Film Birmingham Community

    My son is 17 and a film fanatic. He is also mildly autistic (which, if you aren't familiar with it, is not that big of a deal.) We've lived in Birmingham for a year and he hasn't met anyone yet who shares his passion for films and filmmaking, so as he is very shy I am trying to help.
He would love to meet one or more people who are seriously into films, just to occasionally see a movie and have a chat. His tastes are eclectic but at the moment he's really into film noir (old and newer). Favourite directors are Richard Kelly, Robert Rodriguez, Guillermo del Toro, etc.--but he'll go see the usual summer crap as well :-) He's keen to make films of his own and is halfway through a media course, has made a few shorts, and if there's someone in the industry who would be willing to invest a bit of time that would also be great.
So, film fans and filmmakers--if you might be able to include a young person in your work or leisure, please get in touch. It would save him from yet another boring summer, when he ought to be out with friends.

hey, My name is Anthony Williams and I am 20 years old. I live in Birmingham and am also a film lover and progressing my film career. I am a photographer, fine artist and musician. It would be great to talk with your son about films and what he would like to do with it. At the moment I am brainstorming ideas for a short film and would be good to talk to him about that and ideas he wants to use aswell. to team up with someone who loves films and is kind of the same age aswell.

I am a student aswell, studying fine art with film and photography.

so if he is interested in talking with me, reply back or give him my email.

anthonywilliams1987@msn.com or add/check me on myspace.   www.myspace.com/twonwon

also, my favourite films include

Sideways (directed by Alexander Payne)

Little Miss Sunshine (directed by Jonathan Dayton)

Signs ( directed by M.Nights Shyamalan)

Indiana Jones ( directed by Steven Spielberg)

King Kong (directed by Merian C. Cooper)

The Prisoner (1967) T.V

The Omega Man  (directed by Boris Sagal) and The Last Man on Earth (directed byUbaldo Ragona)

Hope to hear from you soon

Anthony Williams

Hello Waltz,

How has your search gone for a film friend for your son? Have you seen the Local Shorts Film Club which is held in Birmingham? The next one is Wednesday 30th July at the Library Theatre. There is an opportunity to meet people and network as well as see local short films. This may be an ideal place for your son to meet like-minded people his age with whom he can view/make films with. I would also suggest encouraging him to apply for work experience placements around Birmingham where he can get a better idea of how the industry operates on a professional level.

Hope this helps!

JournoBecks

Thanks for mentioning that--I recently heard about it and am trying to talk him into coming with me this week.

Hi Waltz,

Did your son go to the short film screening in the end? How did it go? Have you found a film fan/mentor for him yet?

Hope all is well.

JournoBecks

Yes, we did go and he talked to a couple of people (which is rare for him!) Haven't found anyone to take on a mentor or filmgoing friend sort of role yet but hopeful... It was an interesting evening, anyway, and got him excited about completing a project to show at Halloween. He'll need some folks to work with to make that happen of course!

Hi Waltz,

My names Michael McCleary, Im a 1st time independent film producer from Brum. I dont mind advising your son through email, how ever I am activly producring my own feature length production so I wouldn't be able to take on a more practical role I am affraid.

Im an active member of this forum as well as www.filmmaking.net, where I give other 1st time producers the benifits of my own pratical experience. I'm not sure about your sons understanding of the production process or the post production editing phase? How ever the people supporting me provide free classes for young people, teaching them how to edit and genrally develop their skills. Ive been on production with them my self, and have developed upon the skills I gained at college. I'm not sure when they will start again? How ever I am in the studio this moarning so I will try to find out for you then. They also dedicated to people with mental health issues so I dont doubt that they have people capable of dealing with learning difficulties. Nothings for certain how ever I will do my best to find out for you.

Whats your sons name?

Im glad to hear that you both attended the local shorts, its an event that I have attended on many occasions and would recommend it to all like minded people. Its jus one of many film event here in the Midlands, there are similar oppertunities through other cities also, Wolverhampton for example holds many different oppertunities at the Light house, where they also provide training possibilites as well as screening events. You can find out more about such events through Screen West Midlands, www.screenwm.co.uk.

Have you phoned Film Birmingham for advice? If not then I would suggest it as well as geting in touch with Screen West Midlands who also provide many different oppertunities such as grants for specific schemes.

I dont mind giving him some advice via e-mail, which he may feel more comfortable with?

I understand if he chooses not to, how ever the offer is always open. Ive helped people both yunger and older than myself and just like engaging with like minded people who share similar intrests as my self.

I hope this helps?

You can contact me at b31_film_productions@hotmail.com

Cleary.

 

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www.myspace.com/b31_film_productions