Tag Archives: Film

Preview: This Is England '86 {TV}

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Set three years on from Shane Meadows’ Bafta winning film This Is England, Chris de Burgh is top of the charts and over 3.4 million britons are unemployed. This Is England in the year 1986. A four-part serial for Channel 4 revisiting the original gang from the acclaimed film.

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Hapless Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) has just finished his final school exam and is a magnet for trouble and bullys. A chance encounter reunites him with Woody (Joe Gilgun), Lol (Vicky McClure), Smell (Rosamund Hanson) and the others and soon the past is forgotten. The gang are back together and they’re all looking for love, a laugh, a job and something that resembles a future.

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This is filmmaker Shane Meadows’ television debut and speaking at a Q&A after the preview screening he made it clear that he didn’t see Television as a stepping stone into film and that he’d grown up watching great made for TV films. He did however say

“UK telly has gone to s***. It really has it’s appalling, but American TV, the new type of shows they’re making like the Sopranos and the Wire are great. That’s how people want to watch TV today, several episodes back to back. They want to sit with the missus and watch a 12 hour film. It’s an event.”

Meadow’s brought in help to bring the much anticipated follow up to TV. That help came in the form of co-writer Jack Thorne (The Scouting Book For Boys, Skins) and sharing the directing of the series with Tom Harper (Misfits). It’s no suprise then that the series is packed full of both hilarious and touching moments.

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Judging by the preview clips of the rest of the series, it looks to become edgier and darker as it progresses. Meadows hints at a dramatic turn of events midway through the series and looks at it as “sort of like two separate films”. The soundtrack was evolved from music the actors were listening to on their mp3 players to get into character and from a stack of discs that the two directors shared between each other leading to a soundtrack that’s not cliche or packed full of well known 80’s chart toppers.

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This Is England ’86 looks to be a hit for Channel 4, another beautiful and gritty flagship show with a lot of potential. Who knows, maybe we’ll be seeing This Is England in the 1990’s in the future…

This Is England ’86 starts on the 7th September on Channel 4


My Two Pence {The Film Set | Genevieve Sibayan}

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Oh Hai! It’s high time I threw my proverbial hat into the resource share arena.

I’ve been acting in London for a few years now and have a stack of Equity diaries to remind me! It’s not uncommon for newbies to ask my advice (yeah I know! *giggles) but for some reason I always assume that people already know all the same info I know. So when I’m put on the spot I mostly come out with “err, work hard?” which isn’t the most helpful thing to say.

I assume that because there’s so much free (and sometimes not free) information and resources available that everyone’s already found it. Of course that’s a silly thing to think.

So my mission is to share some of the things I know and point my finger at the best resources and occasionally give my opinion on things…most advice out there is the same…CV, headshot, hard work etc…all very important but I’m hoping we can uncover something a bit different. I certainly don’t know everything so if you have any finds you want to share or opinions then the comments are the place to put them. That’s what sharing’s about isn’t it?

I don’t know many Actors in this country (UK) who’s sharing their resources and I can only assume it’s because no one wants to appear arrogant or doesn’t want the competition to know what they know…If I’m wrong, and you do have a blog, I’d love to read it.

So to start off with, let me link you back to a few articles right here on Frost Magazine. And what a place to start! We’ve got a column entitled ‘the film set’ (some pun intended) and here’s a few excerpts from some of the articles (click on the titles to see the whole article:

Interview with Casting Director Richard Evans

We asked: Who is your inspiration?
“Anyone who knows what they want and goes for it wholeheartedly… especially if they have overcome adversity to do so.”

Interview with Lyn Burgess – Life Coach and also runs the Women in Film and TV events committee

““Fake it till you make it!” It’s good to model someone else who is a confident person – give yourself a ‘confident outfit’ or a lucky pair of knickers.”

Interview with Actor and Casting Director Leoni Kibbey

“You get out what you put back in. Always go with your gut instinct. Don’t get cosmetic surgery. Floss. Use Sunscreen.”

Interview with Simon Dale from Casting Call Pro

“Among the strangest we’ve had are requests for actors to play pranks on bosses and ex-partners, as well as a over-zealous salesman who was offering an all-expenses-paid trip to Helsinki for anyone who was willing to impersonate his CEO at a client meeting the the real CEO couldn’t attend.”

