11-08-10 DIRECTING BANG UP OR PAY BACK?

Where did the idea for the film come from?

Every individual in society is a potential victim of crime, so I felt it was a relevant subject matter to address. Most people have an opinion on the topic, so I thought it would be an interesting area to explore.

Whats the film about for you?

For me, the film is about two different pathways that an offender could experience after being sentenced. I'd like to think the film shows that prison isn't punishment for somebody who returns frequently and a community payback sentence would be more suitable.

How did you decide the specific look and feel of the film?

I had several meetings with the director of photography and explained my vision. We agreed that a spacious, relaxed feel would suit the prison shots whilst a claustrophobic, urgent look would work well for the outside shots.

What were the difficulties of shooting in a prison and on location?

We used several locations but had a tight shooting schedule, therefore we had to be innovative in order to keep consistency and continuity throughout, especially due to the fluctuating weather conditions. Day one presented a challenge as far as heavy rain was concerned, but it suited the shots because we needed to get up close and personal, mainly thanks to six golf umbrellas !!! Day two was shot in a house undergoing renovation so there was little room for the crew to manoeuvre, but it was the street scenes that created the biggest hurdle. A busy high street and 'interested' onlookers slowed things down for a short period. The tiny space of a prison cell on day three was problematic, but the professional equipment and disciplined attitude of the crew got us through.

How did you develop the script?

I originally wrote a short titled 'Bang Up' which consisted of a character in a prison cell. Then I wrote a second script titled 'Pay Back'. I decided to amalgamate the two ideas but found it running to twenty minutes. I felt the script could be told in a shorter time span so I cut ten pages to keep it lean and I think it benefitted in the long term.

How did you decide on the music?

I approached Leeds musician Phil Cockerham and explained my vision for the film. We discussed various options and the mood that each one would convey. Phil has a great repertoire, due to years of listening and playing music, so we talked about different tracks and how they could be interpreted. I'm happy with the outcome.

How did you keep to budget?

This was a headache from the start. Thankfully we managed to get a reasonable deal from a professional kit supplier and were able to find other suppliers through personal contacts. Thankfully, the actor and crew agreed to standard industry rates so we got there in the end.

Can you talk about the post production period?

I spoke to the editor and explained how I wanted the footage, music and voice over to look and feel. As ever, some of the favourite scenes had to be cut because they weren't working, whilst others we shot for extra footage found a place. It's always the case, but I'm pleased with the final product and I hope the film raises public awareness on the topic.

*****

24-05-10 PORTRAIT

Blistering heat, expensive cider and cosmopolitan market places apart, London is capable of conjuring up images that are rarely found elsewhere. Take Eaton Square, the richest part, of the richest part of London. I've never seen so many 'real' tramps, charcoal skin, straggly beards, crusty suits and chimney pot eyes, not begging, just peacefully lying on benches, all along the green, ivory, golden streets of Chelsea.

Looking into the eyes of these tired, old, contented men, it was though they knew something that others didn't; the truth of human existence perhaps, or maybe the heat of the day, mixed with cheap cider was merely enough to produce a contented snooze. I've never seen the gulf between rich and poor sit together so peacefully.

*****

20-03-10 HOL-Y JOB

Living in the 21st century, few news bulletins, newspaper columns and true stories shock me, but this morning, whilst reading an article in a national newspaper, it really got me thinking.

A successful British soap actress with almost a decade of prime time television behind her, has been snapped working in a clothes shop in LA. She's treated like anybody else and there's no pre-madonna antics either. The report suggests 'she's waiting for a 'big' break'.

Apparently, most shop workers and restaurant staff in LA are talented actors waiting patiently for the big time. I bet there's no volunteer vacancies in local charity shops either. A coffee shop interview, first question, "How many BAFTAs have you won?", reply, "Three" - "NEXT PLEASE!"

