Tag Archives: Independent Films

Q&A from Belfast Film Festival

Something to keep us happy while we continue to wait for general release of this interesting film.   Thanks to the Belfast Film Festival Team for providing this interview.  We are grateful.  Link to article follows.

Q&A with Colin Morgan who stars in Waiting for You

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A lyrical mystery drama, Charles Garrad’s spellbinding feature debut stars Northern Irish actor Colin Morgan (Merlin, Testament of Youth) and one of French cinema’s most celebrated performers, Fanny Ardant (The Woman Next Door).

Director Charles Garrad will take part in a Q&A following the screening of Waiting for You in the Queen’s Film Theatre this Tuesday.

Q&A with Colin Morgan  Posted on Monday, 3 Apr 2017

Actor Colin Morgan was born in Armagh in 1986 and is best known for playing the title character in the BBC fantasy TV series Merlin, as well as Channel 4 hit sci-fi show Humans and the BBC’s supernatural show, The Living and the Dead.

How did you come to be involved?

With this script I was immediately enthralled. I thought that it was really atmospheric, and mysterious. I like the fact that it had this road trip feel to it, and again what draws me to most characters is their lost-ness. I am often drawn towards characters that are trying to find something – whether it is outside themselves, inside themselves, or a mixture of the two.

When I met Charles I was taken aback by his enthusiasm for the story and how much passion he had along with his desire to get it made, which fuelled me even more. With an independent feature it can be more challenging to get it off the ground, which can make it feel even more special to be involved. It felt like a collaborative experience.

What was it like working with Fanny Ardant?

Charles didn’t want us to meet until our first scene. It had been scheduled that the first scene we meet was the first scene that we did together. I had been at this house in France filming for a few weeks, and the first scene that we did together was the scene where we first meet in the movie. That was great, because we were feeling each other out. She is incredibly warm, generous and glamorous, sophisticated and innocent, and you can’t help but admire and like her. She is a fabulous actress with a beautiful passion and a wealth of experience behind her eyes. We had a really interesting chemistry and dynamic with each other. The film delves into the past and the secrets that the house might hold, and there is this weird sexual energy that hangs around them, whether as lovers or a maternal love, making for a strange mix.

What was the greatest challenge for you?

Mapping out the journey in more or less every scene. When you are the character whose eyes the story is being told through you have to be more explicit in the changes that are happening and you are experiencing. If it is one note throughout the whole film then the audience are stuck with that for the duration, so you have to be aware that if the camera is your face then you really have to be doing some peddling underneath. The story does that naturally, but you have to be specific about where your character is in each moment. It is a constant jigsaw puzzle, and I love it, but definitely a challenge.

Colin Morgan was interviewed by Joseph Walsh

(https://belfastfilmfestival.org/qa-colin-morgan-stars-waiting)

 

“Waiting for You” and “The Rising”

clock.1It takes a long time and many ups and downs to bring a film project to completion … to have it polished and ready to be shown in theatres for us to enjoy. You will have already noted that 2014 was the target date to begin filming, “Waiting For You”.  So, by time of the 2014 announcement much of the initial work was already done and filming was “coming soon”.  By contrast, in that same year, “The Rising” was in only the initial stages of the process.  An early announcement in July 2014 proclaimed the anticipated schedule.

“Waiting for You” is now complete and ready for distribution.  It’s 2017 entry in film festivals has been announced and the search for a distributor has begun.  More steps are left before launching a release date … 6+ years in and not quite there yet.  Almost 2 years since casting was confirmed.

France 24 February 2017 (British Screens Festival, Nimes)
France 24 February 2017 (Festival Ecrans Britanniques: British Screen)
UK 3 March 2017 (Borderlines Film Festival)

             And look what it took to get this far ...

wfy-schedule

“The Rising” has gathered much, not all, of its funding, sorted locations, and announced some casting.  More steps lie ahead on its way to reaching us.

the-rising-script-read-3 the-rising-script-read-2 (October 16, 2016: Irish Embassy in London for script reading of ‘‘ ) (Thanks to and

Many films tread a long and difficult road from conception to inception to completion.  There are many steps: finding the story, writing the screen play, finding funding, finding locations, producing artwork, then on to casting and shooting, followed by post production editing, finalizing, and finding a distributor.  We are the happy recipients at the end of this journey to enjoy and savor the fruits of many talented people.  We need patience, and we applaud them all.

