A second film-related update! A busy step in a direction I genuinely did not expect to take.
I applied for a Screenskills opportunity to be 1 of 6 ‘emerging’ disabled directors and producers and undertake a course that helps; with networking, project development and creative support. Simultaneously, I also applied for a similar opportunity at the NTFS at Leeds via Film Hub North and BFI Network.
My applications for both were initially unsuccessful, finding a silver lining however, with my successful application (also for Screenskills!) to apply for a bursary that helps further careers within the industry, receiving a grant that has been put towards a new; monitor, computer, keyboard and mouse, using such for future editing projects, as well as future projects in general.
Evident I’ve been very busy typing away lately!
I found a positive from the feedback given for the reason why my NTFS application was unsuccessful. Had it not been for Snapshot, the course would’ve been more applicable to me, wishing the very best to those successful on that one!
It was only a few weeks later that I received an e-mail being offered a first refusal for the Step-Up course that I genuinely did not expect. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of it with 5 other incredibly talented filmmakers.
It started with 4 days worth of online talks and Q&As with people spanning across various sectors of the Film and TV industry. Talented and incredibly skilled, but also candid about their experiences, imparting similarly collective but incredibly insightful and useful knowledge and advice.
Though often succumbing to screen fatigue, the virtual space was made to be as friendly and accommodating as possible, with the 6 of us being respectful, taking turns to discuss and ask questions, as well as being able to switch off our webcams and have comfort breaks and personal space if it was needed, as well as lunch breaks.
From there, a month later, came meeting the other 5, as well as the Project Manager of the course in person, in London!
The last time I properly visited London was about 7 years ago, primarily only passing through Kings Cross and eastwards intermittently for a good few years. I was dubious and nervous of travelling in, as I’m not the biggest fan of The London Underground or the overwhelming hustle and bustle of the city. Rural is better suited for me.
Thankfully, offered support and my usual technique of dummy runs and extensive planning are of great help, and I braved the journey into the city centre to meet up with the others in the Channel 4 building to meet and greet with Film 4 executives.
We shared a collective gratitude that they were able to take some time out of their hectic schedules to discuss their modus operandi and gives us some excellent advice, as well as discuss our own feature projects.
After a spot of lunch, came a meet and greet with BFI Executives, ones as part of the Development sector, who (like the executives at Film 4) imparted some incredible insight, as well as took the time to listen to our collective statements and questions, as well as get to know us and our feature projects, striving to find under represented voices and aspiring to not let such creative talent slip through the cracks unnoticed.
Throughout the virtual and in-person meetings, I was on the whole quiet. I tend to be anxious to speak amongst large groups, even if I’m with a group of my friends. I instead observe and listen, and a lot of my burning questions and statements were already answered or asked by 1 of the other 5 filmmakers or the executives.
The next steps involve e-mail discussions and hopefully beyond, with a cautious optimism that my feature script I’ve intermittently slaved away over the last 8 years could potentially progress further than words on a page!
On the whole, my gratitude knows no bounds for being lucky enough to be selected on to such an amazing course, and hope it keeps continuing with more fantastic talent, who (within disability circles) have just as much to contribute and say as anyone else within the TV and Film industry, and that with progressive steps such as Access Coordinators, such an industry can become more equal and inclusive now more than ever.
A very fortunate leg up, let alone step up!