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1/11/19 - Today the editors put together the footage that we had provided, including a title screen and credits, so that they are ready to be shown at the celebration event. While they did this, we took a masters class with Faisal A. Qureshi about the film industry and routes into it. I learnt a lot from this, helping me to gain a clearer plan on what I'm going to do.
What is their job role? What does it involve?
Qureshi is a writer/ producer meaning that he has the job of creating the dialogue, characters, and storyline that make up a movie script, or screenplay. He would then have to work on the changes if they were needed/ asked for. As a producer he would have a producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script; coordinating writing, directing, and editing; and arranging financing.
How did they start working in their job role?
Qureshi won a script-writing competition with Channel 4, enabling one of his scripts to be made. As well as going to film school, this enabled him to take his first steps in the industry. His family wanted him to go into science etc. but he chose writing due to winning the competition.
What have they done in their career?
He’s worked on films like Four Lions (Chris Morris, 2010), Leaving Netherland (2019) and The Day Shall Come (Chris Morris, 2019). He’s worked quite a lot with Morris over his career. He mentioned how Morris approached him and how the role felt more like a journalist than a filmmaker due to all the research.
What have you learnt about working in film?
I learnt a lot about starting off in the industry and how to ensure that you get the best start. He said that you should always ask questions when looking at film schools and how many students will be in the class as less means you get more attention. He talked about being a runner and how this provides you with a lot of learning and experience just by being in and around a film set. I learnt a lot about the environment that you are put into when you’re filming. You have to work as a team as everyone is important, you need to stay calm as it’s a very stressful and competitive atmosphere. I learnt about the process of getting a script green-lighted, there’s a lot of back and forth between the writer and producers, everyone has to agree on it.
What progression routes have you found out about?
Going into this meeting, I already knew about film school etc. but I still learnt about others. For example, Qureshi talked about becoming a runner and the lessons/ experiences you gain from having it. He talked about coming into the industry from a sound operator’s perspective as not many people want to do that so others are always on the look-out for them.
What opportunities for your own progression have you found out about?
Coming away from the meeting, I feel like it’s made my route into the industry/ opportunities for me clear. Due to my interest in becoming a director, I’ll pursue the job of a runner as Qureshi talked about having to work your way up through the industry. I’m very much interested in film school and the opportunities and learning I’ll gain from it. Extra work is also another avenue as it would provide me with experiences on a film set and working in a certain environment.
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