To be honest, I was worries about how Paul would react to my presentation. I'm aware how ludicrous a plan it might seem to someone. But ultimately, there's no real plan B for me. This is what I've always wanted to do and if I backed out now then I would never forgive myself. If I did something safer and more reliable, sure I might learn to be happy, but I would be haunted to the day I die by the question, "What if?"
However, Paul reacted better than I expected to it. He may not have been entirely in agreement with my plan, but he was at least understanding of it and he made some very valid points which I can now go away and think about.
Making a low budget film relies on favours. Your friends and family doing you countless favours. It could be a nightmare. He suggested that self-financing a feature film should be a last resort after all other funding options have been exhausted. Radio Underground is low budget enough that I think I could fund it myself if I saved up, but it would always be better with more budget, so I do think Paul is right. I love the idea of funding it myself so it truly is an independent film in every sense, but this perhaps isn't the most practical idea and so shouldn't be Plan A. I'll look into funding opportunities much more.
I told Paul I wanted to get a job outside of film to support myself as I make films on the side. He seemed to think this was a bad idea. Or at least he seemed to think it was worth trying to get a job in the industry. He said that it's not going to help me direct, but if I go for roles with less responsibility, like being a runner, then it'll help me to make contacts like finding a producer and so on. Networking is key. Paul suggested that it's better to be a cog in the business; doing labs, networking, gaining on-set experience. Doing stuff that doesn't over commit you means you can still make your passion projects on the side. But you are still as fully immersed in the business as possible, making contacts and so on.
He told me not to discount things like Screen Scotland either and there are talent labs which are worth looking into too.
The more you show that you've done, the more likely you are to get funded, the more labs you'll get accepted into and the more mentoring opportunities you'll have.
Arthur, who was also at my presentation, talked to Paul about the idea of directing plays, and I reckon this is something I would enjoy doing too. Worth thinking about maybe doing a fringe show.
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