Independent film makers Haggis Western Films visited Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus recently (Wednesday 3 February) to talk about making movies.
Simon Jake and Barry Frame came along to speak to more than 100 students from various Creative Industries courses about their experiences working in the industry and especially about their latest release - The Last Love Letter – which will be screened again at Cineworld Falkirk on Thursday 31 March. More information on tickets for this screening can be obtained from the Haggis Western Facebook page.
They spoke about a wide range of subjects from writing, filming, and sound production, right the way through to casting, directing and eventually screening.
Budgeting was also one of the key topics up for discussion.
Learner Development Worker (LDW) Angelene Perry, who organised the event, said:
"Simon and Barry brought real film-making experience to the students and kept them captivated for the two hour presentation. Their breadth of experience was invaluable and I believe students left inspired to complete their own projects and develop their many talents."
At the end, the students fielded questions to Simon and Barry and showed that they were really interested in the whole film making procedure and some were keen to get involved in their next project.
Simon inspired the students by saying: “All you need is an idea. I really enjoyed the talk, it was great talking to like-minded people about our experiences making films. We covered most aspects of filming, editing and sound design. It was great.”
Barry, said: "I really enjoyed giving a talk to the students at FVC. They were very responsive and intrigued with Haggis Western Films. I spoke mainly about sound production to the students and gave tips on developing a soundtrack for a movie with no budget based on my experience with Haggis Western Films and the education I have received from Forth Valley College, University of the West of Scotland and Glasgow School of Art.
“The tips given were things like using royalty free music, creating your own SFX library and having your own resources such as pro tools to prepare mixes in your home saving on expensive studio time. Furthermore we also encouraged all the students who attended to contact Simon and I with any questions they have regarding film work. As well as giving advice on sound production I was also giving advice on student life and how to manage their time studying and how important their studies are.”