Who needs the Big Smoke? Making a film career outside of London

Words by Rich Matthews

Like the rest of the UK, the film industry in Britain tends to be London-centric. It’s the biggest city with the most people, more money and a larger talent pool. But just as there is life outside of the country’s major metropolis, so there are more career opportunities in the regions than people often think. With persistence, hard work and a little bit of luck – this is showbusiness, let’s not forget – it’s entirely possible to build a film and TV career and not be based in London. It’s always worth remembering that the nature of the business means you tend to move about for work, filming on location for example, which means that there is naturally work around the country on a fairly regular basis.

Take producer Ed Barratt, under his Hook Pictures banner, Barratt has recently found success with his first feature, The Rise, starring Luke Treadaway, Iwan Rheon, Matthew Lewis, Vanessa Kirby and Timothy Spall. After premiering at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival and then playing at the BFI London Film Festival, Barratt was nominated for BAFTA’s Breakthrough Brit initiative in 2013.

With a strong slate of upcoming projects and two films due to start production this year, being based in Newcastle upon Tyne certainly hasn’t held Barratt back. “Through good fortune rather than design – or indeed any obvious talent – I’m still in the film industry and still based in Newcastle 12 years after I naïvely equated my love of film with a smart career choice,” says Barratt. “In the early days, I think being out in the regions was actually very beneficial. I very quickly found paid running opportunities on network TV dramas and independent feature films.

“There wasn’t a tremendous amount of production going on but equally the pool of people trying to find work was small,” Barratt continues. “I would guess that the ratio of supply (of runners) and demand (from the number of productions) in London would be comparable but, importantly, my overheads were certainly cheaper and therefore the pressure and urgency was reduced. I also found that the smaller community of young filmmakers became fairly close and would often share news of any work that was on the horizon – once their own position on a job was secure, of course! The other advantage of the small crew base was that a good reputation could be quickly developed.”

For Scottish actor Paul Brannigan, it’s important to always be realistic about how much hard graft and personal sacrifice may be needed to keep working. “The hard work I put into my life and working with others, helping them to make informed decisions, is what has got me to where I am today,” the Sunshine On Leith actor explains. Brannigan can currently be seen in cinemas in Jonathan Glazer’s adaption of Michel Faber’s science fiction novel Under The Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson.

“I feel that we have to inform people of the struggles that lie ahead and the work required to have any kind of shot,” Brannigan says. “This might be tough love, but that’s what’s needed in this game – its hard, tiring and can take over your life. If you live away from London, there’s a big gulf in the standard being set. For example, the west end of Glasgow has an old church converted into a pub/theatre, where they do a play, a pie and pint. The West End of London, in comparison, has endless shows with some of the world’s greatest actors and actresses performing regularly. So, you often have to leave family and friends behind to work and provide.”

Brannigan continues: “Not everyone will have to face these decisions, but sacrifices have to be made and it’s up to you how much you are willing to give away to get what you want. But, if you combine hard work with realistic goals then it is achievable to break through. There are lots of positives about meeting new friends, creating new and exciting circles, making contacts and getting to express your thoughts and ideas then build on them. Believe me people will help you if you help yourself.”

One positive that Ed Barratt still finds beneficial is a cheaper cost of living – even with extra travel costs to conduct business meetings in London. “Low overheads remain the biggest advantage of basing yourself in the regions and, coupled with the quality of life I can enjoy in the North East, it’s the main reason I’m still here,” he explains. “The downside is primarily the cost and effort associated with traveling to London on a frequent basis. It’s a necessary evil in terms of meeting with financiers, distributors and talent, who are, in the main, based there. There are two silver linings, though – firstly, you’re in town for a finite amount of time, so people will make more of an effort to fit into your schedule, and, secondly, so much of the business takes place at the international film markets, such as Berlin, Cannes, etc., that not being in London isn’t missed on those occasions.”

Family man Brannigan does enjoy stints down south, but also still wants to be based in his native Scotland. “Going down to the Big Smoke is great and always a real buzz for me,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to work at Elstree Studios, something I couldn’t have done up here as we don’t have any major studios. But hopefully one day Scotland will.”

For Barratt, the benefits of being based in the regions aren’t just financial. “The biggest advantage is that being in Newcastle is now part of my and my company’s identity and will remain so for the foreseeable future,” he comments. “The business takes place in London but the work happens in Newcastle.”

And Brannigan believes that talent and hard work will help get you noticed, wherever you’re based. “If you can use your talents to help others and make some money, there are always people wanting you to do well, like BAFTA with me,” he explains. “BAFTA has given me a great opportunity to chat with my mentors and installed great confidence in me.”