HER(E).

Where are you from?

 

I grew up in the Lake District, lived in London for 12 years and moved to Devon four years ago. 

 

What got you into filmmaking?

 

I studied Graphic Design at The London Institute's Camberwell College of Art and Design where I specialised in creating film visuals and musique concrète soundscapes. After graduating, I went on to work at BBC’s DVSolutions followed by working in production for the BBC2 Culture Show programme - assisting the team, filming for the programme and researching dance content. I developed a love of factual documentary and storytelling and this led into a career as a producer director specialising in arts, music and charity filmmaking. I enjoy the wide variety of experiences that filmmaking brings and have worked on documentaries, feature films, promos, music videos and visuals. I've worked with large teams, crews, celebrities and actors, and also independently as a self-shooter and editor. I enjoy sharing my filmmaking knowledge to inspire others and also work as a tutor with Exeter Phoenix Digital and Into Film.

 

 

How did the idea for "Jab Jab The Biggest Band You've Never Heard OF" come about?

 

The discovery of lost reel-to-reel Jab Jab tapes last year was the catalyst for making this film and getting the band back together. I grew up hearing stories about the band and wanted to document their story and music. In the 70s there was no Soundcloud, no Facebook, no iTunes and everything hinged on a recording contract. Despite Jab Jab being one of Britain’s most in demand live bands of the day, they remained unsigned and their music was unavailable outside the live performances. I love their unique fusion of rock, reggae, calypso and funk music and when I met the rest of the band, as a filmmaker I knew it would be an exciting and fulfilling project.

 

 

Generally, how important are Devon & Cornwall to you in your filmmaking/film inspirations?

 

Living in Devon after London has given me space to re-find my creative voice and the local media industry, particularly in Exeter, has been very supportive. I am inspired by the hidden stories of my locality as in my film Tongan Threads. My art visual film work often draws inspiration from the landscapes of Devon.

 

How important is it to you that females get a voice in filmmaking? Do you think females in the film industry are doing enough to get their voices heard?

 

Very important. Women can bring new perspectives to filmmaking, but have to keep pushing to get their voices heard. I’ve done lots of jobs which traditionally were done by men so find it hard to separate the genders and have always felt on an equal footing with my colleagues. I think it’s very useful for women to develop technical skills in addition to creative and organisational skills, particularly in this age of self-shooting and editing. Women can put their multi-tasking skills to good use in this industry! Although still male dominated, I know many successful women and my experience has been positive. It's not an easy career to work around family life and it’s meant I’ve had to work through the night and most weekends for the last year, but I love what I do so it’s worth it.