Some time ago I mentioned the need for a little of 'Joey' in my filmmaking. Thanks to a wonderful group of people, I succeeded in shooting an adaptation of Cinderella at the end of June on a Lavender Farm in Somerset - www.somersetlavender.com. I am looking forward to premiering this directorial debut in November.
Just like its content, the film shoot itself ran like magic. With the kind support of Judith and Frances Green at the farm and their neighbours, we were able to capture some truly stunning footage. This could not have been achieved without a thoroughly dedicated and fun-loving cast and crew. This has been a really personal project for me. Cinderella happens to be the very first film I went to see at the cinema at the young age of 4.
A special thanks is owed to my parents - Geoff and Jackie Beard. Their ongoing support for my filmmaking endeavours is unwavering and this film could not have been made without them. Although relatively low budget, the budget still entailed grip hire, costume and catering.
So...with Cinders about to hit the silver screen, what comes next in the Overlook Fairytales series? In just over a month, I am shooting the second of the series 'Seeing Red', adapted from Little Red Riding Hood and starring Madeleine Burman, Anthony O'Callaghan and Craig Malpass. In a disneyesque way I have decided to keep Craig as a constant in my directorial experiments. The Disneyism for me stemming from the identical qualities of Walt's Prince Charming characters in contrast to his differing Princesses. Craig's ability to hold such presence on camera along with his kind patience and support on set are an asset to hold on to with both hands.
As with Cinders, I am taking a very seasonal approach to the look of Red. Where Cinders captured the beauty of summer evenings and most importantly the sea of purple Lavender, Red will focus on autumn colours - vibrant reds and oranges along with dark and haunting forests. Retaining its magic and treats for the eyes, Red will be in some ways much darker than Cinders. This is an aspect I look forward to exploring and telling you more about in October. Enjoy the pictures in the slideshow above and please feel free to leave me comments. It's always fun talking to you, even if the conversation does seem a bit one-sided.
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Wednesday 21 July 2010
A Chance to Breathe!
Well hello. Long time no speak. I'm not really sure where to begin. Time has flown by since my last posting and I have so MUCH to tell you.
The majority of the recent whirlwind of activity is down to a talented director and new found friend, Rachel Tillotson - www.racheltillotson.com. This collaboration was formed through UCF - it just goes to show that is pays to keep in touch with your past! So, what have we been up to? Following an off the cuff one day shoot with beat poet, Kate Tempest which we shot in April with John Minton www.mintonfilm.co.uk, I have since been given the title of assistant producer on Rachel's UK Film Council Digital Short commissioned by South West Screen called 'I'll Tell You'. The film, a coming of age drama featuring Shameless actress Julia Ford and Mistresses Star, Ella Peel, was shot at the beginning of this month with a highly talented and experienced crew. I have also had the pleasure of working with producer, Jayne Chard www.jaynechard.co.uk
Having been on the project for 10 weeks, I have learnt a lot about the dos and don'ts of short filmmaking. Although, still relatively low budget, this is the largest budget short I've had the opportunity to work on to date.
As a BAFTA winning director, Rachel had very specific ideas about the film itself and the people she wanted working around her. This resulted in gathering an experienced group of talent and persuading them that working on a low budget short would be worth their while. Thankfully we did it.
Casting was also problematic. With very particular looks and ages in mind for the lead actors and battling with child performance regulations, this put up several barriers and hurdles. However, this was also overcome and we secured a great cast despite the two female leads being under 16.
One of the biggest hurdles Rachel and I faced was a last minute move from South Devon to Bristol for the shoot. Having spent weeks locating cast, crew and locations in this area, it meant that a lot of hard work was effectively poured down the drain. However, with Jayne at the helm, the move to Bristol was less bumpy than anticipated and provided so many more opportunities in terms of crew and utilising contacts Jayne and I had in the local area.
It feels wrong to summarise such a huge chunk of my year in such few words, however, I'm sure more tales and anecdotes will be released in due course. I would however, like to take this opportunity to thank all that supported me through this challenging project - I had many companions who lent a hand and the occasional shoulder to cry on when it was needed! All in all, emotions aside, I am hugely grateful to have been involved with this project and I look forward to using my new found knowledge and contacts to better future projects of my own.
The majority of the recent whirlwind of activity is down to a talented director and new found friend, Rachel Tillotson - www.racheltillotson.com. This collaboration was formed through UCF - it just goes to show that is pays to keep in touch with your past! So, what have we been up to? Following an off the cuff one day shoot with beat poet, Kate Tempest which we shot in April with John Minton www.mintonfilm.co.uk, I have since been given the title of assistant producer on Rachel's UK Film Council Digital Short commissioned by South West Screen called 'I'll Tell You'. The film, a coming of age drama featuring Shameless actress Julia Ford and Mistresses Star, Ella Peel, was shot at the beginning of this month with a highly talented and experienced crew. I have also had the pleasure of working with producer, Jayne Chard www.jaynechard.co.uk
Having been on the project for 10 weeks, I have learnt a lot about the dos and don'ts of short filmmaking. Although, still relatively low budget, this is the largest budget short I've had the opportunity to work on to date.
