Graduate film D.I.Y, directed by George Dickinson has won best drama at independent quarterly Film Festival APEX. A Film Festival “made by filmmakers for filmmakers.. our experience within the film industry and on the festival circuit gave us the idea to create our own film award that’s aimed at  showcasing independent filmmakers and giving them unique tools to promote their films.”

We spoke to George, who graduated from BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production  this summer about D.I.Y, submitting his work to the film festival circuit and his latest projects!

Tell us about D.I.Y, APEX and your other festival submissions? 

‘D.I.Y’ is our graduate short film, which I planned and wrote throughout my three years at university. It was our most ambitious film to date, dealing with lots of complex themes and characters while also pushing our technical abilities as filmmakers. It is currently on its UK festival run, with three nominations prior to the APEX Film Awards win. It was nominated at London Shorts, Falcon International Film Festival, and Wales International Film Festival. At Apex Film Awards, the film won best drama and was given a write up and 4/5 star review. It’s even more amazing considering they fact that the festival is open to all filmmakers and not just student films.

Tell us about your new projects?

I’m currently writing another short film based in Hartlepool to be produced in time for next year’s film festival run. This time I’m taking a more comedic approach to try and challenge myself as a writer and director.

Tell us about what you are doing in your creative field?

I’ve been working on various films sets around the north-east, mainly filming behind the scenes for each project, as well as building myself up as a freelance filmmaker. Recently I shot and edited the BTS for James Campbell’s ‘Bushwhacker Blues‘, which was a great experience.

My long term goal is to keep pushing my own short films and build up my reputation as a director. Working on film sets has taught me a lot about how to improve my own projects going forwards, and I can’t wait to work with my crew on the next film.

How was The Northern School of art special for you? 

For me, it was the personal aspect of studying here that I really enjoyed. The support from my lecturers and technicians on the film and acting courses was a crucial part of my time at The Northern School of art which will stick with me forever. We were also lucky to have access to a lot of great equipment and facilities which we used frequently with the course bring focused more on the practical side of filmmaking.

Any advice for future creatives? 

If you’ve got a strong vision then stick to it, but don’t be afraid to collaborate and find inspiration through other creatives too. Some of my favourite work has come from working with other enthusiastic people who want to push a project to be the best it can. It is especially important in the film industry to have any many contacts as possible, as you never know where it could lead to.

In terms of students undertaking their next projects – There’s no such thing as too much planning. Anticipate issues and have back up plans upon back up plans. With filmmaking, you should always hope for the best but expect the worst when tackling your projects to ensure that you are ready for anything.

You can read about the film on the APEX blog and see more of Georges work on his website georgedicksonfilm.co.uk or visit him instagram @georgedickson00!

If you are interested in film and learning the skills you need to be come a professional in the exciting entertainment industry make sure you check out our BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production degree!