This an article for Now Then Magazine in Sheffield which was supposed to cover the union of the South Yorkshire Film Makers Network (http://www.syfn.org/) and Shooting People (https://shootingpeople.org/account/auth.php). Both companies are important in the world of independent film and their union was followed with a screening of the work of Tom Harper, two shorts and his first feature length, 'The Scouting Book For Boys', he is currently working with Shane Meadow's on his new project This Is England 86' directing two of the four episodes. There was a Q&A with Thomas Turgoose, the star of This is England and The Scouting Book for Boys. This event was an important display of independent film making and the independent film industry.




Sheffield’s bid to be City of Culture seems to be taking off with the influx of film events occurring in this Steel City of ours. Apparently, it’s no longer Grim Up North. As Ken Loach is looked upon nostalgically, we have a very modern approach emerging, instead of Kestrels we have Chris Morris’s choice to shoot a comedy about suicide bombers, ‘Four Lions’ in Sheffield. Shane Meadows is currently shooting his new project ‘This Is England 86’ round by Meadowhall, with this popularity, it appears we have something to rival the projects down South.

Warp films, a company ran by our own Barnsley Boy Mark Herbert, is the instigator of such creations, producing both. His name and Warp films are synonymous with the independent industry, especially the on goings of the Sheffield scene; Warp have made three Artic Monkeys music videos to date. The prominence of a Sheffield based film company could be what has lead to the South Yorkshire Film Makers Network beginning a partnership with the company Shooting People, a network which has members consisting of over 3500 independent film makers, producers, writers… basically anyone who is anyone in the independent film industry. The collaboration of both companies, to quote the Rob Speranza, a University of Sheffield graduate, and the Head of SYFN, will lead to ‘mutual benefits from being part of either company’ i.e. if you’re a member of one of the two, it means you will get information and connections with the other.

A partnership signifies the notice being paid to Sheffield and it’s importance within the film industry. Britain, famed for it’s realist portrayals of the gritty life, is in danger of becoming a cliché or a stereotypical cinema. Tom Harper, a 30 year old film maker from London has introduced more ‘art cinema’ notions to British film making. He has made his name in the industry by making short films, notably Cherries and Cubs and was nominated for a BAFTA at the age of 26 for the latter. Both films focus on the urban aspects for teenagers, whether or not it is gun crime, gang violence, indoctrination culminating in the strife that’s involved with growing up and being a man. Tom’s first feature length ‘The Scouting Book For Boys’ stars Thomas Turgoose, who came to fame in ‘This Is England’, this film follows the same notions and explores them with stunning shots and lingering camera work. I attended a screening of these shorts and the feature with a Q&A featuring Rob, both Tom’s and James from Shooting People. Events like this keep cropping up at the Showroom and I urge anyone wishing to be involved with the blossoming Sheffield industry to attend such nights, especially if you wish to catch a glimpse of the This Is England cast.. You could just wait around Tesco on Ecclesall road in the next few weeks if you prefer..

If you really want to be a part of this cultural upheaval, you should join either SYFN or Shooting People. Tom Harper, a member of both, is now directing two of the four episodes of This Is England 86’. When asked about why shooting in Sheffield is preferable to London, he jokes ‘In London, someone will steal your kit and try and sell it back to your for 300 quid, In Sheffield, people smile and are more willing to help out.’ It seems that our charm is affecting the rest of Britain. Mark Herbert, notes the importance of shooting somewhere unseen on film, Tom follows this with his excitement in finding new locations and the novelty of the scenery as opposed to gritty blocks of flats.

If Turgoose ‘never wants to move out of Grimsby’, it seems that we have a lot to gain by staying put in Sheffield.

This is a really old article I wrote for Red Shoes Magazine, an independent Sheffield based magazine ran by two students. It wasn't really Sheffield orientated enough for them, so I had to change it, but this is what I originally wrote, needs some tweaking and things, but I think it fitted the time it was written.