We also have an article written by sitcom actor Ceri Phillips (Ollie, Coming of Age) on what it’s like in his world and if you wanted to hear about some unusual moments from our career so far.

Right, off to learn a speech for an audition but I’ll be back very soon (mu ha ha)…ciao for now!

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Genevieve Sibayan is a London based Actress, you can find Genevieve’s blog here and get updates by clicking on her rss feed. If you’d like to subscribe to The Film Set on Frost Magazine then click here.

DreamWorks Animation Reports Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results

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Company Announces New $150 Million Share Repurchase Program

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NASDAQ:DWA) today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2010. In the quarter, the Company reported total revenue of $158.1 million and net income of $24.0 million, or $0.27 per share on a fully diluted basis.

“Our strong second quarter was driven primarily by the blockbuster performances of Shrek Forever After and How to Train Your Dragon, two of the top 10 films of 2010 on both a domestic and a worldwide basis,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, DreamWorks Animation’s CEO. “We have once again surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office and with Megamind still to be released on November 5th, we are on track to make 2010 not only DreamWorks Animation’s single biggest year at the box office, but also the biggest year ever for any CG animation studio.”

Shrek Forever After, which was released on May 21, 2010, contributed $51.8 million of revenue in the quarter, generated by its domestic box office performance as well as merchandising and licensing activities. It has reached approximately $235 million in domestic box office and approximately $368 million in international box office for a worldwide box office total of approximately $603 million to date.

How to Train Your Dragon, which was released on March 26, 2010, contributed $33.4 million of revenue to the quarter, driven primarily by its domestic and international box office performance. It has reached approximately $480 million in worldwide box office to date.

The Company’s 2009 release, Monsters vs. Aliens, contributed $17.2 million of revenue to the quarter, driven primarily by international pay television. The film reached an estimated 7.7 million home entertainment units sold, net of actual and estimated future returns, by the end of the second quarter.

The Company’s 2008 releases, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Kung Fu Panda, contributed $4.4 million and $2.5 million of revenue to the quarter, respectively.

Library and other items contributed approximately $48.8 million of revenue to the quarter.

Costs of revenue for the quarter equaled $98.7 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $27.8 million, including approximately $7.9 million of stock compensation expense and approximately $2.0 million of marketing expense related to the launch of the Company’s online virtual world, Kung Fu Panda World.

Additionally, the Company recorded an expense of approximately $8.7 million related to its tax sharing agreement with a former stockholder. Combining the amount due to the former stockholder with the Company’s income tax expense of approximately $0.7 million, the result is an overall equivalent tax rate of 28.1% for the second quarter.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a new $150 million share repurchase program. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company has repurchased approximately 3.1 million shares for approximately $111 million.

The Company’s third quarter results are expected to be driven primarily by the continued international box office performance of Shrek Forever After. The Company expects its full year 2010 results, which will likely be heavily weighted toward the second half of the year, to be driven by the continued box office performance of Shrek Forever After as well as the home entertainment performance of How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek Forever After, both of which are expected to be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the fourth quarter.

Items related to the earnings press release for the second quarter of 2010 will be discussed in more detail on the Company’s second quarter 2010 earnings conference call later today.

Conference Call Information

DreamWorks Animation will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. (ET). Investors can access the call by dialing (800) 230-1096 in the U.S. and (612) 332-0107 internationally and identifying “DreamWorks Animation Earnings” to the operator. The call will also be available via live webcast at www.dreamworksanimation.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the call ends on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. To access the replay, dial (800) 475-6701 in the U.S. and (320) 365-3844 internationally and enter 163006 as the conference ID number. Both the earnings release and archived webcast will be available on the Company’s website at www.dreamworksanimation.com.

