tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377293444661015262024-03-19T23:28:29.490-07:00Michael Beddoes Film and Television ProducerProducer currently on the international festival circuit with short films.
Working towards developing content for television and feature films.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-2569639204460510462012-03-27T01:28:00.002-07:002012-03-30T09:35:58.576-07:00Lecture- MA Producing at Royal HollowayAt the end of last month I was invited back to deliver a talk on short film making with the Masters students studying producing at Royal Holloway, University of London.<br /><br />During the talk I got to screen our three complete shorts for the students to see what they thought.<br /><br />This years group of students seem a driven and enthusiastic bunch of guys, all seemingly working hard on their own projects, some of which sound brilliant. Genuinely excited to see what they do next.<br /><br />It felt kind of strange to be sat in the very room at Bedford Square, where for a year I sat, listening to the guests who would come in to chat to us. To suddenly become one of those people was something that I couldn't really comprehend.<br /><br />I would like to thank Ceci Dempsey who is not only a brilliant head of course but also a fantastic person.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-23845589678366552582012-03-06T13:57:00.005-08:002012-03-06T14:35:26.596-08:00'Meeting Daddy' in the Official Selection at the 36th Atlanta Film Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2ZS_mXF8k6lLf_fhXuFVj39tnqsbxy9cdj_tLxFf02o0EDa9u4zujnrrNdywhQlmDknuwM3wajnrbnPZIwJ-31QdhDOEl56liSOXZHYWQyAv8W8_u9yQvyIVghjoL-XxsxYfd0hNJx0/s1600/aff-festival_laurels_2012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2ZS_mXF8k6lLf_fhXuFVj39tnqsbxy9cdj_tLxFf02o0EDa9u4zujnrrNdywhQlmDknuwM3wajnrbnPZIwJ-31QdhDOEl56liSOXZHYWQyAv8W8_u9yQvyIVghjoL-XxsxYfd0hNJx0/s320/aff-festival_laurels_2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716907803249138082" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Last week we received the fantastic news that our project 'Meeting Daddy' has been selected for the 36th Atlanta Film Festival. It is brilliant news to be picked for any festival, but it's an even more incredible feeling to make it into one from the Academy Awards list.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm most happy for the cast and crew, as a festival appearance rewards all of their hard work and allows other people to view it on the big screen. Making a film is always a nerve racking experience, so for the director Rebecca Rycroft, I was so thrilled for her for the achievement of her first short behind the camera.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have been confirmed to play in the BBC America Narrative Shorts block, which means we screen alongside five other excellent UK shorts. Proving that filmmaking is an extremely small world, 'Tooty's Wedding' is also playing in the same programme and is co-written, produced and starring the lead actor in 'Meeting Daddy', Ben Willbond. It must be an amazing feeling for an actor to feature as the lead role in an festival selected film, but to be in two in the same selection at the same festival must be even more so.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, I need to mention Clementine Starling, who was sensational playing Ben's daughter, character title "Girl". She brings the likability and vulnerability to a character that so easily could have come across selfish in the wrong hands. </div><div><br /></div><div>The whole crew on this shoot were a blessing, coming in and working insanely hard with very little budget available and very little time, to make a short we are all proud of.</div>Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-61648845668278804342012-02-14T05:53:00.002-08:002012-02-22T14:31:38.750-08:00'Womble' Screening<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u1WbYwXXYedP8Z1LoQG4rTDaKy0SgdztAQw0zZgs8aIodkw9deomYSosVhGX8I0BhtgjfbEapaWFugu6la6V1SG1dKVRCI2ZPzX-tO3i3V0N7NwpXg_lLMyY93wLlr1-_ndLexvUong/s1600/roxy_interior.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u1WbYwXXYedP8Z1LoQG4rTDaKy0SgdztAQw0zZgs8aIodkw9deomYSosVhGX8I0BhtgjfbEapaWFugu6la6V1SG1dKVRCI2ZPzX-tO3i3V0N7NwpXg_lLMyY93wLlr1-_ndLexvUong/s320/roxy_interior.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712091080169165330" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>On Saturday 4th February we finally got a chance to show our new short comedy 'Womble' to cast, crew and friends.<br /><br />The event was held at The Roxy Bar and Screen in Borough and an unexpectedly huge turn out of over 80 people braved the cold to come and see the movie.<br /><br />Director Robert Pirouet, Exec Producer Edel Kavanagh and myself showed up an hour early to make sure the film would play without a hitch. But alas,, even five full run throughs did not guarantee a smooth running of the screening, with the film grinding to a halt not once but two times. Luckily everyone was in good humour and on a third attempt it played.<br />Always heartening to hear people laughing along to a film you have made, often in places you expect and sometimes in places you had never picked up on.<br /><br />It was fantastic to see everyone who came. I suppose the one downside to these events (if it can be called a downside) is that there are so many people there that it means you don't get to chat to anyone fully. It was gutting for example not to be able to have a proper catch up with our lead cast Will Smith and Ben Willbond to hear how everything was going with them (this is something I will right soon enough, as suggested lunch to have a chat and say thank you to them for their hard work and performances).<br /><br />I would like to once more thank absolutely everyone who came to see our little comedy and gave us heart warming feedback.