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Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson
Back in 2016, we reviewed a #shortfilm called Infinite, which starred George Mackay - who is currently getting rave reviews for his role in the epic war film 1917 - read our 1917 Movie Review Here.
We spoke to the short's director in this exclusive filmmaker interview.
How would you pitch your film to a new audience?
A film that should hopefully leave you with tears in your eyes, and unsure why you feel so happy at the same time. It’s about young men feeling comfortable to open up to one another in a time of grief.
Why did you want to make this movie?
After two people close to me unexpectedly died within 2 days of each other, I saw my close male friends respond by supporting each other through grief. I wanted to make a film that aimed to redefine masculintiy and represent men as both emotional, and willing to open up with one another, in the hope that it would provoke those who watch it to follow suit.
What were the struggles getting it made?
The budget was very small! At the time I was 21 and had to learn quite quickly what it meant to make a film of this scale and having never come from a film background - we just had to adapt and guess how to make it all run as smoothly as possible. Luckily, 4 years later, Lowkey is now our full time job so it definitely worked out well in the end!
Who are your filmmaking influences and why?
Peter Jackson as a director and Viggo Mortensen as an actor. When I was 9 I had an illness which made me bed bound for 2 months. I watched The Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers almost every day along with the BTS films. After seeing how the crew and actors came together to create something special, I knew this is what I wanted from both my life and #filmmaking.
Why do you make movies?
Sounds a bit extra… but sometimes, like with Infinite, it feels like I need to spill a story from my body. But mainly I want to tell stories that help to redefine stereotypes. With Infinite, it’s been amazing hearing so many men, young and old, have reached out to tell me how this film has made them feel more comfortable to be open and emotional with those around them and all audiences have said how it shines a positive light for them on life after death.
What's next for you?
I still feel like I have more to say about masculinity, therefore, we’ve spent the past 4 years developing Infinite as a feature. Alongside running Lowkey Films and directing commercial work, developing the feature into something really special is my main goal at the moment.
What would you say if you were a dolphin?
Why is there a lidl bag in my house?
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