BFI Future Film Festival 2023
Interview
Kit
Warner
Stunt Trouble
When a small naive robot looking to break into the film industry auditions for a stunt role in a upcoming film, he encounters the scary, formidable force of the ‘OCD-27’ stunt coordinator robot. The coordinator puts him through his paces as he struggles to deal with all that’s thrown at him whilst they both learn to have fun along the way.
Hi Kit, it’s great to to talk with you, how has everything been going?
I am very well, its been quite a surreal few days having just been nominated for an award, and thank you to the BFI for this great opportunity.
Congratulations on having Stunt Trouble part of the Future Film Festival 2023, how does it feel to be part of such an incredible line-up of short films and being nominated for Best Micro Short?
Thank you! Its such an honour to have been selected for the festival, let alone to have been nominated for an award, which is just unbelievable. I'm super excited to be part of the fantastic line-up of young emerging filmmakers like myself and the festival is a great showcase of new talent.
How important are festivals like Future Film Festival in creating a platform for short films?
The Future Film Festival is a brilliant recognition of young filmmakers, showcasing their work. The festival is a great opportunity for young filmmakers to get their work seen and potentially launch their careers.
Can you tell me how Stunt Trouble, came about, what was the inspiration behind your micro short?
The initial concept of Stunt Trouble started out being as a showcase film of my knowledge and skills as an animator but certainly developed into much more. I wanted to prove to myself that I could model, rig, light, simulate and animate a short film on my own. Stunt Trouble follows on from the smaller R&D film Screen Test, for Stunt Trouble I wanted to be much more ambitious, pull out all all the stops.
What was the biggest challenges you faced making Stunt Trouble?
Apart from the music score I created everything, from the characters to the sound design. I think finding motivation at the start of each new shot, trusting the process, knowing that it will turn out well was definitely challenging at times.
Looking back, what would you say have been the most valuable lessons you’ve taken from making Stunt Trouble?
Proving to myself the more effort you put in the better the results will to be, as well as having absolute clarity on the initial idea and following through on that vision.
"That fascination and inspiration, especially with animation by making an immovable object come to life, has never stopped, and of course, I loved watching films as a child."
As a self-taught filmmaker where did this passion for filmmaking come from?
For as long as I can remember I have been making films, I was using a hand-me-down Coolpix camera at 5yrs old and started stop-motion animation at 8yrs old and never really stopped. Exploring each visual medium from photography to live action has provided new exciting concepts to explore. Both my parents work in the film industry, so I have always been fascinated and inspired greatly by them. I have always loved the challenge that comes with each new exploration into filmmaking.
What was the first film you saw that made you want to try your hand behind the camera?
Not so much an individual film, but I have a distinct memory of being taken on a family day around the Aardman studios in Bristol at a young age and being completely fascinated by the magic of how they make their films. That fascination and inspiration, especially with animation by making an immovable object come to life, has never stopped, and of course, I loved watching films as a child.
Do you think filmmakers should continue to push the boundaries of the films/stories they want to tell?
I think it's incredibly important for filmmakers to explore new types of stories and films. I think experimentation is such a valuable way to bring new, original work to life, its always exciting and so inspiring finding something new. Exploring the boundaries of current technology is also important, the balanced collaboration between story, visuals and sound are what makes a great film.
What top 3 tips would you offer a fellow filmmakers?
Of course most important, follow what you love. Spend the time learning and researching your craft, on your own and through being taught in any manner (YouTube is free). I think this is such a great way to develop a unique style when approaching something new, sometimes you’ve just got to go your own way, figure it out on your own. Finally ignore social media, only ever use any form of technology as a tool, don’t let it become anything more.
And finally, what massage do you hope your audiences will take away from Stunt Trouble?
Be persistent in your dreams, and remember to have fun along the way.
I have started a film BA degree course at Falmouth University in September which I am throughly enjoying.