<br /><br />Next challenge is a festival and promotion meeting with Rob and fellow producer Emily Smith on Saturday 18th to discuss approved stills, press packs and extended submission plan.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-30927058621004895592012-02-10T13:27:00.001-08:002012-02-10T14:03:06.382-08:00Lecture - University of Lincoln - 3rd Year Media Production<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZtcsJjMwN8W1lqVg0yNtisKdobrlUvLK5NipQYAOVX8XCZ8yDArslnKJIDXTlPkIAmFAgRVSNfijAY28ygHtzb69UXVxrwJg2vKkYPozUzHgvnZ3VnpdY_jc37N74ZNKrNf020cNC7w/s1600/university_of_lincoln.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZtcsJjMwN8W1lqVg0yNtisKdobrlUvLK5NipQYAOVX8XCZ8yDArslnKJIDXTlPkIAmFAgRVSNfijAY28ygHtzb69UXVxrwJg2vKkYPozUzHgvnZ3VnpdY_jc37N74ZNKrNf020cNC7w/s320/university_of_lincoln.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707621974189304498" /></a><br /><br />In January I was asked if I would like to return to the university at which I studied my undergraduate degre<br />e, to deliver a two part lecture to the third year Media Production students. The first hour was to be on the subject on forming and running a company in the media, and the second part on making films and how this links into our overall business plan.<div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The sight of the cathedral was always a welcoming site when returning to Lincoln as a student, and this has not changed. Viewing it, all lit up from the train through the freezing rain still instantly put me at ease.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Waking up the next morning, a cold that had been slowly trying to take hold for the previous few days finally broke through, stealing my voice and giving me a running nose. With the prospect of talking to a full lecture theatre, the nerves started to kick in the for the first time, as I contemplated that my ability to talk could disappear completely over the course of the two hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meeting Head of Media Production, Issie Sleight, in the Atrium building, my nerves started to settle. She was very laid back and briefed me that I should try to show that our company works with people across all disciplines taught on the course such as photographers, sound designers and web skills.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtERn4MfRiBjIEtQfDo1uGs1jRLqfZP8mHuWkK261DkXNb5lNlqN7kx3mSqSMnQZgX2ShqWuYxpHn5gCL8KatWjtR1UwkZnPQzbbo57SLkaFuuBn4SvSFSfUe_OTymkhtYW7os8bfbtRQ/s320/lincoln1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707630672959494066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I was seriously impressed with the level and enthusiasm of the questions posed by the students afterwards. Even when the lights went up, a large number of students came forward to ask about subjects ranging from how to produce a project from nothing through to market research before starting a business. We decided to take this discussion to The Shed (a bar near the lecture theatres) to continue with answering all I could.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div></div><div>The next day, I was greeted by a number of very complimentary e-mails and tweets about the lecture, which considering the cold, I was over the moon to hear. The students seriously impressed me with their level of knowledge and passion for their subjects. I hope to be able to return again one day to do another lecture.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has now been confirmed that I will get to deliver a lecture on making short films to the MA Producing Film and TV course at Royal Holloway, University of London on 24th February this year.</div></div>Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-11039926667834213482012-02-09T14:46:00.001-08:002012-02-09T14:55:34.705-08:00'Lolotte'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzSKn1zubOSVQ1Gv6gMDonw9X6FCxGiL-GioaVnIWEUzNIXsqVxod3BJ0zWwUwyPv3vSkHvnV6-s_GMhM0ksWpCsLcibScPi2DGUX53JTClIB71Oics6-Hwmrdj7mK1X7ejwi9yhRVY0/s1600/IMG_2910.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzSKn1zubOSVQ1Gv6gMDonw9X6FCxGiL-GioaVnIWEUzNIXsqVxod3BJ0zWwUwyPv3vSkHvnV6-s_GMhM0ksWpCsLcibScPi2DGUX53JTClIB71Oics6-Hwmrdj7mK1X7ejwi9yhRVY0/s320/IMG_2910.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707271763003921954" /></a><br /><br />At present we are in post production on a short film called 'Lolotte'. This is a French language drama, shot on location in Brittany. It is our second co-production with Buffalo Picture House from New York, after we worked together on 'The Third One This Week' back in 2010. We love working with these guys, as they have a fantastically talented core production team.<br />The crew came from the UK, New York, Paris and Brittany for the project, which was a new experience, but also a fantastic one that I would repeat again.<br /><br />There will be more updates on 'Lolotte' coming soon, as a very rough first assembly is expected before the end of February.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-28234591091978496112011-11-07T04:22:00.001-08:002012-02-09T14:46:03.200-08:00Short Film: Womble<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMnSfUWzCqM9HYBKPIDQzHyTlDOadVcEc_B8OmCaL1CNCuytMQWf3k_RJt3hPd04DbnzoDD2FOviuatIXehIGCd8ahWKYazlrtgK3EHt8TWyHk3g3Bl8JbZ6fNCYMFSpsi-L7hODX_ZM/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMnSfUWzCqM9HYBKPIDQzHyTlDOadVcEc_B8OmCaL1CNCuytMQWf3k_RJt3hPd04DbnzoDD2FOviuatIXehIGCd8ahWKYazlrtgK3EHt8TWyHk3g3Bl8JbZ6fNCYMFSpsi-L7hODX_ZM/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707270721686584610" /></a><br /><br /><br />We are currently deep in post production on our short comedy 'Womble'.<br /><br />A tale of old boys with old grudges, this project was written by Robert Pirouet and John Henry Falle, who are currently working on a TV sitcom for our company.<br /><br />It is expected to wrap in December before being screened for cast and crew in January. We will also be sending work in progress copies of the film to South by South West (SXSW) and TriBeCa ahead of their late deadlines.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-54384227137899374832011-10-26T03:09:00.001-07:002011-10-26T03:16:42.963-07:00Making shorts to make a careerAs I write this, we are currently well into pre-production on our next short film 'Lolotte'. <br />
