Members' Advice and Inspiration

29 October 09

From Editors and Cinematographers to Animators and Actors, BAFTA Members represent the very best talent from across the Film, TV and Video games Industries. Here, they impart their expert advice and send messages of inspiration to anyone trying to kickstart their career.

Directors

View advice from BAFTA Members about how to make it as a Director

Animation and Effects

Martin Firrell – Moving Image Artist

Quentin Crisp said it to me, now I say it to you: “Say YES to everything!”

Paul Donnellon – Animator

Enjoy the process, the actual doing /making of your work, rather than only aiming for the finished piece. This way you will build your film bit-by-enjoyable-bit and will actually finish what you begin.

Steve Begg – Visual Effects Supervisor

To all aspiring future vfx personnel… Visual effects in movies didn't just start with Star Wars...

Embrace new technologies but don't let new technology become the story...

Producers

Brian Harris – Producer/Ex Camera Department

Always be willing to share your knowledge. Someone will do it for you and you owe it to the industry to do it for others.

Johnny Goodman – Retired TV Producer and former BAFTA Chairman

I remember a young man who stayed up for nights on end working for me. He was too young first time around but I remembered him when I needed a runner a year later. He became a wonderful Production Manager and his dedication to enter the industry was featured in a full page article in the Daily Mirror. Never give up.

Jane Fuller – Producer

Keep focused and never lose sight of your goal no matter how tough it gets.

Aidan Williams – Producer

The movie business is like any business - you have to make money! Tenacity is big part of it too. So... good luck!

Scripts and Storyboards

Tim Clague – Writer

Write about the world and your life as you see it. Do not try to write about what you have seen in other films. Think about what you can bring to the audience: your opinion, your view, your life, your imagination.

Brendan Houghton – Storyboard Artist

Three things will determine your success: Ambition, Talent and Luck. Luck will play the biggest part. All who get to the top will admit to being very lucky at that all important major career changing point... So make sure you put yourself about to give yourself a chance of "being in the right place at the right time".

Editors

Charles Frater – Editor

Join us and never stop learning. When you stop learning, leave.

Think about what you can bring to the audience: your opinion, your view, your life, your imagination.

Presenters and Actors

Adam Leese – Actor

Three words: Question, Listen, Learn.

Edith Bowman – Broadcaster/Presenter

Be yourself. Don't try and be something you are not as people can see through that very quickly. Also, if you know in your heart of hearts you want to do something, don't take no for an answer. If you persist, it will happen. I should know. Good luck!

Behind the Camera

Shane Daly – Cinematographer

Never give up! There will be great highs and lows but the important thing is to retain some perspective and hold on to your confidence and self belief.

Robin Browne – Director of Photography

To all young film makers: Learn your craft and do not ignore the advice of those more senior. Too many students want to rush to the top without experience. (Those who have just become doctors don't immediately start brain surgery operations.)

Franz Pagot – Cinematographer

Shoot sometimes in black and white. Black and white is good for the grey matter.

Embrace new technologies but don't let new technology become the story.

Be passionate, but respectful of others and achieve the respect of your peers through hard work. Help anyone who asks you nicely and be impervious to arrogance and rudeness.

Behind the Scenes

Frances Phillips – Talent Agent

Be confident: you are selling a product even if that product is an A list client. Know them and their capabilities well. Be prepared when starting a talent agency to be inundated by the young and recent graduates and remember to be kind and generous in your response. Create good working practices, especially with casting directors, producers etc... And always remember to be confident in your negotiations.

Robert Lands – Entertainment Lawyer

Remember that it's a business as well as an art form. Learn how that works to give your creativity the edge.

Lorraine Heggessey – CEO, talkbackTHAMES

It's all about talent and creativity. Work with those who bring the best out of you and who you can bring the best out of. If it's not fun, you're in the wrong business. I have never felt like it's "work".