Last week saw the launch of the 5th BFI Future Film Festival which aims to give 15-25 year olds a unique opportunity to showcase their films and gain essential knowledge and skills from some of the UK biggest names in the film industry. This years festival will feature actor Dexter Fletcher, who’s directorial debut “Wild Bill” will be getting a special screening, Will Sharp & Tom Kingsley Bafta nominated directors of “Black Pond” and VFX expert Ed Hall who is about to start working on the new James Bond film.
TNC is proud to share our next with a Future Film Festival nominated filmmaker Bexie Bush, director of the BBC & Open Universities “Creative Climate” film Ever Hear a Postman Whistle which is nominated in the Best Animation category.
More information about the Future Film Festival can be found here and takes place between the 18th & 19th February.
What is it about being a filmmaker that your most attracted to?
I love the feeling when I see a vivid idea from my imagination on screen, to see characters that you have created come to life along with the same colours and patterns as pictured in your head can be magical.
What was your first project like, where there any steep learning curves?
My first project was a film called “Betty’s”. I knew that I wanted to use the voices of customers in my Nan’s hairdressers but I was unsure how to animate to the voice overs. I gradually decided to make wigs and hairdryers talk. The idea of talking objects suited the message I wanted to portray. I wanted to show the objects left behind in the hairdressers to represent the evidence of my Nan as these talking objects surrounded her throughout her life.
Tell us a little bit about “Ever Hear a Postman Whistle”, how did the project come together?
“Ever Hear a Postman Whistle” was made for the BBC and Open University in their “Creative Climate” competition. My pitch for the film was chosen among nine other films, to inform people lightly about environment issues. My topic was consumerism. I asked Lyn Schofield and Eric Brown (my Grandad) to talk openly about consumerism from the top of their heads, completely unscripted, which allowed for a natural informative piece of audio whilst being rather humorous at the same time. I made the film over two weeks inside our kind neighbour’s empty Victorian house with the assistance of Sam Turner. The whole experience was fun and challenging.
The film is very nostalgic and has a lot of truths to it, was that your intention to make a film that looks back at a lost time?
My intention was to show how attractive the life of our grandparents may look in the light of past environments and simplicity. I made sure that all the colours and props in the film looked dated and charming.
When you had written the film what was your next step?
Once I had my audio I made a very rough storyboard and thought carefully about how to visualize what was said in the most informative or comical manner.
What animators have had an impact on you and how your approach your work?
I am greatly inspired by the works of Svankmajer and the Quay brothers for their wonderful use of object animation and visual beauty.
Did you face any major challengers getting the film made?
Time is the major challenge when making a film like this as the process can be very time consuming, however the biggest challenge was locating all the props needed for the film.
You’re also nominated for the BFI Future Film Festival Award, what was it like to get the news that your film had been chosen?
I was over the moon to hear the fabulous news. My Grandad and Lyn (the armchairs) are very proud to be featured in my films and have their views heard.
I would ask if you’re excited but I guess that goes without saying. But for our readers try and explain what it means to you as a filmmaker to be included in this festival?
To be included in this festival is a major achievement and a wonderful honour. As a film maker it is a wonderful feeling to have you film reviewed in the way you envisaged.
Best advice you have been given and you would give other young filmmakers that will follow you?
The best advice I have ever been given was in Farnham UCA by Lesley Adams which was show your personality through your film making.
And finally what are you working on now?
I have recently been unexpectedly offered a place at the NFTS and am now working on furthering my film making career as a director. I have only been there a few days and it is a wonderful experience. When I have some spare time I would like to make some abstract music videos using pixilation for some songs I have written, which is another passion of mine.