<br />
Here is a brief history of how our short film making got us here:<br />
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In 2010 we worked in conjunction with New York based production company Buffalo Picture House to make a microbudge short called 'The Third One This Week'. It was written and directed by Felix Thompson and It was shot and edited for under £1000 and went on to make the Official Selections for SXSW and Hamptons International Film Festival, as well as taking the third jury prize at the Cergy Pontoise International Student Film Festival.<br />
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Next up we produced comedy/ drama 'Meeting Daddy' written and directed by Rebecca Rycroft. This is currently being mailed out to festival programmers for next years circuit.<br />
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Currently we are in post production on comedy 'Womble' which was written by John Henry Falle and Robert Pirouet, as well as being directed by Robert. We expect to be complete before Christmas.<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVhfving-rS6gA_LxuaUFZXjSVT8oFfiFag5TeBq9ff20QKZNGDo6pjaDUOBj460BAUXZItdGOeWv-rNlV9ncUx4IcZ-f9wgtXjsW7PCqOKp_CJp6VVO8Lai5F5GlGQfUabgq3q5J5-o/s640/blogger-image-2132996833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVhfving-rS6gA_LxuaUFZXjSVT8oFfiFag5TeBq9ff20QKZNGDo6pjaDUOBj460BAUXZItdGOeWv-rNlV9ncUx4IcZ-f9wgtXjsW7PCqOKp_CJp6VVO8Lai5F5GlGQfUabgq3q5J5-o/s640/blogger-image-2132996833.jpg" /></a></div>Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-43049865998312337702011-09-28T09:08:00.000-07:002011-09-28T09:12:53.336-07:00It's been a while...It has been a very long time since my last blog post!<br /><br />Many things have happened in the subsequent two years, such as completing a masters at Royal Holloway, forming a production company, making three short films and attending many festivals.<br /><br />I have decided to restart my blog, as it is a chance to share my development from movie/ TV obsessed geek to producer. Also, I'm pretty sure I will be sharing my thoughts on a few industry discussions along the way.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-80883518913343571872009-08-05T06:59:00.000-07:002009-08-05T07:15:02.449-07:00Relocated...and the story so far<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-69Yc9LlOKrcMWdUzMHW_oV9x1joI9bHZwEVkqj1RqeB6Hxr6V2qFOoEtXvm7PpETOvO0PWCE3pMQGUfOIBVRQj-cOfOwggc9N-vKN2L0XTlvXdgVwGJZtv9KufQ_lyQPjVT5HHEqwk/s1600-h/london.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-69Yc9LlOKrcMWdUzMHW_oV9x1joI9bHZwEVkqj1RqeB6Hxr6V2qFOoEtXvm7PpETOvO0PWCE3pMQGUfOIBVRQj-cOfOwggc9N-vKN2L0XTlvXdgVwGJZtv9KufQ_lyQPjVT5HHEqwk/s320/london.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366479151010277570" /></a><br /><br />After finishing a job working for the Students' Union in Lincoln I decided to get back on the long and difficult road to working in film and television. After examining options, I decided to do a Masters in producing. This resulted in a 12 month move back to rural Worcestershire to live with the parents for a year in an attempt to save some money.<br /><br />Things came together relatively quickly, I snapped up a job in PR and started to save the money to cover postgrad fees. But after a couple of months things did not seem so great. The job turned into the worst kind of corporate hell, so bad that even Ricky Gervais could not have realised it when poking fun at the suited classes in <em>The Office</em>. I eventually felt driven to leave.<br /><br />There was also the loneliness. My girlfriend has moved to London to work, which meant limited time to see each other. I also went through the realisation that everyone that I have known throughout school or before had moved on to pastures new.<br /><br />But, after a year of plugging away, the date finally arrived. I put all my things into boxes, loaded the car and headed down to a flat in Stratford, East London. Over the last two weeks I have felt more determined to do things than I have the rest of the year. Scripts are getting written, work and placements are being chased and networking events are being attended. <br /><br />Tonight is a screening event with a collaborative film company called OTT Films. I will blog about it more when I have had chance to meet the people involved.<br /><br />So heres to a new flat, fresh start and new found enthusiasm for everything.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-35034624949264314482009-07-09T10:06:00.000-07:002009-07-09T10:26:54.317-07:00Studying at Royal Holloway, University of London from September<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaw5OQ4vsF7IRJPWz2Q_mbcePazWLVzpL6OTz9OWK1UMp9tpnPnO72Lj6_I9TZkdz_JM-qZsLA7KXamr1vJZNGIerKq4X-jz6_9oFnTNrPY7aZ8ygtqtdwk2dOTCRE-h3vdA9FOww9n8/s1600-h/Royal_Holloway,_Uni_of_London-logo.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaw5OQ4vsF7IRJPWz2Q_mbcePazWLVzpL6OTz9OWK1UMp9tpnPnO72Lj6_I9TZkdz_JM-qZsLA7KXamr1vJZNGIerKq4X-jz6_9oFnTNrPY7aZ8ygtqtdwk2dOTCRE-h3vdA9FOww9n8/s320/Royal_Holloway,_Uni_of_London-logo.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356508925628533058" /></a><br /><br />Last week I attended an interview at the National Film and Television School for a place on a Masters studying Producing. It had always been the plan to apply for two fantastic courses and if both were offered, to make a decision based on career prospects, student experience and financial implications. <br /><br />It was also likely a possibility that one or niether of the courses would offer me a place. A couple of months go, Royal Holloway offered me a place and last week I received a letter from NFTS inviting me to an interview.