Levisnafu

needed this project to come through over summer so i could afford to pay for certain things, god hate this industry. It's been delayed now 3 times since May. The main aspects, location, budget, etc are locked. It's literally just scheduling...

The third film, which has the biggest budget, has been delayed once again due to scheduling, despite having a table read with a great cast last week. The problem here is not the actors but a fairly incompetent producer and annoying agents... 🙃

The Algothrim of Loss - new black mirror type film I shot in May has been completed now, is going out to festivals, film will preview later this month. Actually quite proud of the result of this film! It was a big risk for me.

Bodies - horror concept film will shoot next month.

if things are not made concrete in the next 7-10 days, then seriously, I will have to reconsider whether I can still direct this film, beautiful script, but the producers are not as passionate as they should be, or, it's misplaced.

it's up to the producers and the company, but time is running out I can't sit on things forever, I have a life and other projects I'm very keen to work on. I said as much when I was attached there is a deadline to get this shot before October. That was 5 months ago. still we're here. No shoot dates.

lol sensing a lot of parallels between this transfer deadline day and the current project I'm attached to direct -- that is to say I've been attached to the project all summer with plenty of time to do it. It's been close twice but that makes for a futher setback, budget is there, the cast, crew etc

Never met such unserious producers in my life. You have the money and resources to make a film right there, he'll even the talent is just waiting. No passion no organisation to do it though. How disappointing.

honestly, money doesn't matter anymore, the will to make a film is the most important thing, working with people with access but not the genuine excitement and will is so disappointing, ultimately, I just don't want that

I'm getting the feeling i will not make one of these movies. On the other hand, my time and passion for another is growing rapidly, and in the meantime... I'm becoming proud of the one we are about to finish. It's getting somewhere.

i don't hate notes or producers btw, i work with other producers who have an incredible knack for stories and character and improve my work - even better they know how to explain the thoughts behind their choices, the layering, the story, etc. they have convincing arguments...

gosh its so annoying working with producers who just lack the natural creative thoughtfulness to be behind the camera, don't seem to understand anything about why they love the films they do, it's like being a star player in a mediocre football team, you have to drag them through matches.

managing people and making a film, some of their creative limits become abundantly clear... it actually makes sense because when i think about their careers and why they're not where i thought they would be, i start to understand why from working with them

essentially i'm forced to reckon with my reputation as a filmmaker for the first time and how that affects the projects i choose to take on post-BFI funding

so even in the latter stages now, I feel how limited the script and dialogue is and I'm pushing the craft elements as hard as I can to make up for it. The last few films built up a steady and strong reputation for me, so this could genuinely be my first dud.

I could actually fuck this up.

Why? because i signed on to make a film I didn't feel completely 100% passionate for, but only because I didn't feel that the script was a unique or interesting as I would want. It does create a different challenge tho, the onus is on directing the hell of an average script and making it better.

An Eighth of Him was not a risk for me.
The Smell of Cut Grass was not a risk for me.
Visions of a Vivid Life was not a risk for me.

I had nothing to lose on all these projects.

However, this next movie... yeh, it feels like a risk.

damn looked how poor i am right now and then suddenly remembered yesterday i copped a freelance writing gig and pitched TV show which it looks like the rights will be getting picked up !! so it's all gucci for now, like until next month lol

This new film I'm close to locking it's such a risk tbh, it 20 minutes long and it's strange to make a film like this in this time. Also I've done 2 queer films in a row and that's my bag now bro, I'm so comfortable in doing that now. There is another one coming. That will finish the trilogy.

I am making so many films at different stages I actually forget about some of them. It's work in itself trying to pick up authenticity from where I left off. But it's also a good thing I ask more questions of myself and it's feels risky to broaden so much and be vulnerable making these new projects.

Need to remember that I can bitch about life and people and career on blue sky and no one will see !! (For now)

It's been so heartening to see everyone turn out for the PCC which is one of my favourite places but don't forget this is a piece in a hellish landscape! Shop indie where you can, they need your money more than any legacy institution!

Love love Matty as a person plus his films!!

Mufasa was universally panned then because I ain't heard shit about it.

I'm seeing a theme emerge

Suppose tis a good time to announce I will be directing a new short film this year, set in 1950s London called BONA TO VADA. Prep begins this month.

Surprised by how many have come out about how shit Christmas can be if your family sucks or you have nowhere to be, love that.

I'm so excited that our film An Eighth of Him is finally coming to Europe next month!!! And will be screening again in Leeds early spring 🌼

My brief moment of happiness yesterday (I got good news about a film) was destroyed when I found out I failed one of my uni essays by 2 marks 🙃