Saturday 9 November 2013

SDB: Film Festival Field Trip


On friday the 8th november, the media students went to a film festival in York. The AS students got a chance to go listen to one of Warp production's team, Barry Ryan. He gave us an insight of what life is like working for a big film company, how he got into it, their short films etc.
We learnt a few facts on Warp Film, such as;
They have made 18 films, 7 ITV series, won 7 BAFTAS, and hold 1 world record. 
Barry also informed us about Warp X digital, which is what was used to create the film Tryannosaur. It cost £1m and under to make, using digital technology. Warp Films are also in relations with people such as Jessie Armstrong (creator of Tracy Beaker) who also wrote one of Warp Film's biggest films, Four Lions.
Barry Ryan showed us many clips on some short films, and tv series that Warp Films have done, such as Channel 4's Southcliffe. Barry also gave us useful information on the neccessary steps needed, and roles involved when creating short films. 
He said there are a few things we need to think about, for example;

  • The reason behind why we are making a short film
  • Is it a showreel?
  • Are we making it just for practice on film-making?
  • Is it perhaps a story that has to be told?
  • Whether it is just for fun or an experiment
  • Are we making a short film just to hang out with friends, for a social aspect?
He also informed us of the many different roles and factors that need to be allocated/ sorted out when making a film, such as; 

  • Budget
  • Time schedule
  • Negotiating deals/contracts
  • Allocating a project manager
  • Technical manager
  • Human resources
  • Health and safety
  • Legals for closing film and TV/tax credits
  • Cashflow money (if you can only get £200 out a day from your bank)
He emphasised how short films are difficult to generate money from, which I never knew. The same amount of hard work and filming goes into short films as they do into big studio films, however the purpose is not to make a profit like long films would.
In order to make a short film you need at least;
30 days preperatino, 30 days to shoot footage, 10 hours of filming per day.
Barry said if a film was to make £1m at the box office, that exhibitors take 50% of what is made, distributors take their P&A back, and the producers get 50% back.

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