As a BAFTA winning director, Rachel had very specific ideas about the film itself and the people she wanted working around her. This resulted in gathering an experienced group of talent and persuading them that working on a low budget short would be worth their while. Thankfully we did it.
Casting was also problematic. With very particular looks and ages in mind for the lead actors and battling with child performance regulations, this put up several barriers and hurdles. However, this was also overcome and we secured a great cast despite the two female leads being under 16.
One of the biggest hurdles Rachel and I faced was a last minute move from South Devon to Bristol for the shoot. Having spent weeks locating cast, crew and locations in this area, it meant that a lot of hard work was effectively poured down the drain. However, with Jayne at the helm, the move to Bristol was less bumpy than anticipated and provided so many more opportunities in terms of crew and utilising contacts Jayne and I had in the local area.
It feels wrong to summarise such a huge chunk of my year in such few words, however, I'm sure more tales and anecdotes will be released in due course. I would however, like to take this opportunity to thank all that supported me through this challenging project - I had many companions who lent a hand and the occasional shoulder to cry on when it was needed! All in all, emotions aside, I am hugely grateful to have been involved with this project and I look forward to using my new found knowledge and contacts to better future projects of my own.
Monday 29 March 2010
Time For A Little Romance
I've decided to start work on my own series of short films with Overlook based on classic fairy tales. They are intended to be less than 3 minutes long - suitable for several short film competitions and have my own 'Joey Beard' stamp on them. For anyone, this ultimately means - they will be fluffy, romantic and have a happy ending. I will be writing, directing and producing these little drops of magic and want them to be snippets of eye candy.
I now have my two leads, Samantha Hunt and Craig Malpass on board. My DOP will be Overlook's Anthony O'Callaghan and I am meeting with a design student, Charlotte Stanton later this week who is keen to design the costumes. I'm also very excited about our potential location and I am hoping to secure said beauty spot later this week. Until then, I must keep schtum.
Just wanted to share my general EXCITEMENT! Levels Meeting tonight so more excitement to follow!
I now have my two leads, Samantha Hunt and Craig Malpass on board. My DOP will be Overlook's Anthony O'Callaghan and I am meeting with a design student, Charlotte Stanton later this week who is keen to design the costumes. I'm also very excited about our potential location and I am hoping to secure said beauty spot later this week. Until then, I must keep schtum.
Just wanted to share my general EXCITEMENT! Levels Meeting tonight so more excitement to follow!
Wednesday 24 March 2010
On The Levels
I really love that feeling when you're driving home at night, feeling lighter than air, the world is a beautiful place and everything is right with the world. Don't you?
Tony, John and I (Overlook's Big 3) went to visit Yoho Media last night to discuss the possibility of using the RED camera for The Levels. The Levels is our most recent venture. Story and script by John Faria, it is a contemporary western set in the rural west country. It is a dark and brooding tale of murder, love and family rivalry. First draft is out of the way, business plan is being drafted and plans for test shoots in the summer are well under way.
We came away from our camera meeting buzzing. Talking about all the practicalities of shooting and the finer details of the RED camera made us realise that this is REALLY happening and people believe in what we are trying to do! The meeting aside, the recent launch of our twitter page www.twitter.com/thelevelsmovie and facebook fan page also seems to have sparked interest in what we're doing. It's like a slowly building line of cheering spectators along a marathon route. Yet, on the way people are offering to help push us or pull us along to ensure we reach the finish line.
Tony, John and I (Overlook's Big 3) went to visit Yoho Media last night to discuss the possibility of using the RED camera for The Levels. The Levels is our most recent venture. Story and script by John Faria, it is a contemporary western set in the rural west country. It is a dark and brooding tale of murder, love and family rivalry. First draft is out of the way, business plan is being drafted and plans for test shoots in the summer are well under way.
We came away from our camera meeting buzzing. Talking about all the practicalities of shooting and the finer details of the RED camera made us realise that this is REALLY happening and people believe in what we are trying to do! The meeting aside, the recent launch of our twitter page www.twitter.com/thelevelsmovie and facebook fan page also seems to have sparked interest in what we're doing. It's like a slowly building line of cheering spectators along a marathon route. Yet, on the way people are offering to help push us or pull us along to ensure we reach the finish line.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Visiting Old Friends
Last week I was invited to return to Cornwall to conduct a presentation for the 2nd year film students at University College Falmouth.
The problem is....I tend to have some difficulty returning to this seaside town. It holds so many memories and is ultimately where I truly became the person I am today. There is a huge part of me that never really left and leaving again is like tearing those two pieces apart once more.
However, homesickness, nostalgia and soul-splitting aside, I found the process of presenting and compiling my work experience over the last 18 months hugely rewarding. Having just gone through this dreaded winter period of 'what am I doing with my life?' and 'Can I really call myself a film producer?' and 'Am I really any good at this?' it grounded me back into reality. I have evidence (albeit in the form of a classroom powerpoint) that my journey so far has not been a waste of time and a path of progression is steadily emerging.
I was inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of the students themselves determined to make it in the film world. I really hope that they follow their dreams through as I've seen so many not even leave the front door to start the journey.
