My Progress So far
I feel I have made immense progress throughout my filmmaking career so far. I have made many contacts through university and collaborating with other filmmakers and production companies. I started out in the film industry as a runner on a short film funded by Bradford Council. This was my first time on a film set and learned ‘set etiquette’ very quickly. I made many new contacts and long-lasting friendships with other filmmakers such including Casey Shaw and Jordon Scott Kennedy.
I was then asked to work on future Idle Work Factory projects as they had secured funding and grants from Channel 4 as part of their short form content fund. The two films I gained the chance to work on were ‘Youthless’ directed by Jordon Scott Kennedy and ‘Sons and Daughters of Subculture’ directed by Casey Shaw. I gained immense experience on longer shoots due to locations being varied and Actors’ availability on certain days. I also witnessed documentary in production, which I found to be a much calmer environment.
I had experience in making a documentary prior to working with Idle Work Factory in which I travelled to Italy with a group of students to make a poetic documentary on the subject of a city in the Adriatic quarter of Italy. I gained much experience in filmmaking and editing such as narrative structure in documentary production and colour grading and correction in post-production. The film took more than a year to assemble in post-production. I finally exhibited the film at the Pictureville Cinema in Bradford to a minor audience.
I have also worked with other filmmakers outside of Bradford. I operated sound equipment for an M.A student film named ‘Bittersweet’, directed by Chloe Ali. I was tutored and mentored by a sound operator who has worked freelance in the film industry, mainly generating commercial and corporate content for businesses and organisations. I was taught how to gain clear sound quality by positioning the microphone in certain places around the actors. I also experienced intimacy coordination on set. This is an immensely important aspect of filmmaking as if it isn’t taken seriously, it can result in someone’s safety being compromised.
I gained experience on the set of Coronation Street for one day. This was an assessment opportunity for a position in the props department. I felt that this position didn’t hold any relevance in my chosen career path as an editor. It was fascinating to witness the processes of producing a soap opera for television. I met other candidates on the day that I felt were far more suitable and experienced than I was, even though I have a qualification in materials technology. I also couldn’t take the internship the production crew were offering as I had already applied for university at that time.
I started my degree 2 years ago in Film and Media production. I have generated content for several businesses and organisations during my time at university with my fellow students, we have also made several short films. I improved on my editing skills such as colour grading and narrative pacing through editing projects for assignments. I have also taken part in mentorship initiatives and schemes coordinated by Screen Yorkshire and Channel 4.
The first I applied for and secured a place was Beyond Brontës, a mentoring initiative to improve and increase representation in film and television. This was incredibly aiding in gaining contacts within the film industry and attending guest lectures, workshops and Q and A’s with industry professionals. I also secured a placement on Filmmakers 25, which is backed by Channel 4. The initiative is to aid young upcoming filmmakers obtain mentorship from an industry professional with immense experience in working in film and television.
How will I progress further?
I hope to complete my degree so I can progress further in my filmmaking career. I feel I have improved my skills as a filmmaker through taking on assignments that associate with many aspects of film production and ttheory. Contacts I have made whilst attending university should aid me in future film endeavours and involvement. The confidence I have aquired during this time should aid me in my future projects and gaining work and reverence as a filmmaker. I possibly won’t finish my degree at my current place of education, since I feel I have outgrown the environment. I will most likely complete my BA at another institution. I may possibly study for an MA degree (Master of Arts) at some point in the future, however I feel that I should gain increased work and experience in the film industry prior to undertaking another year of education.
I hope to continue working with Idle Work Factory as I am passionate about representing working class people in a positive and honest way. I will be working on their next film ‘Dynamite Dealer’ which has been funded by the BFI (British Film Institute), this is an immensely exciting opportunity as they are a prestigious organisation in the film industry. I hope they will aid me in gaining funding for my own projects and films for future endeavour in my filmmaking career. I feel that I will gain more acclaim in my work if I am associated with them as an organisation and production company.
I also plan to apply for more mentoring initiatives to gain increased knowledge of working in the film industry and improve my skills as a filmmaker. I am fortunate to have secured places on prestigious initiatives such as Beyond Brontës and Filmmakers 25 as I have gained immense knowledge from experienced individuals within the film industry.
Overall, I feel that there are multiple options and routes I could take in my future career as a filmmaker. I’m unsure of exactly what path to take next as I still desire to obtain my BA degree (Bachelor of Arts). I look forward to strengthening my skill set in future projects. Regarding interpersonal skills and employability, I feel I have worked as part of a team effectively and communicated with confidence to meet the requirements of the brief. I have been dedicated in all processes and feel I have demonstrated professional practice across the module with a focus on teamwork and collaboration with other filmmakers.
https://www.bradford.ac.uk/external/. Link to University of Bradford
https://www.instagram.com/ethan_duckworth2813?igsh=MTVrdWtjMXcwbGxxMQ== Link to Instagram