This One Is For The People

Whilst Hollywood plans an escape from the recession via a canine route, be it Dogs in Hotels, Rom-coms with the lead played by Labradors or even shooting dogs into space, a group of over 60 screen writers have emerged with a darker and all be it, a more ‘real’ approach. Their creation does not try and rid our tired minds of the credit crunch, it is in fact the focus. Michael’s resignation is an independent creation by an amalgamation of minds who want to show the darker side to our money troubles, they state it is a ‘powerful and savage critique of contemporary British life, as well as a damning social commentary on the emotional effects of recession.’ Even if you can’t bear to hear another word on the credit crunch and haven’t been affected by it (from a student point of view, we’re getting free money and food is cheaper in Tesco’s) the film is so unique, that attention should be paid.

It also explores a much darker side to Britain than the daily mail would ever like to let on, all be it, amplified. The films protagonist does not wear a flea collar, he instead is a Halifax worker who has just lost his job, is losing his wife and all and all having an awful time. His reaction is not to escape, he chooses to fight, and fight with guns. Coined a ‘dark Tarintino- esque thriller’, the film explores a some what exaggerated response to life, due to morbid experiences from fighting the Iraq War mixed with day to day suffering, this should all result in a hell of a lot of death, which in reality, combines the two nicely. The controversy with the different approach bleeds into the production itself, as one of the HSBC bands sent a message to all employees telling them not to be involved with the film in any way.

Not only is the premise controversial, the production, funding and exhibition are also. The film is a collaboration of 60 screen writers all over the world who came together via social networking sites, this modern day approach mirrors the themes in the film, something we are all in common with, then blown up to serve a function. The whole team are unknown in the industry, using unknown actors, unsigned bands and production staff as a new way into the mainstream. The magnitude of defiance of the media industry is epitomized in the funding of the film; the money has been and is being raised by the general public through shares. A piece of the film can be bought securely online through the movie’s website, MichaelsResignation.com. There are 50,000 shares to invest in, priced at £1.00 each, anyone can invest from £5.00. The film makers plan to give back 10-20 times what is invested by the public. In this attempt to quell elitism and the difficulties to break into the industry is a supposed ‘weighty middle finger judgment’, the team wish to ‘encourage, and to create hope.’ The film’s anarchic approach wants to involve everyone in a community formed out of social distaste and sickness of the mundane. As the film is still in its production stages we won’t get to see the result for a while, in spite of this, the film is already opening up the arts to the public. Even those who aren’t particularly inclined towards cinema can get involved. For example, the screening of the film is going to incorporate a battle of the bands.

The film is more of a project or work in progress than typical industry creations, their graft is visible on the website which is updated frequently as well as the face book groups. If it seems to late to get involved with this film, there are other films in the pipeline all revolving around the credit crunch, the next one, a woman is the central protagonist. The films expand and critique on problems of the general public for entertainment as well as informing. The message of the film is not a happy one but it explores issues which the mainstream ignore in their attempt to sedate with pets and computer generated images

Michael’s Resignation comments on timeless issues prominent in society like divorce, affairs, love and isolation, so there is a lot to draw from and to relate to real life; it appears very much as a film made by ‘the people’ about ‘the people’ and ultimately for ‘the people.’ It also tackles issues that are very much of today, as the protagonist is from the Iraq war, it puts a face to the statistics we hear or see, he is not a glamorised hero like often the army are in the media, he is flawed like the rest of us and trying to hide this, is ultimately his downfall. Not to get too bogged down with the message of the film, my analysis is heading towards the depressing so I will leave it at this; the film is the most unique creation to be seen for a long time, it is forging its own space within the independent circuit and making it more approachable as it ignites hope for the rest of us. Even if you don’t share the penchant for the violent it is worth getting involved if you’ve felt let down with this credit crunch, by Hollywood’s regurgitation of happier times or simply you don’t want to see any other bloody dog on screen, whether they’re a superhero or not. Michael is an anti-hero, someone more like us, a warning though, as everything in the film is a comment on the modern day, distorting but also reflecting real life, don’t go looking for a happy ending.

The Sanctuary

This is an article entitled 'Why I love', kindly given to me by Jonno who is the editor for The Sanctuary Newspaper

I really have a love for the gorey horror films and a bit of a problem with Jeff Goldblum so here is my attempt at encapsulating this.

Why I Love...