About DreamWorks Animation SKG

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for two consecutive years. In 2010, DreamWorks Animation ranks #6 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 20 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. DreamWorks Animation’s next feature film is Megamind, scheduled to be released in 3D on November 5, 2010.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company’s plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate and management’s beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of animated feature projects, the release dates for the projects described in this document may be delayed. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

** FINANCIAL TABLES ATTACHED**

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December
June 30, 31,
2010 2009
—- —-
(unaudited)
(in thousands,
except par value and
share
amounts)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $76,918 $231,245
Trade accounts receivable, net of
allowance for doubtful accounts 46,558 42,175
Income taxes receivable 13,690 9,016
Receivable from Paramount, net of
reserve for returns and allowance
for doubtful accounts 161,259 171,292
Film, live performance and other
inventory costs, net 752,950 695,963
Prepaid expenses 33,018 25,505
Other assets 21,913 15,958
Property, plant, and equipment, net
of accumulated depreciation and
amortization 174,862 161,558
Deferred taxes, net 7,106 7,669
Goodwill 34,216 34,216

Total assets $1,322,490 $1,394,597
========== ==========

Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable $2,194 $2,400
Accrued liabilities 101,998 111,281
Payable to former stockholder 61,744 67,456
Deferred revenue and other advances 41,060 60,870
—— ——

Total liabilities 206,996 242,007
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock, par value
$.01 per share, 350,000,000 shares
authorized, 97,022,472 and
95,967,515 shares issued, as of
June 30, 2010 and December 31,
2009, respectively 970 960
Class B common stock, par value
$.01 per share, 150,000,000 shares
authorized, 10,838,731 and
11,419,461 shares issued and
outstanding, as of June 30, 2010
and December 31, 2009,
respectively 108 114
Additional paid-in capital 953,203 922,681
Retained earnings 841,940 796,296
Less: Class A Treasury common
stock, at cost, 23,612,421 and
20,430,031 shares, as of June 30.
2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively (680,727) (567,461)
——– ——–

Total stockholders’ equity 1,115,494 1,152,590
——— ———

Total liabilities and stockholders’
equity $1,322,490 $1,394,597
========== ==========

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
June 30,
——–
2010 2009
— —
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues $158,095 $131,990
Costs of revenues 98,734 74,022
—- —-

Gross profit 59,361 57,968
Product development 422 93
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses 27,751 24,831
—— ——

Operating income 31,188 33,044
Interest income, net 171 979
Other income, net 2,004 1,613
Increase in income
tax benefit payable
to former
stockholder (8,668) (11,020)
—— ——-

Income before income
taxes 24,695 24,616
Provision (benefit)
for income taxes 720 (940)
— —-

Net income $23,975 $25,556
======= =======

Basic net income per
share $0.28 $0.30
Diluted net income
per share $0.27 $0.30
Shares used in
computing net
income per share
Basic 85,709 85,890
Diluted 87,582 86,382

Six Months Ended
June 30,
——–
2010 2009
— —
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues $320,238 $395,514
Costs of revenues 204,917 230,428
—– —–

Gross profit 115,321 165,086
Product development 607 2,461
Selling, general
and administrative
expenses 51,261 45,522
—— ——

Operating income 63,453 117,103
Interest income,
net 230 1,518
Other income, net 4,097 3,065
Increase in income
tax benefit
payable to former
stockholder (16,856) (27,030)
——- ——-

Income before
income taxes 50,924 94,656
Provision (benefit)
for income taxes 5,280 6,790
—– —–

Net income $45,644 $87,866
======= =======

Basic net income
per share $0.53 $1.01
Diluted net income
per share $0.51 $1.01
Shares used in
computing net
income per share
Basic 86,741 86,673
Diluted 88,972 87,390

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended
June 30,
2010 2009
(in thousands)
Operating activities
Net income $45,644 $87,866
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash (used in) provided by operating
activities:
Amortization and write off of film, live
performance and other inventory costs 183,295 192,183
Stock compensation expense 15,210 14,695
Depreciation and amortization 2,526 1,831
Revenue earned against deferred revenue and
other advances (53,499) (51,667)
Deferred taxes, net 563 12,330
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable (4,383) 2,427
Receivable from Paramount 10,033 72,534
Film, live performance and other inventory
costs (223,418) (183,574)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (15,540) (16,242)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (9,347) (27,749)
Payable to former stockholder (5,712) (1,466)
Income taxes payable/receivable, net (4,851) (8,001)
Deferred revenue and other advances 35,549 74,515
—— ——

Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities (23,930) 169,682
——- ——-

Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (26,590) (31,495)
——- ——-

Net cash used in investing activities (26,590) (31,495)
——- ——-

Financing Activities
Receipts from exercise of stock options 8,786 90
Excess tax benefits from employee equity
awards 673 –
Purchase of treasury stock (113,266) (52,125)
——– ——-

Net cash used in financing activities (103,807) (52,035)
——– ——-

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents (154,327) 86,152
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period 231,245 262,644
——- ——-

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $76,918 $348,796
======= ========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Cash paid during the period for income
taxes, net $8,891 $2,373
—— ——

Cash paid during the period for interest,
net of amounts capitalized $281 $355
—- —-

Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

Sucker Punch Trailer {Film}

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Zach Snyder’s Sucker Punch actually looks quite interesting (by interesting, I mean fun). The plot is a little off the wall; It’s about young girl who is trying to hide from the pain caused by her evil stepfather and a lobotomy. She ends up in mental institution and while there she starts to imagine alternative reality. She plans to escape from that imaginary world but to do that she needs to steal five objects before she is caught by a vile man. The story is set in 1950’s. It stars Emily Browning (Lemony Snicket) and Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical). Here’s the trailer:

Andy Serkis to star in 'Rise of the Apes' {Film}

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According to this tweet from 20th Century Fox, Any Serkis is donning the motion capture suit to portray some sort of evil super intelligent ape.

He’s been cast as the ringleader of the Apes, Ceaser, filling Roddy McDowell’s shoes (from 1972’s Conquest of the Planet of the Apes). According to the website, the story is set “in present day San Francisco, the film is a reality-based cautionary tale, a science fiction/science fact blend, where man’s own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.”

Although the premise of the film is set against the scientific community and in particular those researching a cure for Alzheimers, lets take a moment to think about the work they are doing to benefit people who are suffering…and donate.

Artwork from Paul Cemmick, IMDb page

JC Mac on Acting in L.A. {Interviews}

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Frost: What does J.C. stand for?

J.C.: Well ‘Joe Cool’ of course ha ha no ‘just crazy’, no ‘jolly cute’ he he take your pick

Frost: You’re in a new film; L.A. Paranormal, what’s it about? When’s it slated for relase?

J.C.: LA Paranormal is a comedy ghost hunting movie centred around Hollywoods number 1 paranormal investigation team strangely enough called ‘LA Paranormal’. It follows the 4 man team documentary style as they investigate many ghostly happenings all over Los Angeles. Shot in the vain of ‘This is Spinal Tap’ the film was shot completely improv, there was a scene order and through line but no scripted dialogue what so ever.

It was a laugh a minute to work on with a gifted comedy cast, we had the whole crew in stitches at least once every day of filming during a take.

The producers knew exactly what they wanted and spent a long time over the casting process, for the final call back there were 12 guys 3 of each character. We all improved scenes in different groups of four, there was some great talent on display and the producers could have gone with any combination and had a good result in fact was one of the most fun days I have had here.The film was directed by John Gonzales who had a very clear vision of what he wanted, I enjoyed working with him.

So I play John London psychic artist, I’m the sensitive of the group who is actually an English playboy who when is not chasing ghost’s is chasing women, there are some hilarious comedy sexploits within the film, but you’ll have to watch it to find out more. The film also stars Mike Hatton, Tres Dean and Matt Temple. It is currently in post production slated for release early 2011.

Frost: Tell me about the web series you’re currently filming…

J.C.: The web series is called Mac and Moreti and is an all action comedy. I’m not allowed to say to much about it at this stage but I can tell you it’s very very funny. It has elements of sci fi and although different I think fans of Lost will appreciate it not to mention fans of Scooby doo ha ha. Steven Moreti a very talented American actor is my co-star in the project and the producers are just starting to leak information out via their facebook group macandmoreti

The show is going live on the 1st January 1.1.11 and can be viewed at www.macandmoreti.com we are still shooting for another 4 weeks all over the Hollywood area and I believe there are 8 episodes in season one.

Frost: What’s it like being a Brit in L.A. Do the the ex-patriot acting community stick together?

J.C.: I’m very proud to be British and representing in LA. British actors and crews are well respected in Hollywood so we have a great reputation to maintain. The American girls just love the accent and… ha ha only kidding.

