GS: How did Bernard Hill become involved and what role did he have in the film? AW: We originally approached Bernard for one of the main roles (Graham). He enjoyed the script and was trying to make it work but unfortunately due to other commitments he couldn’t work around our schedule. Luckily for us he was more than happy to lend us his voice for the role of Cranleigh. It was great to work with such a veteran of the screen and stage and it was very scary for me as a director.
GS: What advice would you give anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Geek Syndicate
GS: When can we expect to see the finished film? AW: It will be screened at Cannes this May and I imagine the official premiere will be soon after. GS: You are all part of the production company The Future Masters of Technology. Where did the name come from and how were you formed? AW: The name was created by Mike Pike our editor. It was for a previous film we made together, but it was just too pretentious. It hung around as a joke and it got out of control. It sounds like a bad Steven Seagal movie about internet terrorists. GS: What’s next for the future masters? AW: A new and improved version of The Disappearance of Flight 86. Think The Road mixed with The Langoliers. Find out more online at: The Future Masters of Technology
GS: You’ve already released a trailer for Outpost 11 What has the reaction been like? AW: The reaction has been very good. I have already had a few enquires from distributors and lots of little bits of press.
AW: Write loads because it costs nothing and it’s the first big hurdle. Just completing a first draft is a big step towards making your first feature and not many people even get that far. Find a good crew you can trust and make shorts with them every year, if someone doesn’t work physically or socially within the group dynamic, be ruthless and cut them loose – film work relies on everyone putting in 100% and you have to be of the highest standard. A stupid man once told me you can make a film by yourself and I disagree massively, the teamwork aspect in film making is essential and you are only as strong as your weakest person. Know about the benefits of schemes like the EIS and embrace the digital revolution, its sad to say but film is dead. Most importantly be your own boss, as long as you are working for someone else you will always be making them rich. It may seem hard and an epic up-hill struggle but I am telling you it’s not as difficult as you may think.
Barry Nugent
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