Film is possibly my first love, though it took me a while to come around to the idea of filmmaking as more than a hobby. It's been a slow progression due to life getting in the way but I have no expectations which I find exciting.
Originally from Witham, Essex, I excelled in creative subjects during primary and secondary education. I chose A Levels in Media, Art and English Literature (my college did not offer a film subject) at Rickstones College and earned grades A, B, and C respectively. Learning many new skills during these modules I was amazed by the action of film making and discovered the process of writing, producing and directing a music video to be a similar mindset to creating a piece of art. Feeling that I wasn't ready to decide on a specific University degree, I enrolled at Chelmsford College to study an Art & Design Foundation Diploma which I achieved a Merit. Coming from a fine art background the course enriched my knowledge historically and I discovered I was drawn to graphics and began designing for fun.
After my Diploma I was lost. No closer to a specific avenue of study, but certain that university was a direction I wanted to go in. I took a Gap Year out to travel which quickly turned into three. During that period I gained more retail sales experience than I care to mention to fund my travels. I spent a month exploring Brazil, starting in Sao Paulo and ending in Rio De Janeiro. We painted an orphanage, replanted trees in the Amazon, stood on top of the Iguacu Falls, climbed some of the Pico das Agulhas Negras mountains, then we had a rest.
It was whilst travelling across America, west to east coast, looking ahead to my life after backpacking, I was browsing degree courses and after much researching I found Middlesex University's Film Media & Cultural Studies. As soon as I realised that this was a rare course that allowed me to easily balance theory and practical studies over a range of my interests the decision was a no brainer. And the rest, as you are reading, is history.
Heavily influenced by pop culture, my development as filmmaker allows me to express myself through my creativity. My strongest inspirations are present down the right side of this weblog.
There should be no doubt that Clint Eastwood commands a camera, whether out front or behind, with a quiet intelligence that doesn't overshadow the social context of his films. He understands that film is a tool for information that can be used for the good, the bad, and the ugly, but enforces his own morals to shape his direction. He doesn't do things by halves, he feels it in his gut. All discourses I believe help make a good film.
The epitome of gleeful elegance with a smile that causes me to smile, Audrey Hepburn, wasn't just a star she was a humanitarian. It's an important definition to make because it emphasise that behind the screen persona and facade she wanted to change things for others, for the better. When I write scripts or projects, I try to understand how I can change opinion or inform an audience. How film can draw attention upon the need for change, regardless of subject matter. How can you inspire others? Is it solely by beautiful dresses or a call to arms? I think somewhere in-between can work quiet well.
Since childhood I've had an appreciation for nature and been fascinated by folklore. As a master of animation, Hayao Miyazaki designs worlds that are spectacular, yet familiar, and makes the preservation and respect of nature a human obligation, not side issue. In creating the powerhouse Studio Ghibli he became able to reach new audiences but his ethics stayed the same; nature as mother, humans as destructive children. The grand and detailed visuals of films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke put most action films in second place. Though more importantly within his films, a sense of his heart, his passion, is never lost. That is a very difficult thing to achieve.
One of my favourite writers is Tina Fey who wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls (which is possibly the most quotable film since The Big Lebowski). Satire can often fall flat when it's obvious (yes we get it, George Bush is an idiot) but Fey has a knack for hitting you hard from the left. The moment you assume she's a liberal, feminist, hippy, spinster she's one-lining about liberal, feminist, hippy, spinsters until you're then assuming she's a devot republican. It's something I appreciate when writing myself. The balance between preaching at an audience and gently tickling their belly. It goes without saying that 30 Rock is the greatest TV Show in the history of tellyboxes if only for this clip;
After my Diploma I was lost. No closer to a specific avenue of study, but certain that university was a direction I wanted to go in. I took a Gap Year out to travel which quickly turned into three. During that period I gained more retail sales experience than I care to mention to fund my travels. I spent a month exploring Brazil, starting in Sao Paulo and ending in Rio De Janeiro. We painted an orphanage, replanted trees in the Amazon, stood on top of the Iguacu Falls, climbed some of the Pico das Agulhas Negras mountains, then we had a rest.
It was whilst travelling across America, west to east coast, looking ahead to my life after backpacking, I was browsing degree courses and after much researching I found Middlesex University's Film Media & Cultural Studies. As soon as I realised that this was a rare course that allowed me to easily balance theory and practical studies over a range of my interests the decision was a no brainer. And the rest, as you are reading, is history.
Heavily influenced by pop culture, my development as filmmaker allows me to express myself through my creativity. My strongest inspirations are present down the right side of this weblog.
There should be no doubt that Clint Eastwood commands a camera, whether out front or behind, with a quiet intelligence that doesn't overshadow the social context of his films. He understands that film is a tool for information that can be used for the good, the bad, and the ugly, but enforces his own morals to shape his direction. He doesn't do things by halves, he feels it in his gut. All discourses I believe help make a good film.
The epitome of gleeful elegance with a smile that causes me to smile, Audrey Hepburn, wasn't just a star she was a humanitarian. It's an important definition to make because it emphasise that behind the screen persona and facade she wanted to change things for others, for the better. When I write scripts or projects, I try to understand how I can change opinion or inform an audience. How film can draw attention upon the need for change, regardless of subject matter. How can you inspire others? Is it solely by beautiful dresses or a call to arms? I think somewhere in-between can work quiet well.
Since childhood I've had an appreciation for nature and been fascinated by folklore. As a master of animation, Hayao Miyazaki designs worlds that are spectacular, yet familiar, and makes the preservation and respect of nature a human obligation, not side issue. In creating the powerhouse Studio Ghibli he became able to reach new audiences but his ethics stayed the same; nature as mother, humans as destructive children. The grand and detailed visuals of films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke put most action films in second place. Though more importantly within his films, a sense of his heart, his passion, is never lost. That is a very difficult thing to achieve.
One of my favourite writers is Tina Fey who wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls (which is possibly the most quotable film since The Big Lebowski). Satire can often fall flat when it's obvious (yes we get it, George Bush is an idiot) but Fey has a knack for hitting you hard from the left. The moment you assume she's a liberal, feminist, hippy, spinster she's one-lining about liberal, feminist, hippy, spinsters until you're then assuming she's a devot republican. It's something I appreciate when writing myself. The balance between preaching at an audience and gently tickling their belly. It goes without saying that 30 Rock is the greatest TV Show in the history of tellyboxes if only for this clip;
I'm from the generation that came after the anti-homosexual Thatcher government. I wasn't vilified due to my sexual orientation but would have fought tirelessly against such hatred. Being involved in protests against the War in Iraq, Student Tuition Fee Increases, and supporting the Union Strikes, I'm aware that such action is an important tool to fuel progression. I am also proud to live in a society that generally has a strong negative conscience regarding racism, sexism, homophobia and any other form of discrimination. Though sadly I have few prominent openly gay role models outside the world of entertainment. For this reason Harvey Milk, and his life, inspire me during times of darkness. Using eloquence and humour to convey his passion which strengthened a conviction that never faltered, even when his life was a risk. He preempted his own assassination but held the possibilty of change higher than himself. Now that is a role model I can believe in.
In reading about my journey and some of my inspirations I aim to inform you of the type of filmmaker I strive to be. I'm an optimistic realist who creates media for the enjoyment. Sure I'd like to be a profitable filmmaker, but I'll still be creating media irregardless as it's what makes me happiest.
Contacts
A Mean Reds Production - Tom Stock