It’s a great lifestyle, people are friendly the sun is always shining there’s nothing to dislike really in fact I might just stick around a bit longer ha ha

There’s quite a few Brits here doing well right now so think it’s a good time to be British and in Hollywood. There are a few groups of Brits who organize weekly breakfasts and events as well as offer advice to new arrivals.

Frost: What’s the differences between the industry in America compared to the UK.

J.C.: There’s a lot more opportunity here than in the UK. I love the British film industry but unfortunately it’s badly financed and there are now very few films being made in the UK with decent budgets.

I think it’s a great shame and a loss to world cinema as a whole. It’s tough on UK producers with hardly any tax incentives to shoot in the UK so the rates for actors really are generally poor as a consequence.

Hollywood is a tough nut to crack and I think it’s naive to come here and think you are going to make it overnight. There are a lot more jobs here and the rates are higher but there are also a hell of a lot of actors here from all over the world all looking to make it big so competition is fierce. But that said there are opportunities every day that could change your life should you land one. Fortune has been smiling on me since I got here and I have been lucky enough to work with some very talented directors. I recently completed ‘You Kill Me’ which was directed by an incredible young director called Monica Sender who is definitely one of the brightest upcoming directors here and one to watch for the future. I’m currently shooting 2 separate projects with James Van Alden who’s last film ‘A numbers Game’ is doing very well and stars Steven Bauer of Scarface fame. James is a creative genius with an amazing eye and formerly a world renowned fashion photographer. Another film I recently had a lot of fun working on was ‘Hit the big time’ this just won it’s first award at the Swansea Bay film festival last month. It was shot in London, Hollywood, Las Vegas and Utah and starred the hilarious Jason Hyde. We play the dumbest hit-men in history who never quite manage to kill anyone and after bungling a hit in London flee to Hollywood to sell our life storys and hit the big time with disastrous effect. The film thrives on the differences between the Brits and the Americans and is being well received on the festival circuit.

Production Still of JC Mac in 'You Kill Me', Photo by Fady Hadid

Frost: Do you have any advice for actors in the UK who are aiming to work in the US?

J.C.: Advice hmm look left and right before you cross the road cause the roads are big here and make sure you stop for at lease 3 seconds at the stop signs he he…

No seriously come prepared, come with a strategy and come with money in your pocket because it can take a while to book a job here. I hear from most peoples experience it takes about a year before you start to book and the American actors are very very professional. They all have excellent web sites, reels, headshots (in colour by the way) business cards etc and all follow up every meeting with postcards and thank you notes. Never be without you 10 x 8s (headshots with resume that’s CV to you and me stapled on the back) because you never know who you might bump into. Be nice to everyone (good rule in life anyway) because you just never know who you are talking to in fact nearly every waiter, barman, etc is an actor looking for an opportunity just like you so to compete come prepared.

Frost: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learnt?

J.C.: The most valuable things I think I have learned is not to take yourself too seriously and to enjoy the journey along the way, It’s not just about the destination. It’s very easy to get so caught up in the business that you can lose track of what’s important. Make time for friends and family and try not to let your sole topic of conversation be you no matter how interesting you think yourself to be! Have fun, live life and take it all in your stride remember yesterday is history tomorrow a mystery but today is a gift from God, that’s why we call it the present so enjoy it!!!

Frost: That’s some sound advice JC, not only for those in the acting industry but for all people who work in a high pressure environment. Surely we can’t be at the end of our interview?! Is there anything else you’d like to add…anything at all?

J.C.: I have been in the US a year now, just before I left [the UK] I did a gangster film called ‘Butterflies and Bullets’ directed by Mark Holland and starring some great up and coming British talent including Tony Fordham, Tony Cooke and Mitch Powel. I believe that’s now nearing the end of the post production process and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I also was in the psychological thriller ’45’ along with my brother Chico, we played a pair of rival boxers and I won’t say who but one of us ended up with a black eye at the end of filming. This film won a couple of awards on the film festival circuit.

Frost: Is there anything you miss in the UK?

J.C.: Friends and family but I keep in contact regularly with internet video chats and social networking. The biggest thing I missed was the birth of Chico and Daniela’s son Zacharia, that was a biggie and also the release of his world cup football song ‘It’s England Time’.

