How does the case study of Shifty demonstrate the oppertunities for new film makers working at micro level in the UK?

How does the case study of Shifty demonstrate the oppertunities for new film makers working at micro level in the UK?

The Microwave scheme was launched in 2006 by BBC and Skillset. It set out to help first time film makers to shoot a full length film for maximum of £100,000. The scheme provides intensive workshops to a limited, hand selected, 11 short-listed film making teams. It is supported by 'Skillset' and the 'BBC'.

Before the microwave scheme was launched, it was extremely hard for 'normal' (by which I mean not made of money) people, groups or organisations to make and publish films. Creating and advertising films is an expensive field, even before you start to shoot. Pre production begins with: casting, crew, location, schedule, equipment and catering. All of these have to allot a certain amounts of money, organisation and time. Post production also takes consideration and a lot of money. Editing the film can take days, and every extra day is money out of the budget. Many micro (beginner) made films don't get distributed and are never seen by the public. This is because by the time the film is planned, made and edited on a low budget, there is not a lot of money left for publishing it.

An example of how the Microwave scheme demonstrated opportunities for new film makers is a film called Shifty. It was released in the UK on the 24th of April 2009 and was one of the first Microwave films ever made. Shifty was created by 2 men- Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh, who started off their working lives by creating music promotions, advertising and then they moved on to their first film.

Shifty has become an inspiration to many new- micro level film makers as it has allowed them to see what can be done. Opportunities for this level of film making have increased greatly. Once you are accepted into the Microwave scheme the benefits just keep on flowing. For example Shifty's script was nurtured by Tony Rushton and the BBC writer’s room. Moreover, they received a director mentor- Asik Kapaul, who challenged aspects of their script, to make them consider why things are there.

Filming

Because the Microwave scheme is aimed at the lower end of the film industry (Hollywood being the top) it can only give out grants of up to £100,000 however these budget limitations can inspire other first time film makers as they show that it is not impossible to make films on a low budget. Shifty is a good example of this. It was given a grant of £50,000, and the producers received another £50,00 from private investors. Due to the limited budget Shifty was forced to film in a less technologically advanced way. For instance there was meant to be a scene with lots of real cats in, but due to restrictions and expenses of trainers, Rory and Ben (the producers) decided to used stuffed old cats, which turned out to be funnier, and more effective than the original idea. Another aspect that has to be carefully considered on such a low budget is the time scale. Shifty was filmed in 18 days. Location changes are a frequent, and time consuming interruption. On the last day of filming the intended location had to be rearranged as one of the neighbors was unhappy, and was threatening to call the police. Fortunately one of the directors had a friend in the area who they asked at the last minute.

Distribution

As I explained above, many low budget films are never published. Metrodome is a major distribution that is linked with the microwave scheme. The distribution company suggests ideas for a trailer mainly at an art house, and they will also suggest commercial sensibilities. When a film is finished the producers will set up a screening- in which they will invite many different marketing companies. These companies will decide whether that particular film is for them and whether they think they will be able to advertise it well. In the case study of Shifty there were 4-5 companies bidding to distribute the film. Because Shifty was created through the microwave scheme- linked with Film London, they received extra help from the BBC. Not only did this aid the film in becoming a success, but it also made it a lot more appealing for companies to want to distribute. With the BBC's backing it gave Shifty access to more advertising means for example being shown on the BBC website.

For new or first time film makers any free or cheap means of advertising is a great bonus. Shifty used a pirate radio stations to advertise their film. Using a pirate radio station is very cheap advertising. There are 100's operating in the UK all the time.

Shifty is an inspiration to new film makers working at the micro level as it demonstrates the opportunities and paths of how it is possible to film, edit, advertise and distribute a film. Shifty exhibits the different sources of help that micro film makers can receive, and where they can get it from. Although Shifty was one of the first films to be produced under the microwave scheme it will surely be an inspiration for many films to come.