Lara Parker - Has time to fly...
It’s funny how you can become so passionate about filmmaking, then gradually feel the opportunity to make films slip away from you.Lara Parker is a Media Graduate having completed a Film Production degree at Gloucestershire University, over a year ago. Feeling at a loss with her filmmaking dream, she chanced upon the Mini Masterpieces filming initiative and here she describes how it got her back on the right track.
I've realised completing a degree in Film Production doesn't guarantee you an instant job in the film industry or a promised wage packet. Until the opportunity to get involved in films came again, I began working hard as a waitress, just to support myself. I never thought the first opportunity I would have, involved directing my own film.
When I found out about the Mini Masterpieces competition, I felt the same sense of passion for filmmaking as I had experienced during my degree. It was only a matter of days before the deadline that I became aware of the competition, so in this short space of time I thought of an idea for a 3 minute documentary around the notion of ‘Independence’.
The competition contained two pitching rounds and I was fairly confident about the first pitch as it was held at my old university. I had pitched there before, although in very different circumstances.
When I was told that I had made it through to the Final pitch round in Bristol, this was the moment my nerves really kicked in. I realised then, I was getting closer to making my first independent film.
The Final round contained two separate pitching sessions. Both pitches included a panel of 5 industry professionals, so it was incredibly nerve-racking selling your idea to people who knew the industry so well. The first pitch was ten minutes long and more formal but still extremely useful. I think it boosted my confidence for the second pitch as the judges engaged with and related to my idea, giving me some very encouraging feedback.
After being selected to make my film it was not long until the deadline. With only 2 and half weeks to plan, film and edit I was grateful I had already started much of the planning. It was also brilliant having the support of a professional Producer. This really helped me make the best film possible with such intense time and budget constraints.
For my film I thought it would be interesting to put myself in my parent’s shoes. I wanted to understand how it had felt for them to re-gain their independence once their children had grown up and left home. By doing so I found that every parent has a unique situation and it can be a difficult experience to cope with. It illicits a strange combination of heartbreak mixed with excitement of their newly found independence.
I think the most intimidating but exciting aspect of the Mini Masterpieces competition was the Premiere at Encounters Short Film Festival in Bristol. There is always the worry of whether people will like and engage with your film but for me, the Q&A session after the screening was far more daunting.
It was odd as a filmmaker, being in the spotlight. However the audience were genuinely interested in the process and the inspirations of myself and the 4 other filmmakers. I actually even enjoyed the Q&A, as it allowed me to share with others the fantastic experience and opportunity I have had.
Making my film Time to Fly for Mini Masterpieces has really given me the kick start I needed to make my own films. I now feel ready to put down my apron and get behind a camera again.
