View Entry
Company: Shameless Films
Project: Shameless Films
Dates: Jul 2007 to Dec 2008
How did the project start?
We began as friends mucking about with a video camera, making zero-budget films for fun.
What options did you consider?
To keep doing it as a hobby until it got boring.
What help and expertise did you receive?
Early recognition from the BBC New Talent scheme in 2004 - our film "The Curse of Jeff" was shortlisted for the New Filmmaker Award. This led to a commission to write and direct a three minute short for BBC3, in conjunction with an independent production company. In 2007 we began to get funding from Northern Film and Media, and this year we have been placed with Vita Nova in Newcastle to produce a five minute short film, as part of NFM's Digital Shorts scheme, which provides a budget and on-the-job training.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
Making films is a continuous learning experience. Marketing them, and our talent, has proved even more challenging but we are making excellent headway, with our films and virals being broadcast by the BBC, ITV, Dave, on the BBC and Channel 4's websites, on MTV and at film festivals worldwide. The primary lesson would be one of persistence. If you believe your work to be worthwhile, and if the work itself lives up to your expectations, then budgetary constraints and an initial lack of connections within the industry needn't hold you back.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
By persevering, and by making our own films, and ensuring they are available on the internet, we have been approached by numerous media companies, wanting us to provide them with content. We have taken what we have learned into the community, running drama and filmmaking workshops for various local arts organisations, youth groups and charities.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue filmmaking in the region. To continue to encourage others in the region to do the same.
Readers Comments