<br /><br />The interview was with a panel, made up of 3 people, including the Head of the course, an experienced producer and the current Head of Film London. I felt it went OK, a little nervouse to start perhaps but it soon relaxed and a good conversation was had. In all honesty, when you walk into an interview situation, it seems to go well during but little can be remembered specifically from the time spent in the room.<br /><br /><br />Yesterday I received my answer and it is a no. Well, more accurately, it is a no to a place in the final 16, but a yes to be a reserve incase one of those people drops out.<br /><br />Of course, being told no for anything is disappointing, but in a large way, I am also happy. It has made removed the difficult decision about where to go extremely easy, it has meant that I can plan to start September (NFTS runs academic years Jan to Dec) and it also means I can budget for costs incurred by attending Royal Holloway.<br /><br />When I visited the campus back in November last year, I was impressed with its location to Soho, its syllabus for teaching and the Head of Course who took the time to speak to me.<br /><br />So the plans can begin, starting with a move to East London on the 24th July.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-25601303791564470812009-06-22T05:51:00.000-07:002009-06-22T06:01:22.023-07:00UPDATE: NFTSOn Friday I was sent a letter in an enevelope marked with the stamp of the National Film and Television School. I instantly thought it was a letter informing me that my application had been unsuccessful.<br /><br />To my surprise, the letter was offering me an interview for a place on the Producing Masters.<br /><br />The demand is so great for the courses run at NFTS, that this first interview is conducted with a panel of people from the school. After this, 16 successful candidates will be invited to come to the school for a week, to work on a series of challenges. From this week, the final eight will be selected. It all sounds like something from a reality show like The Apprentice, but the process is genuinely exciting.<br /><br />On the 3rd July 11am, I will enter a room and walk into the unknown. I don't know who the panel is or what I will be asked, but this seems to add to the excitment. I just need to be prepared to answer any questions on television and film with relation to the career and achievements I want.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-3449417294204796642009-06-19T04:23:00.000-07:002009-06-19T04:43:21.834-07:00The Hangover that feels good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMtkAGzDSR0dXzVHtscTm4K9X-7Ao1yv9BGyIMZKUn_EEJoyuTpml8cZeIqSLXzhDQ0VJWt7rc4V2CmqUR_gbS_UQQdzW4FCbXyDbh98AMRe17O7Zg3KuGz2zPeZkTKR6ZdRNP1RdzlY/s1600-h/hangover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMtkAGzDSR0dXzVHtscTm4K9X-7Ao1yv9BGyIMZKUn_EEJoyuTpml8cZeIqSLXzhDQ0VJWt7rc4V2CmqUR_gbS_UQQdzW4FCbXyDbh98AMRe17O7Zg3KuGz2zPeZkTKR6ZdRNP1RdzlY/s320/hangover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348998244911151282" /></a><br /><br />For someone who wants to work in film, my cinema attendance has been at an all time low of late. This Wednesday I set about changing this with a trip to see comedy The Hangover.<br /><br />Firstly, this would not have been my first choice film as I have not yet seen Star Trek or Terminator: Salvation, but the person I was going with had already seen these.<br /><br />With Todd Phillips at the helm, who was the director on 2003's Old School, I thought I knew what to expect. Old School was a fairly standard frat boy comedy vehicle for Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn. It had some funny moments but it was nothing out of the ordinary. With The Hangover being set against the backdrop of a stag weekend, or batchelor party as our trans-Atlantic friends would call it, I was expecting much of the same from Phillips.<br /><br />And twenty minutes in, true to form, it was panning out that way. But, once into the film, things became interesting. The morning after the night before arrives, with the groom missing, one of the party missing a tooth, a tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the wardrobe and the father of the bride's prize Mercedes missing (replaced by a stolen Vegas police car). The first device that sets this film apart is the fact that we as an audience are kept in the dark about what happened along with the guys, we are not offered clues or flashbacks, so we discover as they do.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, this still has gross out moments but its the banter between the group that draws the biggest laughs. Thw writers have got the characterisation of a group of guys on a 'wild' weekend just perfect.<br /><br />The Hangover is the best comedy that I have seen in a while, and has set the standard for laughs so far this year.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-15413015924438643672009-06-01T12:56:00.000-07:002009-06-01T13:05:19.617-07:00First rule of trying to break into film or TV.......The first rule of trying to break into the industry is learning how to accept "the letter". I refer to the letter or e-mail that will arrive numerous times that looks a little like this:<br /><br /><strong>Dear [your name]<br /><br />We are sorry that [insert the job they cannot offer you, their reason and usually a line like "the standard of candidates was very high" or "we received a great number of applications"].<br /><br />Yours Sincerely<br /><br />[Insert name of employer]</strong><br /><br />This letter will become what feels like a daily occurance. The only way to take it is with a smile, good grace and a response to thank them for considering you. I do this as a rule, and today I have received an e-mail back stating that they will be keeping me on file for future projects.<br /><br />The general rule of the industry is to be polite to everyone, as you never know who the next "big thing" will be and who will be recruiting for a project in the near future.