INTERVIEWS

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CCMA: What initially sparked your passion for filmmaking?

Jack: I've always loved watching movies and at a young age I decided I wanted to know how they were made, so I picked up a camera and just went out and started making videos. Over the years I've worked with some very talented and creative people that have helped me improve my work and create projects I'm truly proud of. 

 

CCMA: How do you approach securing funding for your independent projects?

Jack: I fund all of my projects myself. I'd love to be able to secure funding for some large scale projects but as we all know, that's much easier said than done!

 

CCMA: What strategies do you utilize to get your films seen by a wider audience?

Jack: I've built my audience through posting films on YouTube, Facebook and recently trying content for TikTok. In recent years we have had success at a number of film festivals so that now is the goal of reaching people. Festivals are a great way get your work seen all over the world.

 

CCMA: How do you leverage social media and online platforms to connect with your audience?

Jack: Social media is something I don't spend a great deal of time with to be honest. I promote and post all of our films and videos online and it has gathered its audience there. I'm always experimenting with new ideas to get our work to more people. It's certainly hard to keep up with all the platforms and promoting projects takes a lot of time.

 

CCMA: What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned in your filmmaking journey so far?

Jack: That putting in the hard work pays off. Making films is not easy and if your like me and do quite a lot of the production side yourself, then it's even harder. I feel like I work best doing what's called gorilla style film making. Just getting out and doing it. It's more fun and the creativity flows much easier if your in the middle of it.

And not everything works, sometimes you'll fail and it's about getting up and trying again. I've had a number of projects fall over and I've come back and done them a second time. They always turn out better because you learn from what goes wrong. So don't give up. Make things!

 

CCMA: Are you currently working on any new projects you'd like to share about?

Jack: I have just finished a new film called Beware The Bear that is about to begin a hopeful festival run. Myself and my creative partners are always writing and creating new projects so there's always something in the pipeline!

 

CCMA: In your opinion, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing independent cinema today?

Jack: Over saturation is definitely a key challenge. But so much content is being made to keep up with the demand of streaming services so there is always an opportunity to have your project find its place. People what more more more and it's up to independent film makers to seize that opportunity and feed the beast.

It's a great time for independent cinema really as I've found that people are becoming tired of mainstream big budget blockbusters. People want something deeper and more interesting. I find myself coming back to names like A24 again and again to find films that really stay with me. Look a little deeper and you might be surprised at the gems you'll find.

 

CCMA: How do you plan to adapt your approach to distribution as new technologies emerge?

Jack: By going with the flow, watching and seeing what emerges and giving things a shot. You never know who will see your work. So by posting it somewhere new, you might just find your audience.