FILM
When a neuroscientist experiments with memory technology, she finds herself reliving one day in her life with potentially lethal consequences.
Hey Mark, thanks for talking to TNC, how is everything going?
Very well, thank you.
Are there any nerves ahead of the screening?
Yes!
What does it mean to be screening Remembrance at Raindance 2018?
Well, it's not often I get to see my work up on the big screen in the West End, so I'm thrilled at the prospect. Even being a small part of the Raindance Festival is a memory I won't forget in a hurry.
Tell me a little bit about Remembrance, how did the film come about?
I've always wanted to have a go at making a sci-fi short but didn't want to get bogged down messing around with CGI or expensive sets. Once I came up with the idea of building my story around the re-experience of memory, then I knew I had an idea I could run with.
What was the most challenging part of making this film?
Probably the stress of taking my crew on a 500-mile round trip to get the outdoor shots at Saltburn by the Sea in North Yorkshire. This was a huge gamble. The weather could so easily have sent us back home with nothing to show for it, and it very nearly did. Our plans to shoot early in the morning were scuppered by high winds, driving rain, and high tide. By midday, the 'empty' beach was suddenly filled with dog-walkers and surfers (in freezing November, honestly). Then a small miracle happened. The rain and wind eased off, the surfers and dog-walkers went home and we had the beach to ourselves for about an hour. We got the shots we needed and headed back to London with relief.
Have you always had a passion for filmmaking?
No. In the past, I was always more into writing, painting and music composition. I didn't consider making films until 2006 when one of my friends asked me to help him shoot a music video. I loved the whole process and I've been hooked ever since.
"...we'd all like more time and money, but there's no excuse not to be writing and making films."
How much has your style and the approach to your filmmaking changed since your debut?
My style and approach are still evolving. When I first started, I was in a rush to get out and start filming. There's nothing wrong with that, it's a great learning process. The biggest change has been to spend more time at the script stage and working through my ideas with others.
How would you describe Remembrance in three words?
science fiction drama (sorry).
Do you have any advice or tips for any fellow filmmaker?
Well, this is the advice I give myself all the time - stop making excuses: we'd all like more time and money, but there's no excuse not to be writing and making films.
And finally, what do you hope people will take away from this film?
If people watch Remembrance and enjoy the experience, then I can't ask for more than that.