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-73361342951959501692009-05-27T07:48:00.000-07:002009-05-27T08:29:23.342-07:00My first 3D movie experience<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif08iILW28JC7QNcFBD1P5GUensRP9revsB6Qyha8SCYOLESAKFGbVXqnOWWMd-6IyfuAowySOOfPQ0oNcf2grGBSEnAT7REUFArzuAx5VjfNm-kbPJRGN5RVS_zz4Rc1ZQ9CgXT_8UaM/s1600-h/Coraline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif08iILW28JC7QNcFBD1P5GUensRP9revsB6Qyha8SCYOLESAKFGbVXqnOWWMd-6IyfuAowySOOfPQ0oNcf2grGBSEnAT7REUFArzuAx5VjfNm-kbPJRGN5RVS_zz4Rc1ZQ9CgXT_8UaM/s320/Coraline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340516044013565010" /></a><br /><br />3D Film is the future. That seems to the message coming from every piece of movie press and every film magazine. Now this opinion facinates me as someone who wants to work in the motion picture industry, as it could either be the biggest technical revolution since colour, or it could be all hype and end up as the visual version of the Minidisc format.<br /><br />Last weekend I decided to pay the extra to see the animated film <em>Coraline</em> (above) in 3D. The first thing that is different about the whole experience, is that it is between £3 and £4 more to see a film in the new format! The next notable change, is when you are handed your brand new 3D glasses in a sealed bag. Gone are the days of cardboard frames with one red lense and one green lense, these are sturdy, black plastic frames that look a little like extra wide Rayban Wayfarers.<br /><br />The film itself never really fully flexed its third dimensional muscles, with the only really amazing moments when birds or flying objects appeared to jump off the screen. The reason I know that there is more to come, is that it was shown by the trailer before the film, which was for the Jonas Brother's live movie. One particular wow moment came when ripped up paper appears to be thrown at the camera and float gradually towards the viewer.<br /><br />Many of the summer blockbusters are not going to be available in 3D, such as <em>Terminator: Salvation </em>and <em>Transformers</em>, which is a real shame as this technology utilised by an action film could create staggering results. There are many reasons for this, cost and the lack of knowledge about what people think of 3D cinema going are two of them. But, in my mind, the studios and directors have two other reasons for holding on, James Cameron and <em>Avatar</em>. James Cameron astounded audiences with the two first Terminator films and then walked away with eleven Academy Awards for <em>Titanic</em>. Since then, he took time out, but while he took hiatus, he found time to invent and hone the principle of modern 3D cinema. Now he is back, and he is due to unleash sci-fi action film <em>Avatar</em> into the world, and with all of his productions, epic things are expected. As the father of the new technology, it seems that everyone in Hollywood is waiting to see what Cameron's new film looks like before commiting to projects themselves.<br /><br />But two things are for sure. If <em>Avatar</em> hits at the Box Office, expect nearly every film to be released from the back of 2010 onwards to be in 3D. And the second is, that despite the lack of usage in <em>Coraline</em>, 3D cinema is the future for cinema goers.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-5282077909638188832009-05-22T06:11:00.000-07:002009-05-22T06:24:55.214-07:00Back on writing projectsAfter a break away from writing while applying for more bursaries and trying to find jobs, this week I have dusted off some old ideas.<br /><br />One is an update of a much loved British 1960s television show. In the past, this has be risky territory for the movie business, with <em>The Avengers</em>, <em>The Saint </em>and <em>Thunderbirds</em> reimaginating all taking a critical beating and floundering at the box office. But something about the one I am working on really makes me think that it could work for a modern audience.<br /><br />Currently it sits at about 20 pages into the process, and so far feedback received on the concept behind it as been great.<br /><br />Obviously, at this early stage, with no rights secured I need to be protective about the source material.<br /><br />After an initial draft is complete I will be creating a treatment and some supporting documents and making an approach for the rights to use the characters and other names used throughout the show.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-53208262343916693822009-05-12T09:58:00.000-07:002009-05-12T10:34:39.868-07:00UPDATE: NFTS Application and funding a MastersSo, the application which has been whizzing around my mind for nearly a year now has finally gone! The National Film and Television School (NFTS) contacted me today to acknowledge the application, and now, the waiting begins.<br /><br />As I already have a place secured at Royal Holloway, University of London, the time has come to start giving serious consideration to how it is going to be funded. After much research, it seems that there is limited support for anyone who wants to study a media or humanities based masters degree.<br /><br />A mixture of savings and selling my car will ensure that I can pay my fees in full at the beginning of the academic year (which brings a £300 saving). <br /><br />That just leaves the small matter of living and eating! The last few days have been spent researching and applying for part time work that I could fit around the degree. So far, HMV, WH Smith and Blockbuster have been applied to (well I did say I wanted to work with film!). As well as this, various feelance catering and event stewarding posts have been applied for. Hopefully this will yield some results.<br /><br />Of course, there is always the long shot of a funding application to the Arts and Humanities Research Council, which will award one person on my course the cost of their fees and a further £10,000 towards their living costs. Well, I can but hope!Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-41689425780798275362009-04-29T04:12:00.000-07:002009-04-29T04:41:29.751-07:00Everyone Loves A MeltdownMany of us have felt it, the creeping sensation that everything is getting a little but too much. Not being able to think straight, irrational anger bursts and evil, vengeful thoughts. I almost had mine when working at a security firm, where everyone wore suits in different shades of grey and spoke in constant jargon. Now, when a meltdown happens, its not that funny, but watching a meltdown is hilarious.<br /><br />Television has realised this and a trend it appearing of characters who are constantly close to the edge. This allows for these people to say outlandish things that secretly we would love to try and get away with and to act in a completely unorthadox fashion.<br /><br />Some of the best:<br /><br />Ari Gold from <em>Entourage</em>: Super agent Ari has a fast mouth, quick wit and no sense of the politically correct. Despite the massive personality defects, he seems to be the most popular character from the HBO show.<br />Example: "A wife is like a herpes sore. She comes and goes as she pleases".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvqJ0SFdkdZYbQLiNsz0abQHay-h9tzTDMXFyi_eVjpVILJiTK5rUV0tYpXNIPOGgFg4dnr-YaCcZN2BawI9JZsNvbZxsGBeIXOtQcINCMNnzEOaIAE9Qk-KY8O_YHZT8x8FnrtvJQFo/s1600-h/Ari+Gold.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvqJ0SFdkdZYbQLiNsz0abQHay-h9tzTDMXFyi_eVjpVILJiTK5rUV0tYpXNIPOGgFg4dnr-YaCcZN2BawI9JZsNvbZxsGBeIXOtQcINCMNnzEOaIAE9Qk-KY8O_YHZT8x8FnrtvJQFo/s320/Ari+Gold.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330073481310946386" /></a><br /><br />Malcolm Tucker from <em>The Think of It </em>and <em>In The Loop</em>: The foul mouthed government spin doctor from the BBC series and recent feature film.<br />Example: "I'd love to stop and chat but I'd rather have type two diabetes".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGUcOPHtIXA4ybOWIGbLkyKDcgV4bv8K5uG9-VC5ygjuu_gFQLzxKbh9F3oB7m81yGgYoWbfZyL4mhcnyRN0ZJ1d8Iulm6os5KdpKbbUGgskIVTGKIlHrAeNK1qzLb2fK18gBfbJSUzw/s1600-h/MalcolmTucker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGUcOPHtIXA4ybOWIGbLkyKDcgV4bv8K5uG9-VC5ygjuu_gFQLzxKbh9F3oB7m81yGgYoWbfZyL4mhcnyRN0ZJ1d8Iulm6os5KdpKbbUGgskIVTGKIlHrAeNK1qzLb2fK18gBfbJSUzw/s320/MalcolmTucker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330074323725783506" /></a><br /><br />Mark Corrigan from <em>Peep Show</em>: Seems to be the more normal and level headed of the two lead characters in the Channel 4 sitcom, until pressure is applied. So far has taken a wee in the desk of a fellow employee and poked a colleague through his front doors letterflap with a broom.<br />Example: "Very funny every, I can take a joke. But if it happens again I'll take you to a fucking industrial tribunal".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7aGVTXQnEIS7NupLCeeajHllPebV2RW6MTS2tqbl5M18L7BNKIYVDpfZdYrudNaTB-4_CIhuZcd5y-l0SsbCC-artoUUF4P_U_GYKSd00Ur7-giLul9a8QjfPVB22PfE6wwwCEBCupo/s1600-h/peep_show_s3_ep3_mark2_400x251.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7aGVTXQnEIS7NupLCeeajHllPebV2RW6MTS2tqbl5M18L7BNKIYVDpfZdYrudNaTB-4_CIhuZcd5y-l0SsbCC-artoUUF4P_U_GYKSd00Ur7-giLul9a8QjfPVB22PfE6wwwCEBCupo/s320/peep_show_s3_ep3_mark2_400x251.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330075773180376786" /></a><br /><br />Reggie Perrin from <em>Reggie Perrin</em>: Although resurrected as Martin Clunes in the current BBC sitcom, Reggie Perrin was at his best when played by Leonard Rossiter. A mundane life leads to thoughts being vocalised and an impending midlife breakdown.<br />Example: (Dictating a letter to secretary) "Your complaints about late delay are not only completely unjustified, but also ungrammatical. The fault lies in your inability to fill in an order form correctly. You are, in effect, a pompous, illiterate baboon".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowwY8NzOUH7P9iO91k8mDhQwRdhFgL7oDXuXJZn6arZl9lRoj2XNadjL2RgANHfIzdf85yIExQiVVNLu5Gz5s5vlOuG9Ge0Xx2oHScq21msSbnZA3diFnv3VtjS8kULrvNLaRr2ujA4c/s1600-h/Perrin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowwY8NzOUH7P9iO91k8mDhQwRdhFgL7oDXuXJZn6arZl9lRoj2XNadjL2RgANHfIzdf85yIExQiVVNLu5Gz5s5vlOuG9Ge0Xx2oHScq21msSbnZA3diFnv3VtjS8kULrvNLaRr2ujA4c/s320/Perrin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330076785552013538" /></a>Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-65835224920096191652009-04-07T12:44:00.000-07:002009-04-07T13:10:40.499-07:00NFTS Open Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGu6X_utEFSoTnB5RXuHshM5wWRinS7ZEwQoAMs_Mg8574m969C04HX30QQ7ThxjZeEHmu_-6s11514uMAB5k14BcYTlRkDWYhU2ruR63YBNUJlBmRrlUOoOwC0uymfcpGrSov8hfiBg/s1600-h/asset_13205_hl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322039701860279890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGu6X_utEFSoTnB5RXuHshM5wWRinS7ZEwQoAMs_Mg8574m969C04HX30QQ7ThxjZeEHmu_-6s11514uMAB5k14BcYTlRkDWYhU2ruR63YBNUJlBmRrlUOoOwC0uymfcpGrSov8hfiBg/s320/asset_13205_hl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Have been reading back my posts since returning from <em>Sins of London</em>, and realised that in all of the excitment that I had forgotten to post anything about the open day I attended at the National Film and Television School.</p><p>It is difficult to describe this place, but the best way is part university, part mini film studio. It is like a shruken Pinewood, complete with sound stages, post production facilities and even recording studios for capturing scores.</p><p>The Producing course is 2 years in duration, with the first year about learning the ropes and the second about collaborting with other Masters students to create a working crew. One of the last tasks is to go on a networking exercise to the Cannes Film Festival.