ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
TIM THOMPSETT
FALL DOWN A RABBIT HOLE OF ART , HISTORY AND FASHION THIS CHRISTMAS WITH insideKENT ’ S NEWEST ARTIST PROFILE : FILM AND TV EDITOR , TIM THOMPSETT . WITH PREVIOUS WORK INCLUDING LES MISÉRABLES : THE STAGED CONCERT , AND GARY LINEKER : MY GRANDAD ' S WAR , TIM TALKS US THROUGH HIS LATEST VENTURE , THE V & A PRESENTS ALICE : CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER . WE EXPLORE HIS LIFE WORKING FROM HOME IN KENT , HOW THE FILM CAME TO BE AND HOW HE TURNS HOURS OF FOOTAGE INTO MASTERPIECE AFTER MASTERPIECE .
Can you tell us what your role as editor involves and your experience working on the new documentary film The V & A Presents Alice : Curiouser and Curiouser ?
As a film and TV editor , it is my job to take the raw footage ( rushes ) from a film shoot and turn them into an entertaining programme . I start by outlining the narrative then gradually build a film that the director wants by using music , effects and the best shots to make it dramatic and engaging . The V & A Presents Alice : Curiouser and Curiouser was a joy to work on . I ’ m a bit of a history fan and I learned tons of facts surrounding the creation and the influence of Lewis Carroll ’ s wonderful books . The film touches on his days as a lecturer at Oxford University in the 19th century , right through to current atomic particle experiments via art , politics , theatre , film and fashion .
You currently live in Faversham . Do you often work from home and , if so , how was your experience working on the project from Kent ?
Editing hours are very long , so it ’ s great being able to work from home as I can avoid the daily train journey . It gives me more time to be with my family and enjoy the benefits of living in Faversham . It depends on the project I am working on as to whether I need to commute , but I try to stay local as often as I can . The Alice film rushes were prepared and organised for me at my company in London . Then , using some nifty technology , I control the computers in London from home to make the film . It ’ s a pretty seamless process .
What can audiences expect from this film ? How closely does it stick to the V & A ’ s original exhibition , Alice : Curiouser and Curiouser ?
The film is essentially a tour of the exhibition with extras . Imagine a walk around the show with Kate Bailey , the curator , and Andi Oliver , the presenter , giving insight and background to each of the exhibits . Interviews with artists and designers whose work is featured combined with beautiful imagery means it ’ s a wonderful experience .
How does it feel to have been working on a project that is soon showing to audiences here in Kent ?
I feel proud of the film and I hope the audiences here in Kent enjoy losing themselves down the rabbit hole of this delightful exhibition .
What cinema will you be seeing the film show in , and where can the rest of us watch it ?
I will probably be heading to the Curzon in Canterbury to watch it . It will be about the 100th time I ’ ve seen it , but my first on a big screen . You can find more dates and venues by visiting www . aliceincinemas . com .
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