Frequently asked questions



Lots of people have been asking me questions about my films so I thought I would create this FAQ page for all to see!



Q - I noticed in your interactive film Katrina that you filmed on the London Underground, did you have to get a permit for that?

A - Yes I did, As I was a student I got a special student permit which cost me £30. More information can be obtained about filming on public transport at the tfl website below:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/corporate/media/lufilmoffice/


Q - What about the gun you used in public? how did you manage that?

A - In order to use fake weaponry in public I had to contact my local police department who after explaining the situation transferred me to a department that creates CADS. This CAD is a basically a notification to the police of the filming going on that day and has all the details of exactly where and when you will be filming. This is so if some neighbour happens to report to the police that there is a mad man running around with a gun the police will know that this is a filming event as the CAD will flag up and match the callers location and time with the CAD set up.
It may sound hard work but if you got all the details and you sound responsible and take into consideration your neighbourhood then it's suprisingly easy.
However for good measure I also wrote a letter to my neighbours and placed it in their letter box informing them of my filming that day and not to be alarmed.


Q - What kind of Budget were you working on for both of your films so far?

A - Blacklist was made with an absolute zero budget. All the actors and actresses were friends and family who were all supportive and were brilliant in helping me with my project. In addition I owned all of the props already including the glass table and chess board. The camera was borrowed from the university library at no expense.

However for Katrina I spent a little bit more but still worked with a very tight budget as these films were paid out of my own pocket. I probably spent around £60 - £70 making Katrina and this money was mostly used to pay the travel expenses for my cast and crew. The camera again was borrowed for free from my university and most of the props were again already in my possession.


Q - How long did it take to film Katrina and Blacklist?

A - Blacklist was filmed in 3 nights one weekend. Katrina was filmed in about 9 days. Most of these days were half days so that preparations could me made for the following day of filming.


Q - How did you get professional actors and actresses in Katrina?

A - I used a website called casting call pro to make an advert about the film I was making. As this was my first time I wasn't sure what to expect or even if anyone would be interested but I recieved over 150 responses within 48 hours! All of the actors and actresses were brilliant, friendly and a great pleasure to work with!

http://www.uk.castingcallpro.com/


Q - Are the actors/actresses in your film Katrina famous as I think I saw one of them on TV recently?

A - All the Actors and Actresses involved in Katrina were professionals and were amazing to work with. Some have already had a well established career in the business for a long time and others are up and coming stars of the future. All of them have been involved in various projects from theatre productions, TV programs, music videos and feature films.

They were all a superbly talented group of people and if you have seen them around then I can't say I'm surprised.



Has your question been answered? If not then fell free to contact me with your question and I will happily answer!