Learning from Masterclasses

Katie Mack – Editor

She has worked in Hollywood alongside Directors like Tarantino.

Thoughts during masterclass:

-“Editors turn the soulless footage into a cinematic form”

-“They are the writers but with pictures”

-“The editor serves only the story and so are the audiences best friends , as they only really care what happened nexts”

-“They craft the stories”

-“Editing is directing for the second time”

Career

She started as a apprentice to a student editor (who now is an editor for films like I TONYA) in LA and then was asked back again by the same team to work on a feature.This then meant she formed relationships with this team and so became one of their go to editors.

She was a Maths student , which she says has helped her career as editing is equally as technical as it is creative.

TECHNICAL THOUGHTS FROM MASTERCLASS:

-Always put performance over continuity.

-Always think about rhythm and pace , let scenes breath.

-Leave lots of clean shots so you give yourself as many choices as possible.”Shoot for editing”

What have I learned about working in film?

I have learned that asking professionals for advice, help, experience , an interview ,is absolutely necessary and acceptable as the only way you are going to improve is learning from others and then bringing that knowledge into your own work.

 

Theo Watkins-Film maker

He is a young independent film maker, he also makes music videos for bands like Bristol based indie band IDLES.

Career

Set up a film company and begun by making shorts for independent companies/ creative groups that would be used as a way of advertisement.Then small bands and singers began to use him to make their music videos, this then helped him fund his first short film drama called ‘I SAW THE BEAST’ which was shown at film festivals.

Thoughts during masterclass:

-“Story boarding is not always the most important thing, let things come naturally and don’t be afraid to improvise”

-“Embrace change, but still plan”

-“Read you script before you go to bed, if it doesn’t make sense, it may make sense in the morning”

Technical thoughts during masterclass:

– When writing a script, always carry a notebook as ideas can come to you at any point.

-Telling others about your ideas is really important as input from others can really help you form your story.Be collaborative.

-If you get stuck on the story return to your log line, as this statement is the heart of what you wanted this story to be at the beginning of the process.

What have I learned about working in film ?

I have learned that film making is never direct or clear and you have to leave room for the creative process to sometimes be organic and unplanned so that you never restrict yourself.

 

Louie Blystand Collins- Director of Photography

He is a cinematographer and D.O.P.He works closely with the director to work out how it will look visually, how the cameras will shoot something that reflects the directors intentions.

Career

At a early age he was very interested in creative lighting and photography , this lead on to him working as a lighting designer.However he wanted more creative control on how shots were set up and how this can effect the story and the overall film so began working as a cinematographer for things like tv commercials, documentaries and music videos.

Thoughts during masterclass:

-“Lighting can change how the actors are represented, so never underestimate how important it can be”

-“Costume and art direction can make or break a film, just as much as the acting or directing”

What have I learned about working in film?

I have learned that there is so much creative scope in lighting and camera work.You should never underestimate how much it can add to a film , technically and creatively.