Ex-First Light filmmaker scoops film prize and first degree!

Geoff Taylor made a First Light film called My Grandma when he was 18-years-old, which won the Best Film category at the First Light Awards 2005. Originally from Devon, Geoff then went on to study a degree in Media Production at the University of the West of England, where he has just graduated with a First Class Honours Degree (the best you can get!).

Geoff, now 22-years-old, has also just won the Vividas Award for young filmmakers for his short film Isabella, which is a beautifully subtle, if slightly macabre, film where Isabella dances with a body in the morgue.

First Light caught up with Geoff to see what advice he can give our budding young filmmakers.

FL: Did winning the First Light Award give you an ego boost and help decide your future career path?

GT: First Light definitely got me through university. I’d seen the non glamorous side of filmmaking by being involved with Smith and Watson Productions and First Light, when we made My Grandma. Making My Grandma was my first real insight into the world of film and as a result I knew that I now had to start knocking on producers’ doors.

FL: How important do you think continuing your studies at degree level has been for your future in media production?

GT: Degrees definitely give you the potential to learn and develop skills. It was great to meet people who were into the same thing. It really nourishes your creative skills; I’m glad I proved myself in the final year.

FL: What other films/ production projects have you been involved with since making your First Light film?

GT: I worked on six films this year and produced three. Although I prefer directing, it’s what I am most comfortable with. I want to get an all rounded understanding of every aspect of filmmaking, which I feel is important to be a good director. I’ve also done lot of vision mixing for live events and filmed up and coming bands (bands with no money!!) off my own back to get some more experience.

FL: Tell us a bit about making your recent award-winning film Isabella.

GT: The film was heavily influenced by movement and music. I am not very good with dialogue and tend to avoid it in my films, which is why I concentrated on movement. There is a story behind the two dancers/actors: he was from Brazil, but now lives in Bath, and she flew over from Portugal for the audition and stayed at my house for two weeks when we filmed – so all the rehearsal sessions took place in Portuguese!

FLM: How does it feel to win the prestigious nationwide Vividas competition and to know that the judging panel was made up of some important figures in the British film industry?

GT: Well I just found it on the Internet and thought I’d apply. I was impressed by the panel of well respected people. Apparently I was told that their decision was unanimous! I now get to go to do some post production in Pinewood Studios. We’re going to re-do Isabella and improve the colour grade on the edit, as it was only shot on mini DV.

FL: Now that you have your degree what is planned next?

GT: I am working in editing some community footage at the moment, which is quite daunting as it’s the first time I’ve edited something that I haven’t shot. But I am hoping to get on the Digital Shots Scheme next, that’s my plan – to make connections with South West Screen.

FL: Can you tell us anything else about making a First Light funded film, or do you have any advice to young people starting out in film?

GT: Get out there with a camera whenever you can, make mistakes and just have fun, as that’s how you’ll learn and develop. The theory side of things and writing scripts is all well and good but you have to get out there and start making your own films.

Congratulations Geoff, we wish you all the best for the future, and will look out for your name on the big screen soon!