David Cronenberg

Gore, sex, comedy - these three criteria tend to be what dictates my enjoyment of the cinema experience. One could say these focal points inhibit any ability to find depth or inspire lengthy discussions on skill and how the film ‘really gets me’; but, in fact horror, sex and laughter tends to be what people like ‘us’ revel in and discuss in day to day life, in my opinion Cronenberg’s work really does ‘get’ the audience. His work stems from the early 80’s obsession with the body (all that lyrcra..) a prominent topic in today’s society, a glance at the cover of Heat magazine is to pick up at least 12 things that are wrong with you. Cronenberg can merge the psychological trauma of humanity with the physical and often traumatic development of a body; he literally turns the inside out. His ability to play on the social consciousness and heighten awareness of our downfalls without a didactic conclusion is something few have managed. The term internal apocalypse is thrown around in critical discussion of his backlog of films, I believe most people have experienced this flailing, crying desperation and Cronenberg’s motifs and topics of discussion are applicable to those who have ever felt a bit lost whilst entering the rabbit hole.

Cronenberg has now delved into the world of serious Hollywood with works such as A History of Violence or Eastern Promises, but my passions will always lie with the low budget, enthralling experiments such as Shivers, Videodrome or the masterpiece that is The Fly. Passion here is operative word, Cronenberg is someone engrossed with every aspect of his films, to the point of making cameo appearances in his own works and various others, writing, directing, cinematographing, the man has done it all. The Fly is a flawless example of science fiction, harkening back to the old 1950’s B Movies, he loves his clichés of mad doctors, pretty girls running around, huge monsters and the element of nostalgia highlights Cronenberg’s fervour, his love for cinema is engrained in every shot, every drip of blood and every shred of dialogue. Not only are the films entertaining, but they have something to say, a commentary on how wrong our world can go and how distorted, perverted or lost humanity can become.

To watch Cronenberg’s films is to become submerged in the most bizarre things you could ever want (or, more likely never want) to see on film. The cinema is his playground, workplace and his experimental lab. I urge you cinephiles to look back and embrace the surreal and wonderful world of Cronenberg

This is an article for Blues In Britain Magazine covering the musician Eric Bibb.

http://www.ericbibb.com/bibb.php





This was a gig that i got free tickets too and I think my excitement about being taken seriously kind of bled into my writing. Little bit too happy?


Blues In Britain

Eric Bibb, Sheffield City Hall, 17/05/10


Eric Bibb played in Sheffield City Halls’ Memorial Hall, the intimate venue and Art Deco style décor allowed for an incredibly personal introduction to Bibb’s stage presence and a fitting backdrop to his own love of nostalgia. He noted the importance of his fans, stating how ‘it’s good to see you all again’ and it was reciprocated by the beginning of ‘Shingle by Shingle,’ a song that got the crowd clapping before he even started. There was an unbelievable amount of warmth expelled from all I can really describe as his soul. What struck me was that, with the combination of gospel, soul and folk, there is still a sentimentality for the old, Bibb is genuinely is a part of the Blues. Bookers Guitar, Bibb’s new album, entitled this, due to his passion for B B King and his cousin Booker White. The excitement with which Bibb described playing Bookers guitar, ignited a sense of passion and love that translated into his more upbeat songs such as ‘New Home’ which got the crowd swaying, clapping and stomping. I attribute the enjoyment of the audience to the addition of Grant Mc Dermody on harmonica, the two men were in incredible synchronicity and there was a deep connection between them when discussing their friend John who had passed away. The bond became apparent during their rendition of ‘Connected,’ after which Grant exclaimed ‘I thought we only got audiences like this in Alaska’. There was another bond shown to exist between Britain and America which became apparent when Bibb sang a song ‘from this side of the pond’ called ‘Wayfaring stranger.’ Points such as these when Bibb passionately expressed his roots were a touching and moving experience and the combination of the old and new completely took hold when he sang ‘Tell Riley’, a song about B B King which encapsulated old Blues and a modern sentiment, which made the every filled seat clap in unison. Bibb captivated the crowd with his old sentimentalities and the interjection of his unique voice and style, that he argued is much the same as the guitars, ‘who need to have there voices heard.’


Cool really is the only word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0szwmdAfeNw

First Post

I'm Emilie and am currently trying to get as much writing work as possible, I'm going to upload articles as an attempt to show off any skills I may have, hopefully get some feedback and use this as a sort of showcase..

That is all, please comment back.