I had a great crew and they really brought it home with me. But I didn't really mind because you don't think about it as you are just trying to get the shot and preparing everything for the next shoot and the next shoot after that.
But in hindsight it was a bit of a stretch and we managed to pull it off by working thirteen hour days.
- The movie has caused quite a stir on the festival circuit and there is plenty of Oscar talk about it - you must be delighted by the response that the film has had?
I am delighted, we won the first festival that it was screened at so that automatically qualified us for the OScar recommendation. It was very surprising but a very welcome surprise.
- So what have you personally found to be the response to the film?
I have had a really good response. That is what matters to me the most when you have people coming up to you and telling you what they liked - or didn’t like about your film - it touches on a controversial issue towards the end of the film.
But it definitely seems to move people in some way and, for me, that is why I am in this industry in the first place - be it if people agree of disagree - indifference is not a good thing.
- Sailcloth and Subculture are your first films as a director so how did you find the transition from producing into the director's chair?
I found it quite interesting and I love every aspect of it - it was always my secret plan to move into writing and directing.
So I just gained experience as a producer before making the lead - I had always written but I guess I thought it was the time for me to make the leap.
- Finally what's next for you? Any feature film plans?
Yes I have got a feature film in development and I am set to shoot that in 2012. The script is in the final stages and I have got some producers alongside me so it is looking good at the moment - I am pleased with the progression of the project.
- What have you learnt on shorts projects that you can take into a feature film?
Plan, plan, plan! 'A plan is worthless but planning is priceless'
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw