well. On the other hand, starting out with minimal resources, like sitting on a couch in a car with homemade sandwiches, is where many of us began our filmmaking journeys. The sweet spot lies somewhere between these two extremes, finding a balance that allows for creative expression and quality production without unnecessary extravagance. It is within this middle ground that I find the most satisfaction and enjoyment in my work.

At what age did you start working in film and did anyone inspire you to do so?

During my early years of filmmaking, shooting on Super 8 film with limited resources and a need for precision taught me a great deal about discipline and resourcefulness. In terms of inspiration, there were several influential figures and films that had a significant impact on me. In the 1970s, when cinema was in a decline, movies like Star Wars and Jaws revitalized the industry and captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The works of directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, who pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, cinematographers such as Vilmos Zsigmond, who shot films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Andrew Lesnie, who worked on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, inspired me with their visual storytelling and technical expertise. Peter Jackson, the director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, also influenced me as he not only directed but was heavily involved in the cinematography of the films. Ultimately, these filmmakers and their ability to achieve impressive results with limited resources motivated me to pursue my passion for filmmaking and explore what can be accomplished with minimal equipment and lighting setups.