Guru

Jules Nurrish: Brits to Watch

Posted: 10 Nov 2011

Jules Nurrish is known for directing short film Bend It and has been named as a Brit to Watch. Here, she discusses her career highlights so far and why it’s important to be kind to everyone in the industry…

Jules Nurrish. A woman with short grey hair wearing a black suit, standing in front of American and British flags.
Credit: BAFTA/Barry J. Holmes

BCongrats on being selected as one of BAFTA’s Brits to Watch. What’s been your career highlight of the past year?

JNDirecting a short film written by someone else (Small Ransom) – a first for me – under the tutelage of Oscar-winning filmmaker, Bobby Moresco.

BWhat single piece of advice would you give to a young person trying to break into your discipline and get noticed?

JNDo what you love, and tell the stories that excite you, not what you think the ‘market’ wants.

BHow important is knowing people? Is raw talent enough?

JNUnfortunately, raw talent isn’t enough, but it certainly helps! I cannot stress enough the importance of having a wide and diverse network of people around you, especially in Hollywood where almost everyone you meet is in the ‘business’. My policy is to be nice to everyone; you never know how they might be able to help you, and vice versa.

BWhich of your projects are you most proud of?

JNA short film called Bend It that I directed while still living in London. It was a small, low-budget project made with a team of close collaborators that premiered at Sundance 2008.

BWhat’s your worst habit for procrastinating when you’re meant to be working?

JNEating and Facebook. Sometimes at the same time.

BHow do think the UK film industry will change in the next few years?

JNI think there will be less emphasis on cinemagoing, and more focus on watching and selling films online. Ultimately, people want to see compelling and truthful stories on screen – no matter how big the screen – so hopefully there will still be a place for strong films and filmmaking.

BGive us some insider info (shhh): Who would you chose as your ‘Brit to Watch’ in the coming years?

JNAs a resident of the city of self-promotion, I’ll say Jules Nurrish. Optimism is key, surely.

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