Industry Blog
Some people might tell you I'm the CEO at DigitalCity Business, and charged with creating a vibrant, successful and self-sustaining digital technology, digital media and creative supercluster in the Tees Valley with a world reputation for innovation, daring and excellence.
But I'm also a filmmaker, and I'm currently developing a thriller with dark occult overtones alongside Steve Bowden of Vita Nova films. And filmmaking is where it all started...
I graduated from St Martin's School of Art in London, and soon found myself in charge of a new commercials editing company [I was the runner but could do quotes better than my boss]. In time, it grew into one of London's most successful film post-production houses. I became the [then] youngest commercials editor in town, then its [then] youngest commercials director, and spent a good few years making films across the world for companies such as Volkswagen, Walt Disney, Ford, Caterpillar, Coca Cola, Granada, Yellow Pages, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble. Along the way I also picked up a track record in branding, merchandising, licensing and product development.
Then one day about fourteen years ago someone asked me to pitch with him for the creative and commercial side of a premiership football club. Against some really big opposition, we won the gig and I found myself travelling upcountry for what I thought would be a three month assignment in the North East. Oh well...
My favourite film: Apocalypse Now; A Matter of Life and Death; Aguirre, Wrath of God; Bladerunner; Geronimo - An American Legend
What my school report said: His long hair and general attitude clearly indicate he is doomed to achieve little in life [that's me on the scrapheap, at 14 years old; the hair went a while ago]
Posts from Mark Elliott - Filmmaker; CEO, DigitalCity Business:
Hectic week as ever - January 07 2010
There's something on my mind. - December 07 2009
Mark's First Post - December 01 2009
I sort of fell into producing films after a slightly checkered background in a variety of arts-related jobs, some more enjoyable than others. Having decided that neither ballet nor bongo-playing were really my thing I ended up producing short films, music promos and the odd TV programme. I also had one foray into the world of corporate video with an attempt to make a rather unique ultra-low-budget interpretation of 'Robocop' - probably the most spectacularly bad advertisement for a security company that you could ever imagine. Robin Gutch, joint MD of Warp X gave me my first shot at producing when he was at Channel 4. Many, many years later he must have forgotten his original error and took me on as Head of Creative Development for the new low-budget studio that was rather conveniently being launched with its head office in my home town of Sheffield. For the preceding five years I had been heading up the UK Film Council's short film schemes through my own company Lifesize Pictures so it's been great to expand my experience into features. It was also brilliant to see some of fantastic talent I'd worked with on shorts make the move into features through Warp X. The company is now into its fourth year with six features under its belt, three of which will be released in the next six months, and an exciting slate of new projects in development.
My favourite film: The Apartment
What my school report said: Age - 16, Subject - P.E. Caroline can work very well when she wants to and has real ability. I hope she feels more energetic this term.
Posts from Caroline Cooper Charles - Head of Creative Development, Warp X:
Warp X Blog - July 21 2009
I joined the Pixar team 11 years ago when it was a little known studio with only Toy Story to its name. Since then, I have worked on A Bug's Life, Monster's Inc., Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille and the recent short film Presto! It's great to have grown as an animator as the company has grown too.
I have a sincere interest in developing talent which comes from having been inspired myself by my role models when I was starting out. The guys that helped me were so generous with their time and expertise and I realise now how important that advice and encouragement was to my ambitions and achievements. I enjoyed running an intern program at Pixar last year, showing a set of bright young things the ropes and giving them some crucial on the job training.
My favourite film: Some Like it Hot, Beauty and the Beast (Disney), City Lights (Chaplin) to name but a few.
Posts from Mark Walsh - Supervising Animator, Pixar Animation Studios:
Hello from sunny Emeryville, Northern California - February 18 2009
When I left university I set up a music promotions company: managing new acts, organising live events and releasing music. I still love music - especially finding and exhibiting new talent - but for the last few three years I've become ever more occupied with comedy. I joined Conker Media in 2006 as Content Editor of Channel 4's 4Laughs, an interactive project helping to develop and mobilise aspiring new comedy creators. After two brilliant years at 4Laughs I started a new job as a TV script-editor and online content producer. Being a geek to the core has paid off - I love my job. I currently work with a small, but amazingly innovative and gifted team who are passionate about great writing, regional talent, fresh ideas and innovative formats.
We're a very busy department and my job is hugely varied. I constantly work with new writers to help develop scripts, whether they be for tele or online. Although imagination is boundless, there are certain rules for both platforms which help hone great comedy. I've just finished working on a 6 part comedy-drama and am now working on a sketch show. It's a very different process, but rounded characters and sketches with shape and considered dialogue are still key.
Although new talent often finds us, there's no substitute for a few well-spent hours surfing the internet for amusement, inspiration and hidden gems. The quality of some of content being made by people with a muse and passion for their genre is astounding. From music videos to short-form comedy, short films to engaging, witty or informative blogs - it's a brilliant platform.
My favourite film: Rocky IV
What my school report said: This would be a good essay if you weren't so rhapsodic
Posts from Davina Earl:
Hello everyone... - January 26 2009
The week before CHristmas - December 23 2008
Seasons Greetings Everybody - December 19 2008
To me, comedians are enchanting people, (though some aren't that enchanting when you get to know them) but they possess a fantastical skill - humour. Most people have a sense of humour, but these beings have the dexterity to command it. And I'm so jealous.
Now, I work for Channel 4 4Laughs, a site dedicated to developing, supporting and encouraging budding comics to get their work seen. Working as part of a team, I advise and create opportunities for users work to get their work seen by the industry professionals. And we've had some success stories too! Two of the 4Laughs users have won the Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball competition, one user has been picked up by Warner Bros and another works closely with Baby Cow Productions.
In the future, I plan to take part in a comedy course, which is scary for two reasons. Firstly, public speaking isn't my forte and secondly, no one wants to find out they're not funny...
My favourite film: Hmm... Escape from New York
What my school report said: One teacher wrote: "Fay reads like a train" - thinking back, that doesn't make sense. Maybe she meant like Ringo Star... peace and love, peace and love...
Posts from Fay James:
Fay's last post - November 24 2008
Week Three - November 14 2008
Week Two - November 06 2008
Fay's First Blog! - October 30 2008
Charlie Phillips is the Marketplace Producer for Sheffield Doc/Fest, co-ordinating the MeetMarket, a unique opportunity for filmmakers and producers to present their most innovative and passionate ideas to commissioners, buyers and distributors. Before that, he was the Editor of FourDocs, Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning online documentary channel, and he continues to bring a cross-platform perspective to Sheffield’s marketplace activities.
My favourite film: Gallivant by Andrew Kotting
What my school report said: Charlie is an intelligent but shy young man prone to flights of fancy
Posts from Charlie Phillips:
Charlie's Blog 29 Sept 08 - September 29 2008
Charlie's Blog 9 September 2009 - September 09 2008
Charlie's Blog 27 August 2008 - August 29 2008
Welcome to the first industry blog - August 11 2008
