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Question 1: "Faye - you've recently been shortlisted in the final 6 of the Orange
FilmFour short film award for the film 'Hard Little Man'. As this shortlist is made
solely from the merit of the entrants' scripts, what ingredients would you advise the
young filmmaker of today to add to ensure their short film script is as successful as possible?"
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My advice would be to keep short film scripts as simple as possible. Try to avoid making
the premise work on a 'trick' at the end as this can often feel like a cheat.
Think about the point of your story - why have you chosen this subject to
explore and express to others? In my experience judges are often looking for
a story and vision that gives them an insight into the kind of things you, as a filmmaker,
are interested in exploring through your work. Many short film schemes are set up to
nurture and encourage new talent so you want to give a sense of discovery through your work.
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Question 2: "Your BAFTA-nominated film, Perdie, was shot on the miniDV format.
What were your impressions of this format, and do you plan on using it again in future film projects?"
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Perdie was shot as an 8-year old girl's video diary. We used Mini DV specifically to look like a
home video then blew it up to 35mm for cinema distribution. Video and DV images feel
very intimate and when we projected the film onto a big screen it gave it a very emotive
and engaging feeling.
I have worked a lot with Mini DV. Sometimes it can appear quite harsh and present a
flat image especially if you have limited lighting. However, if you use Mini DV creatively
then you can often turn problems into positives.
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Question 3: "What was the first short film you ever directed? Describe your experiences
on the shoot and recount any unexpected hurdles you were forced to overcome in this project."
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My graduation film from Bournemouth Filmschool was the first film I made
with an actual crew. It is a 14 minute, 16mm, drama called 'Dog'. I had immense
difficulties getting the script past the course tutors who did not really understand
what it was about or what I was trying to do with it.
Obviously it has its problems - mainly narrative structure and some of the performances
I didn't quite get right. Ultimately I am very fond of 'Dog' because of its naiveté
and the passion it took to get it made.
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Question 4: "Now you have a wealth of experience behind you, what advice would you
press upon young directors starting out?"
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Know what you are about, stick to your guns, listen to advice, collaborate
and surround yourself with people you can trust. Explore, experiment and
never be afraid to get it wrong, don't allow yourself to be bullied and go for it
with everything you've got.
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Question 5: "What are your current projects, and what are your filmmaking
plans for the future?"
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I have just completed a 30-minute drama for Channel Four called 'Sick'.
I am also in pre-production for a 5 minute Orange FilmFour short 'Hard Little Man'.
I have been writing a feature length screenplay for just over a year, which I'm hoping
will go into production towards the end of this year.
Ultimately I would like to have time where I can work creatively with smaller
films alongside larger feature film projects. I would like also to continue the
film work I do with young people, enabling them to make films about issues
that are important to them.
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Question 6: "Imagine you are asked to judge the entrees to a short film festival.
You come across a film that - to you - stands out as a likely winner.
What sets this film apart from the rest?"
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I know it's good because the rest of my day is affected by what I have just experienced.
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