</p><p>One of the main things I noticed about the whole school is the quality of the students and the work produced. Nothing less would be expected from a place that takes only 8 Masters students from well over a hundred applicants every year. </p><p>Even though I am delighted with the place already granted to me at Royal Holloway, University of London, I am still preparing my entry documents for consideration in May. Even though the chances of a place are slim, the motto that you have to be in it to win it ring true. All I can do is work my very hardest on the application tasks and then equally hard in any subsequent interview should I be lucky enough to get one.</p>Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-91029387009585250592009-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:002009-03-26T16:05:27.690-07:00Why do we do it when the light at the end of the tunnel is only a pin prick?Confidence is something that is beneficial in all walks of life, unless it becomes complacency or arrogance. In trying to forge a career in a creative industry this is especially important, as there can be very long periods in the wilderness while striving to succeed. It is the same story for most people in music and films.<br /><br />Like a band that spends its own money touring and recording when the chance of a pay day is quite slim, a similar feeling can creep in when making movies. Spending money attending meetings, spending time on script development and also emotional investment into a project all can take their toll, resulting in stress, uncertainty and doubt.<br /><br />I imagine the answer to this question is different for everyone. For me, it is the need to tell stories, to entertain and to make people believe the unbelievable. Because of cinema, millions of people have all been united in laughing, crying and feeling other emotions in a dark room. I thoroughly believe that a film has only truly failed when a viewer leaves feeling numb. The final reason, is wanting to give back to audiences what cinema has given to me.<br /><br />The time after a project is the main time when doubt begins to try to grab hold. This is because as a crew, everyone bonds and comes together for the sole purpose of making the film as good as it can be, and then after spending ridiculously long hours together every day, it stops. There is also the fact that once the project is done, there may be another battle to get the next job/ commission.<br /><br />I think at the moment it is that time when a little bit of a reality check is occurring, constantly reminding myself that for every Jerry Bruckheimer there hundreds who pedalled ideas and never got one made. It happens every now and again, haunts you for a day and then leaves.<br /><br />But I wouldn't change these feelings for the world, as with every arrogant or cocky person I meet in this industry, I feel assured that this thought process acts to keep me grounded and appreciate when things are going well.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-84883911683922104582009-03-17T03:23:00.000-07:002009-03-17T03:58:22.906-07:00Sins of LondonI know that I have not updated on here for a while, which is because I have been dashing around London helping with the three short films collectively known as <em>Sins of London</em>.<br /><br />The first two days were standard pre-production jobs, such as visiting a location to double check facilities available to us.<br /><br />The first two days were spent shooting the first installment called <em>Man In The Road. </em>My alarm sounded at 4am and I headed to Woolwich to pick up a great young actor by the name of Merveille Lukeba, who has recently been on television as Tommy in the new series of <em>Skins</em>. The setting for this part of the films was a bleak industrial estate in Perivale, West London. Not only was time against us in filming roughly eight minutes of footage in two days, but the weather remained a constant threat. When time and money is tight, a heavy day of rain can signal the death of a project. Each evening, we wrapped at 5pm, home and sat down for 7pm.<br /><br />Monday signalled a welcome move to an indoor setting for <em>Connoisseurs.</em> That morning was a 6am start to collect Stacey Roca and Laurie Hagen on the way to the set. Stacey has recently finished filming for the ITV series <em>Waking The Dead, </em>while Laurie has a host of credits such as <em>Eastenders</em> on her CV, as well as performing burlesque with the group Hurly Burly. We arrived at a beautiful house in Wimbledon Village where the scenes were to be shot. We shot 10am until 9pm Monday to Wednesday (home for 11pm).<br />The final scene is an actor called James Frost and Laurie arriving at the house. As my car was being used as the "hero" car, I ended up giving James instruction on how to make it look like he has been driving it for a while, which took eight attempts at getting right.<br />I left these three days seriously impressed with the character and attitudes of all of the actors (expecially James and Laurie), not only are the very talented people, but also genuinely lovely people.<br /><br />Thursday and Friday came around, signalling later starts, 11am until 10pm shooting days. Another house, this time a pretty suburb in Earlsfield to shoot <em>Infidel.</em><br />This time the cast included Dan Fredenburgh (<em>Love Actually, Bourne Ultimatum)</em>, Elize Du Toit (<em>Hollyoaks, The Bill)</em>, Orla Fitzgerald (<em>Shaking The Barley)</em> and William Beck (Royal Shakespeare Theatre's <em>Hamlet</em>). All of them contributed a massive amount to the scenes, of what I have seen look incredible, fizzling with tension and unease.<br /><br />The final day of shooting was a night shoot. We all met for 4:30pm to have dinner together and then proceeded to a car park near Wimbledon to meet with the crew from Bickers Action. Bickers are the number one authority on vehicles used for shooting, and for this we would be using their low loader.