FMP - Progressive Directing

This week my project(s) for Final Major Project were green lit. The main focus of mine is Echoes of Silence, a passion project of mine which I have actively pursued creating since the beginning of level 6 back in September. Since that point, I have dipped in and out of both the conceptual and screenwriting processes of bringing the film to life. The first draft of the script was completed in November, which was then sent out for feedback in time for the pitching process in January. Based on all I have just discussed, it is clear that I set a long term goal for myself. This was an intention of mine, as I wanted to really push myself and test my capabilities over a long period time in the filmmaking process. I have set out on this project to push myself as a director and to take a risk in doing so. This post will be dedicated to the decision making process around why I want to make this film, how I want it to be and what this will mean for my future. 

The first point to make is that Echoes of Silence will be an evolutionary step in the process of me becoming a director, just as Alice and Nemesis (my previous films at CCAD, 2016 & 2017) were in the past. The only way I can ever see myself becoming a director is if I accept the need for improvement and change. I have learned in my time as a student that you can learn from mistakes even if they aren't your own. I have witnessed people stay in the same place, and in acting from a comfort zone they cease to improve. I want to go against this, even if it means risking a film falling apart due to the size and scale of the production. Echoes of Silence will hopefully be testament to all I have just said, acting as a platform for artistic growth. If I am to envision myself directing in the future, the only way to prepare in my eyes is to present myself with challenges. 

I also feel that if we collectively get Echoes of Silence right in our individual areas, this can be a calling card for our careers. Now that we have a talented crew behind the film, we can push for awards and recognition. That can benefit us in the long run, having numerous accolades behind us that display our work ethic and talent. The next few months are going to be incredibly difficult for everyone involved, but it is a challenge we must all face head on if we are going to make this film a success. As both Producer and Director I take full responsibility for the film and in doing so I hope to inspire the crew and keep the production thoroughly organised. 

Echoes of Silence means a lot for my future as a filmmaker. This is a chance for me to both establish my skill and technique, but more importantly to establish my potential to future employers. I want Echoes of Silence to be the film that wins the crew awards and gets us attention. I hope to apply for a MA degree after I finish my degree at CCAD, and I'd like Echoes of Silence to be testament to my work at degree level and my growth as a director.