Director Interview – Adam Simcox [Film]

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Our emerging-talent-philes warned us about a director who was winning awards on the festival circuit so we cornered him to tell us all about his latest project. Here is what he said…

Frost: Tell me about the film…

Adam: Rock and Roll Stole my Soul is a fictional documentary about a rock band called the Fury.  It charts their almost rise to fame, and the bitterness and loss that comes with the failure of a band, or, indeed anyone, to make it in the music industry.

But, you know.  There’s jokes in there too.

Frost: What was your inspiration for making it?

Adam: I’ve been massively into music since the age of 5, and always dreamed about being the lead singer in a rock and roll band.  Or a guitarist.  To be honest, I’d have settled for bassist.  For a while, it looked like it might happen; the only thing really holding me back was a complete and utter lack of any musical ability whatsoever.  Plus, I couldn’t sing/didn’t have the requisite charisma/access to illegal pharmaceuticals.  Rock and Roll Stole my Soul is basically me living out my rock star fantasies, which is one of the reasons it was so much fun to make.

Frost:  What exactly is the film nominated for?

Adam: It picked up a best film nomination at the Twin Rivers Media Festival in North Carolina, and has just been selected for the AOF Festival in Pasadena.  That’s a biggie, as it was voted one of the 25 best by Moviemaker magazine, and is renowned for helping break new talent.  They announce the award nominees at the start of July, so I’m keeping everything that’s vaguely crossable crossed.

Frost: What was your biggest challenge you faced while you were making it?

Adam: The biggest challenge, and believe me, it’s a damn good challenge to face, is what to leave out.  I could have made another film with the material and actors I had to cut out completely.  I shot the film in two ways: there was a shooting script, which I captured, and then each scene would be acted out again, but this time completely improvised.  Because the format is a documentary one, and because it’s important for each performance to be as truthful as possible, all the auditions which were held were improvisational in format.  There are performances in this film that it just wasn’t possible to include, for reasons of story or running time.  It was a dream cast to work with.

Frost:  Is there anything you would have done differently if you did it again?

Adam: I shot this film on a rolling basis, over a period of 9 months, which was great, as it allowed me to go back and fix what wasn’t working, story wise.  For the first time, when it was finished and burning to DVD, I had the pleasant feeling of finishing a project that was almost exactly how I originally pictured it.  Visually, it’s not perfect – if I was to start shooting it again today parts of it would certainly look better – but overall I told the story I wanted to tell, in the manner I wanted to tell it.

Frost: Do you see yourself as a typical ‘auteur’?

Adam: I’m always wary of the term ‘auteur’, as it suggests a beret wearing, pretentious ****.  Now, while this is in fact a completely accurate description of me, I’d still rather consider myself as multi skilled media maverick.

The lesson I learnt from my first film, The Superhero, was that I needed a greater degree of self-sufficiency.  It’s not enough to just classify yourself as a writer/director nowadays.  If you’re working on a limited budget (and who isn’t?) it’s vital that you can do as many of the roles yourself as is physically possible.  On Superhero, because there was animation and a great deal of effects work, too much emphasis was put on other people.  With this film, I tried to make it as simple as possible, and adopted a back to basics approach, teaching myself editing, sound design and camera along the way.  This has led to me doing video work with several theatre companies this year.  I’m always up for collaborating with a project that seems like it’s going to be exciting.

Frost: What’s next in the pipeline?

Adam: I’ve made a bit of headway into the music video world this year.  I’m just finishing one for a Mexican artist called Mig Dfoe which I think is going to turn out really well.  It’s a great tune, and is out next month, I believe, on Loki Records.  I’ve also just finished shooting and editing a short film with Kirsty Eyre, who I know from the theatre world.  I can’t say too much about that one yet, but it’s unique, it’s called The Lonely Gladiator, and it could be a bit of a festival killer, I think.

Frost: Where can festival goers see your film being screened?

Adam: Any of you good people that are in the LA/Pasadena area, get yourselves to the AOF Festival in Pasadena from July 23rd onwards, snap up a ticket for the screening, and have your soul stolen by Rock and Roll*.

*Film not actually guaranteed to steal your soul, more just borrow it for 70 minutes