Suntse

“Austere yet Powerful”

We thank Isa-belle Alexis for creating this lovely piece and sharing it with us.  Isa-belle Alexis ‏@Bellal_ColMpics Apr 12

A quote from “The Laughing King” review #ColinMorgan #TheLaughingKing #ColinMpics #ShortFilm http://www.unsungfilms.com/22834/the-laughing-king …

Colin.TLK review

He touches our hearts, without words.  He always has.  He always will.

The Rising … a longer wait

*

The Rising.1  Anticipated all-star movie about 1916 Easter Rising won’t be released until 2017 at the earliest

March 21, 2016 ,  By  James Cropper and Katy Harrington  … (excerpts follow:)

The film, entitled The Rising, has been in development since 2012 and will not be released until late 2017, or possibly later.  The film will focus on Séan MacDiarmada’s role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Mac Diarmada was one of the Rising’s masterminds, and one of the seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation.   The Irish Post has learned that now filming will not begin until late this year at the earliest, meaning it could be 2018 before fans will get to see the finished product*.  The project is being supported by Northern Ireland Screen and the Irish Film Board.

The casting of the film has attracted much attention so far with big names such as Colin Morgan, star of the BBC’s Merlin confirmed to play the lead role of Séan MacDiarmada.

Two major roles have yet to be cast. One is that of lead female character Min Ryan who conducted courier duties during the Rising.  Min Ryan was the partner of Séan MacDiarmada;  MacDiarmada wrote in a letter before his execution that “Miss Ryan, had I lived, would have been my wife”.

* (Keeping in mind some other independent films we have featured, this does not seem to be an uncommon hurdle for independent film makers to encounter.)

 

Parked … Review by Doha

splash-of-starscathal in painColin’s sensitive portrayal of Jake has brought us back, yet again, to Cathal.  What follows is an outstanding review of that film, and an eloquent description of this gift Colin shares with us so valiantly.

4.0 out of 5 stars … There’s something about Colin Morgan, September 24, 2012.
By Doha . This review is from: Parked [Region 2] (DVD) . I (Doha) watched this film because of Colin Morgan.

Parked is difficult to sum up in a sentence or a paragraph, because like every good film, it isn’t about one thing or a few things. Threads run over and under each other, themes weave in and out. At the end, I find myself wondering what, really, it *was* about.

Fred Daly has recently returned to Ireland, having spent some years in England. Without a job, without a fixed address, his life is in his car. The day Cathal pulls into the same carpark, things in Fred’s life begin to roll and shift. Cathal has a good heart, and the young man and the older man form an unlikely friendship that will change them both. And yet – it isn’t unlikely at all. Both Cathal and Fred are at a point in their lives where they are lost and drifting; part of their effect on each other is that they give each other direction, a sense of anchorage and a place to moor at the end of the day. ‘Parked’ turns out to be a metaphor for both Fred and Cathal’s life, and the film is the story of changing, finding direction and the momentum to keep moving. The scene at the very close is a beautiful example of that circularity and momentum.

I recommend anyone watching or thinking of watching Parked to go on over to YouTube and watch some interviews with Colin Morgan (i.e. at the Mannheim Film Festival) talking about how he prepared for the role of Cathal – how in portraying him, “that drugs isn’t the main thing – it’s the person. I don’t say ‘I’m playing a drug addict’, because that’s not how anyone would describe themselves. When I went in and met those people, I did say, ‘hello my name’s Colin’, and they didn’t go, ‘hello, I’m a drug addict’.”

There’s something about Colin Morgan – he looks into the soul of his character, the story he is a part of, and gives you a piece of artistry that makes you think THIS. THIS is what acting is all about. He has an instinct for seeing what a person is made of, and the curiosity and knack for asking the right questions – and in addition to all that, the wisdom to know not every question has an easily-told answer. These are some of the things that make him different – I’d say that those qualities are what make him the actor that he is, rather than the reverse.

A lot of people, I’m sure, will watch or hear about this film because of Colin Morgan (best known for his role in the BBC’s Merlin); he is that rare person who can sell the idea that acting is art. He’s not a performer – he is an *artist*, and that is a very different thing. He brings a depth and nuance to his work that few young actors do, because he is looking inward, revealing and discovering layers within layers, wheels inside wheels. It’s not something done for people, for an audience – we just get to witness this extraordinary interaction between person and idea that creates a kind of third space, the acting that is really being. And that is our privilege.

