Liam Southall
Liam worked on a First Light funded project back in 2005 and is now a freelance director! His recent film was shortlisted for our Between the Lines competition.
Which First Light film did you work on and what was your role?
It was called A Walk in the Park and made back in the summer of 2005. I did a bit of everything really; I was so young and keen to try out every role and understand how it all worked.
Do you think working on a First Light funded film has inspired you to pursue a career in film and TV production?
Definitely. Those two weeks of classes and production were so much fun, after that I just could not wait to make my next film. The project was great because we had mentors from the industry come in and talk about what it was like to be a cameraman, director or a soundman, I remember just thinking I wanted their job!
Did making a First Light funded film give you an ego boost and help decide your future career path?
Before I made a First Light film I wanted to work in the industry but it seemed so distant and I had never come into contact with anyone in the industry. After working on the project and learning everything from our mentors and the other guys in the project my confidence grew and I could not wait to shoot my next film.
What other films/ production projects have you been involved with since making your First Light film?
I have lost count of the number of films I have been involved with or directed since making my First Light Film, it is 100+ I am sure. A couple of years after my First Light Film I was accepted onto the BA Television Production course at Bournemouth University and had three amazing years there working with some inspiring filmmakers. Now I am a freelance director, having a brilliant time and working on some exciting projects.
What would your ideal job be?
There are a few people who I am really keen to make documentaries about. I love unusual documentaries with inspiring characters that aren’t normally seen on screen. I love skateboarding and surf films and would like to direct one sometime and also direct a music video for Blink-182 would make my 16 year old self very happy.
Can you tell us anything else about making a First Light film, or do you have any advice to young people starting out in film making?
My advice would be…
- Try everything, so that you know which area of filmmaking you want to go in to.
- Be nice, friendly, chatty and have fun.
- Be persistent, show people how much you love it and don’t give up.
- Carry everything with two hands! Film equipment is heavy, expensive and needs taking care of.
Finally, and I know this is a hard question, what is your favourite film and why?
Road to Perdition. It has the beautiful cinematography of Conrad L. Hall, amazing performances from Tom Hanks, Jude Law, Daniel Craig and Paul Newman, great direction from Sam Mendes and the perfect soundtrack by Thomas Newman.
