Why do I love what I do?
As a child, I was brought up on a vast variety of cinema, thanks to my Dad’s passion for film and filmmaking. I developed an obsession with film, fuelled by the work of John Carpenter, Sergio Leone and so many others. As soon as I could, I picked up a camera and began shooting.
From school through to the end of my University degree, I wrote and produced seven short films, learning more and more each time, and building connections with some of the best people I’ve ever met. Film never fails to inspire me, and I like to think that the films I make inspire others to be bold and uncompromising in their creativity.
In my current position, I am certain there is nothing I would rather do.
What is your favourite movie?
My favourite movie is Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America (1984). It’s a gripping piece of work, and one of, if not the only film that I simply couldn’t fault if I tried.
What do you enjoy the most about being on set?
When I’m on set I feel like a different person. I feel comfortable, confident, and able to do anything (unless it’s something we just can’t do, in which case compromise is a great skill to learn). There’s nothing more satisfying than being faced with a problem and working to find a solution, which is about 90% of filmmaking!
If I could be on set 24/7 I would be, but unfortunately life gets in the way.
What do you look forward to about working with Astor Film Productions?
As filmmakers, we often work with different people on each project we undertake, and so it’s a fantastic thing to be a part of an established team, able to build a relationship as a company as we help each other to learn and improve.
Astor gives me the chance to learn new skills every single day.
and finally… Do you like Coffee?
I think in this industry, you have to.