*****

06-03-10 HOCK-IN HELL

I didn't think a pleasant, Saturday afternoon (watching my talented, Hockey playing brother in law) would descend into mayhem, with myself, a lowly supporter, at the centre of it.

Picture the scene, brother in law's team are playing the league leaders in a skilled, competitive, passionate encounter - sticks are flying everywhere, literally. The standard is very high, tensions are running higher, then, drum roll ... another poor decision is made by the 'sacred' umpire. 'Don't ever tell an umpire what you think!' A big hockey NO, NO, the 11th commandment - nobody told me! The opposition bench start to wind up the home players, the umpire starts brandishing cards like a high street retailer. Another bad decision is made. Then suddenly, my voice (the lowly spectator; an individual with zero knowledge of the rules or officials, except a sense of injustice for the poor number 3 whose been sent to the sin bin) arrives like an unwelcome house guest.

"Referee (not umpire) you're a disgrace, you've been appalling this afternoon, you're watching a different game". The umpire looks up, beckons the home captain towards him. "That man over there (me) yes, the one wearing the flat cap (me again) he's abusing me" (Abusing? Abusing? - but yes, abusing!) The sacred figure continues, "if his (mine) behaviour continues, I'll abandon the game". I'm thinking, rather violently, I might add, 'what about free speech? or the truth perhaps?' However, the story has a happy ending. Players still in shock, atmosphere regretful for all involved, and an opposition bench silenced into muffled murmers, the home team score a late equaliser. Happiness descends on the sand covered, green surface; icy pitchside railings cease to shiver, gratified applause echoes from the lofty trees surrounding the sports complex. A job well done. I disappear, under a flat cap, past the vics vaporub dressing room, into a gusty, late afternoon breeze towards the welcoming car park. I'm looking forward to the next game !

*****

02-03-10 BBC IN MOURNING - AGAIN!

For the second time in two years, the nation has woken to the news that another young BBC presenter has died in revolting circumstances. Surely, this must be a matter of concern for the BBC who have been under relentless criticism as an organisation.

Whether it's a body found hanging from the roof space near Paddington Station, or a corpse discovered after the alleged effects of auto-erotic asphyxiation, it's really not a good time for the BBC. It would appear there's more hard hitting BBC drama taking place off the screen than on it.

May the young men concerned, rest in peace.

*****

15-02-10 SHORT COMEDY SKETCH

I've just witnessed my 5 minute comedy sketch 'CONNIE & VRONNY' performed in the studio space at York Theatre Royal. As a member of Script Yorkshire (York Branch), I answered an eleventh hour plea for submissions. I penned it during a rushed scramble late last night, so I wasn't convinced the outcome would be a satisfactory one.

Comedy is an ominous, unforgiving beast at the best of times, so last minute sketches, performed by actors who are given it script in hand, minutes before performance can bring a whole host of problems. Thankfully, the two actresses, one of whom was Beryl Nairn (York Settlement Players) delivered the lines with professional aplomb. Thank you ladies! A need for self preservation is never far away in this game !

*****

03-02-10 BAD THEATRE

Playwright Sarah Kane, once said the best type of theatre could be found watching football. As a keen supporter of Manchester United, she recalled the incredible dramas played out at the 'Theatre Of Dreams'.

As a lifetime lover of football, I never thought I'd find myself castrating the beautiful game. Recent times have seen an ever increasing array of ugly circumstances, both on and off the pitch, which only goes to prove that modern day football and top flight football in particular, is nothing more than exploitative pantomime played out through the media. It wouldn't be so bad if millions of people didn't put so much time, money and effort into it.

In the 1950s, top players had another job to supplement their 'Saturday shift'. They would travel to games on the bus whilst chatting to supporters. How times have changed! Rarely does a week pass without several inept, rich, young men arguing their feeble case through newspaper columns - 'He said this', 'Oh no I didn't', 'Oh, yes you did'. All that's missing is the Wagon Wheel.

Headlines and allegations, six figure accusations, it's hop scotch for adults and bad theatre!