<br />A low loader is basically a trailer, that a car can be loaded onto. The core crew of Director, Director of Photography, Script Supervisor and 1st Assistant Director all sit in a booth at the front of the trailer (near the lorry pulling it), while the actors perform their scenes within the car. Being low to the ground, it creates the illusion of the actors driving, but allows them to concentrate on acting. This is still not the main reason for using a low loader, which is that it allows cameras to be placed nearly anywhere around the car without causing obstruction or danger to other road users.<br />The low loader performed many circuits, with the cameras angles being changed between takes. Bickers finally took the vehicle away at 1:30am.<br /><br />One final static in-car scene had to be captured before we could wrap on the project. This was Laurie holding a bottle of wine while sat in the car. Finally at 2:30am, we were wrapped!<br /><br />After dropping James and Laurie home and saying some final goodbyes, I headed back to East London and finally managed to clamber into bed at 4:30am. Now there is just the wrap party to survive on Weds 18th March and then <em>Sins of London</em> is officially closed.....just post production to go!Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-82249270248384478792009-03-01T13:40:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:42:04.414-08:00TwitterI am now on Twitter, so you can follow developments on projects, shoots or whatever else is being mused upon at that moment at: <a href="http://twitter.com/michaelbeddoes">http://twitter.com/michaelbeddoes</a><br /><br />Uploaded Twitterberry to my phone, so can also do live updates from shoots and sets.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-31015595506583649462009-03-01T13:26:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:38:59.266-08:00UPDATE: New Project and developing news on an exisitng onesSo, the first bit of news is that there is a new, exciting project on the horizon. I cannot go into plot details without giving too much away, but its working title is <em>The Animator</em> and it is by an a friend of mine, Kate Plummer. The concept is one of the most original ideas I have heard in a long time and she has agreed that upon its completion I am free to produce it. The script deadline she set herself is 1st April, so more details on how it reads as a screenplay will be coming soon.<br /><br />On the project formerly known as <em>Who Killed Randall?</em>, I am meeting the director Benedict Sampays in Birmingham tomorrow evening to discuss final script revision and to see a draft of the first 60 pages. Again, more details to come.<br /><br />Finally, the series of short films known as <em>Sins of London</em> starts filming this Thursday. I will be heading down to London Wednesday to get ready for the 12 days of early starts and late nights that will obviously come from such a short shoot. It will be exciting but very very hard work. I will try and add things on here about it when I get a moment.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-64932144737365827342009-02-25T01:33:00.000-08:002009-02-25T01:39:50.137-08:00Masters UpdateRight, again, its been far too long since I wrote on here.<br /><br />On Monday I woke up to find an envelope carrying the stamp from Royal Holloway. I opened it and.................I have been accepted on the MA Television and Film Producing course.<br /><br />So now I will be looking for part time work in London, as well as applying to bursary schemes.<br /><br />Due to have a phone call later to clarify deadlines on two projects I am currently working on, which is great to see things coming together.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-24874729881100564632009-02-18T03:13:00.000-08:002009-02-18T03:19:59.778-08:00UPDATE: Who Killed Randall?Well, what a difference a day makes!<br /><br />After a discussion about <em>Who Killed Randall</em> with the writer/ director, Benedict Sampays, it has now evolved.<br /><br />While driving back from London, a discussion about where the storyline could be tightened or tweaked started, which ended 2 hours later with a new twist, new character profiles, new ending...in fact, all that remains is the main spine of the story. Around this spine, there are now numerous sub-plots, that twist and turn around each other. The synopsis now reminds me of early Guy Ritchie plots, with all characters interacting and eventually meeting at key points.<br /><br />Benedict is now turning this new synopsis into a first draft of the script with a deadline of the 1st March.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637729344466101526.post-90934244621645193112009-02-11T10:08:00.001-08:002009-02-11T10:16:51.166-08:00Sins of LondonApologies for the lack of blogging for a while, I have been taking a holiday in Tenerife. It was very much a shock to step off a plane after a week of getting a tan, swimming and, unfortunately getting sun stroke, to trying to defrost a car in the Birmingham International Airport carpark.<br /><br />But a day into being home, I received a phone call from a man by the name of Martino Sclavi. Networking is important in any industry, but especially so in film and television. While out and about in London, I met a script writer called Mark Tilman who has written a number of short films that have been featured at festivals and online. I mentioned what areas of film I worked within and left my contact details with him.<br /><br />Martino Sclavi is the Producer, working for 2 Many Executives Films, creating three ten minute shorts that will all be screened under the banner of <em>Sins of London</em>. He was ringing to ask whether I would be free to take up a position as assistant during the shooting.<br /><br />Pre-production is well under way, and I will be joining them as an assistant on the 5th March, though until the 12th March, which will cover the primary shooting of all three scripts.Michael Beddoeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10536960316673397611noreply@blogger.com0