It was wonderful to see my tutors again - always encouraging and heartwarmingly, seemingly proud of my achievements to date. I'm glad I've maintained this relationship with Falmouth. Long may it continue.
The problem is....I tend to have some difficulty returning to this seaside town. It holds so many memories and is ultimately where I truly became the person I am today. There is a huge part of me that never really left and leaving again is like tearing those two pieces apart once more.
However, homesickness, nostalgia and soul-splitting aside, I found the process of presenting and compiling my work experience over the last 18 months hugely rewarding. Having just gone through this dreaded winter period of 'what am I doing with my life?' and 'Can I really call myself a film producer?' and 'Am I really any good at this?' it grounded me back into reality. I have evidence (albeit in the form of a classroom powerpoint) that my journey so far has not been a waste of time and a path of progression is steadily emerging.
I was inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of the students themselves determined to make it in the film world. I really hope that they follow their dreams through as I've seen so many not even leave the front door to start the journey.
It was wonderful to see my tutors again - always encouraging and heartwarmingly, seemingly proud of my achievements to date. I'm glad I've maintained this relationship with Falmouth. Long may it continue.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Two Roads Diverged
These are the first three words to a favourite poem of mine by Robert Frost. If you haven't had the pleasure I urge you to read it.
I have to confess, I'm feeling rather lonely out here in the blogosphere. If you are following me, or have had a read and like what you see - please leave me a comment. Just so I can be sure someone out there is reading my thoughts.
So...it was pointed out to me that I left last week's entry on a bit of a downer. I apologise for leaving you in suspense. After much thought and deliberation I realised that the path I wished to go down was one where I could generate more creative ideas, return to my writing and work solely under the one name - Overlook Films www.overlookfilm.com. I came into contact with Overlook just over a year ago when the director, Anthony O'Callaghan (www.anthonyoc.com) for "Waiting" was in need of a producer. I jumped at the offer of such an opportunity and greatly appreciate being made so welcome to such a wonderful co-operative of filmmakers. It is was through this project that project offers snowballed and I ultimately ended up doing far too much than was really feasible for one little 23 year old. Facing what I had been avoiding for too long, I made a choice - the best one.
I have to confess, I'm feeling rather lonely out here in the blogosphere. If you are following me, or have had a read and like what you see - please leave me a comment. Just so I can be sure someone out there is reading my thoughts.
So...it was pointed out to me that I left last week's entry on a bit of a downer. I apologise for leaving you in suspense. After much thought and deliberation I realised that the path I wished to go down was one where I could generate more creative ideas, return to my writing and work solely under the one name - Overlook Films www.overlookfilm.com. I came into contact with Overlook just over a year ago when the director, Anthony O'Callaghan (www.anthonyoc.com) for "Waiting" was in need of a producer. I jumped at the offer of such an opportunity and greatly appreciate being made so welcome to such a wonderful co-operative of filmmakers. It is was through this project that project offers snowballed and I ultimately ended up doing far too much than was really feasible for one little 23 year old. Facing what I had been avoiding for too long, I made a choice - the best one.
Friday 19 February 2010
Bumps in the Road
January was a particularly S.A.D. month. Have you heard of seasonal affective disorder? It's where we get depressed through lack of sunshine in the short winter days. This combined with cabin fever caused by the relentless snow meant that I had far too much time to dwell on what I was doing with my life.
Unfortunately the real issue that was getting me down was not one but two unsuccessful funding applications. As a producer, which for some people means the 'money-finder', I was starting to feel a bit useless.
Along with the funding problemo, I had also undertaken a rather large task of location managing for Panther Films feature "Jackals" www.jackalsthemovie.com. Initially this seemed like a wise choice. I had originally been appointed as production manager but found that the role was too much given the other projects I had running in parallel with Overlook and Raindrop. I therefore decided to scale the role down. It also gave me the opportunity to improve my location hunting and negotiating skills. After months of trying to secure a particular farm location not just for "Jackals" but also for Raindrops second short "Escape" it seemed that at the end of January I had finally won through. However, this was only the beginning of the battle.
Meanwhile Overlook's projects which I had always intended to keep forefront in my mind were being steadily neglected. Too many hurdles, too much stress and not enough project fulfillment to keep me going. My general feeling was that it was time for a change.
Unfortunately the real issue that was getting me down was not one but two unsuccessful funding applications. As a producer, which for some people means the 'money-finder', I was starting to feel a bit useless.
Along with the funding problemo, I had also undertaken a rather large task of location managing for Panther Films feature "Jackals" www.jackalsthemovie.com. Initially this seemed like a wise choice. I had originally been appointed as production manager but found that the role was too much given the other projects I had running in parallel with Overlook and Raindrop. I therefore decided to scale the role down. It also gave me the opportunity to improve my location hunting and negotiating skills. After months of trying to secure a particular farm location not just for "Jackals" but also for Raindrops second short "Escape" it seemed that at the end of January I had finally won through. However, this was only the beginning of the battle.
Meanwhile Overlook's projects which I had always intended to keep forefront in my mind were being steadily neglected. Too many hurdles, too much stress and not enough project fulfillment to keep me going. My general feeling was that it was time for a change.
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