A Flourishing Crown - A film written and directed by me!

I am writing this on the day that my short film will be aired on BBC 4. I wrote and directed the film. It was not my intention to be a writer but when needs must, the devil drives.

I now realise that the ‘short‘ in short films stands for short on money and short on time. Sticking to a budget didn’t scare me as I am a charity shop queen. Working with actors and directing a scripted piece was the thing that I was most excited and anxious about. I have seen other people work with and direct actors but often before you do something yourself, you think it is the hardest thing ever.

I ended up taking on many hats to make this film, as did the Producer Shey. I found myself in the role of set designer (filmed it in my flat), scouring the streets of Leeds for candle sticks and carpets.Really enjoyed this role. We were in desperate need of a baby bump for one of the actresses. We almost had to resort to using a pillow, old school stylee but Leeds Playhoouse delivered the goods and for only £15 for a week’s hire.

With so much concentration being put on finalising the script, confirming the actors (which happened two days before filming) and sorting out the set, researching how to work with actors was a quick 10 minute google job on the day. Turns out like most things, a lot of it is common sense. I really liked how the actors made the roles their own and connected deeply with their characters, even improving the script to make it feel more natural.

The day was a blast and the DOP James Oldham and Sound Recordist Waqar Shah, really helped deliver quality content and made the process a smooth endeavour. It’s always a pleasant surprise when all the cast and crew turn up. What a great day!

ABOUT A FLOURISHING CROWN

 The film focuses on how there can be shame in ones name or pride, depending on your perspective and your experiences.

Folashade visits her mother-in-law, Elizabeth, but this time she comes alone. Adopted by white parents at a young age and brought up in a small rural town, Elizabeth has always tried to distance herself from her black heritage and has avoided divulging information about her biological parents to her son Paul at all costs. As far as she’s concerned, she has no interest in finding out more and doesn't know any details anyway.