The Plan was to make a film and to make it well...!!

Screening date October 11th @3pm. 

Tricycle cinema, London. 

Tickets £7.50 (single), £18.00 (festival pass)

"Great acting in this, my money is on one of these fellas getting an award...!" -- London Lift-Off submissions judge.

They're some lovely scenes in this short, like this one.  :)

High production value and on the money acting serves a nice piece of London gangstar with a lovely twist to keep everyone sat on the edge.

Great performances and fierce competition to win over the voting audience for best actor on this one, Earl Ling, James Michael, James Droy, Jude Akuwudke, Simon Paul Sutton and Max Obertelli; all with a great chance on the gong. With a great prize on offer this year and massive competition from other entries it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top!!

We speak with the director, to get a grasp on how this film came to be...

From conception to completion how long was the project? 

Was about 18 months but there was a 6 month gap in the middle. 

Why did you make it?

I love making movies it keeps my mind healthy. 

How did you fund it?

A friend put some money in and I covered the rest. 

Where did the unique idea come from?

Sitting with friends at a BBQ someone said 'you should make a film about us, it would be hilarious' and I though - no it would be shite, but a bunch of people in a room trying to overcome their idiosyncrasies was an interesting idea (and relatively easy to shoot on a very tight budget) which is always foremost in my mind when I'm planning a movie. What do I want to do vs what can I actually do now. 

She said what about my jumper, and my friends red scarf???

What were the major pitfalls, if any?

Having to write, cast, produce, direct, operate camera and sound, gaffer, edit colour grade and promote a movie is bloody difficult. Especially with a job!!

Overall were you happy with the film?

Very happy - I learned lots and met some cool people. I think if you make a movie or any piece of art and put your best energy into it, it's always something to celebrate. I never make stuff for other people - only for myself. I think that would have to change if making a feature with commercial aspirations but these movies I make to learn my craft. 

What would you have done differently?

Nothing. 

Will the cast be gracing us with their presence at this years event, and are they excited about being in a London festival?

Hoping to have about half of them attending. Everyone's excited about seeing the movie in a theatre. Hoping to bring musicians another director and one or two 'known' actors along. 

Do you have any message/advise for those looking to make a film?

Get on with it otherwise you'll find you're old and then you're dead. Its been said that most people do almost enough to be successful. I'd say most people are not even close. If you have an imagination you can make a movie.  Never Ever Ever take advice from people who have not actually done what you want to do. All they know is how NOT to make a movie. Seek good advice, disregard the bits you don't like and get on with it, but be prepared to work your arse off. 

The Plan is part of the official selection for London Lift-Off FIlm Festival running 10th-12th October 2011 at the Tricycle Cinema in North West London. Click here for tickets,  or call the box office now on 020 7328 1000.

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