Screen and Film School Brighton were thrilled to launch Shoot for the Stars this year- an exclusive opportunity for graduates to talk directly to the Stars of Tomorrow and make connections for the future.
Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow is an annual showcase of the most prominent new writers, directors, producers and heads of department emerging across the UK and Ireland. Screen and Film School Brighton graduates were given the opportunity to spend 30-minutes chatting with their chosen star, including Ruben Woodin Dechamps, Ella Glendining, Colum Eastwood, Akinola Davies Jr, Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, and gain valuable insight into their careers and journeys through film.
Each week we’ll be sharing some words of wisdom from these sessions, this week from Cinematographer Kate McCullough who was interviewed by our Brighton graduate, Zoë FitzPatrick.
Top tips from Cinematographer Kate McCullough- interviewed by Zoë FitzPatrick
- [In documentary] you have to have some sort of curiosity or way in, whether that’s a story you connect with or it challenges your perceptions, because documentary is the long haul.
- It’s important when starting a project not to think you’re imposing your language or visual sensibilities – you have to allow it breathe a bit and find its way.. When you allow things to settle you’ll see a certain language coming through.
- [When adapting material that already exists] you have to just trust your instincts and your response to the material.
- In drama, follow the emotion of the scene. Let the cameras run if it’s a scene where the actors need space, you have to earn the actors trust.
- You have to trust your crew and delegate, and also understand the trajectory of the other departments – drama TV is another level of communication
- Screen and Film School Brighton Graduate, Zoë FitzPatrick
A huge thank you to Kate and Zoë for this brilliant session and valuable insights. Don’t forget to check back next week for more highlights from Shoot For The Stars!