As a final note, I don’t mean to dismiss the other actors in this film, by talking so much about Colin Morgan. Honestly speaking, I don’t know too much about them, while I have been following Morgan’s work. I keep saying it, but I think Colin Morgan is special even among his own kind. Watch him.

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This review gave rise to a discussion between Suntse and Maldru, which resulted in a year-long correspondence, a wonderfully meaningful correspondence, between them.

(Your initial post: Jan 8, 2013 6:06:26 PM PST)
Suntse: I completely loved this review. It’s true, “there’s something about Colin Morgan” … What is it about this young actor? Why am I so drawn to him and his portrayals? So much of it is silent … a hesitation … a swallow … the lowering of the eyes, the quick and easy smile, the tear stained face. Emotion unspoken, conveyed to us with gentle power. It is gratifying to read a review that captures these same feelings … many thanks, Doha, for saying it so well.

“He’s not a performer – he is an*artist*, and that is a very different thing.” … “the acting that is really `being'”  He embodies the character and brings it alive. He really defies description. His face reflects nuances of emotion that cannot be explained. He comes into your heart and stays there. He is unforgettable.

maldru:  I’ve been thinking that Colin, like all truly talented actors, is “living” his character, he’s able to become Cathal/Merlin/Colum; and the tragedy they, respectively, represent cannot fail to break our hearts. Mine for sure! I don’t even see it as artistry anymore, I live it too, and continue living it for a long time after watching, cannot stop the tears…   But what to do with the heartbreak? How to get out of it? To heal?  That is the question! At least, it makes it easier to know that I’m not alone in this…

Suntse:  …..Please read this response in the tone of a gentle reply to an earnest question. … We do not get out of the heartbreak. I don’t think we are meant to get out of it. That compassion we feel is important to us as caring human souls. Perhaps that is why we revisit it even though it still strikes at our hearts. Colin brings us there … I think that is part of who he is also … perhaps that is why he has always wanted to be an actor … a storyteller in the ancient sense.

In reply to your post on May 22, 2013 1:40:37 PM PDT

Doha:  Oh, friends, I’m so glad you’re making friends over my review! I made a really wonderful friend over a different review, and I’m not kidding when I say I’ve written over a hundred emails all about Colin Morgan. ‘We do not get out of the heartbreak’ = truth.

Suntse: Doha: I am so glad you are noticing our comments on your wonderful review. And, yes, Maldru and I are finding much common ground in our appreciation of Parked, Island, Merlin, and especially, of Colin Morgan. I believe heartbreak, as well as joy, the emotional connections we have to each other, are an essential element of our humanity. Colin brings us to it, and we are grateful for it.

TLK First Screening, London Short Film Festival

Matt.LK

NEW SHORTS: God’s Lonely Men: Going Solo

Tue 12 Jan 20:45 Hackney Picturehouse (screen TBC)

Modern society sees a lot of lonely men out there, whether by choice or accident. From faded rock stars to macho writers to the darker subjects of male suicide and life threatening illnesses, the lonely man is everywhere.

Film running order:

SHELTER Reggie Yates 14 mins

CATKINS Alexander Darby 10 mins

REST STOP Ben Masson 14 mins

SUNSET ROSE Zoe McCarthy 8 mins

THE LAUGHING KING Lindy Heymann 15 mins

IN WAITING Cecilia Stenbom 10 mins

I’M SORRY TO TELL YOU Ben Price 6 mins

BETTER THAN TOMORROW EuiJeong Hong 13 mins

I USED TO BE FAMOUS Eddie Sternberg 17 mins
(http://shortfilms.org.uk/events/2016-01-12-new-shorts-gods-lonely-men-going-solo)

*************************************

Excerpts from a loving article by Lindy Heymann.

Suicide has touched me twice – it took my younger brother Marcus, and my best friend, Shaun from me. As well as the incredible shock, sadness and loss that I felt and still feel, their deaths made me acutely aware of how all of our lives can change from day to day and minute to minute.

TLK.colin.1

There was a wonderful moment that happened when we were shooting. In the film, Colin’s character Jake (who appears destitute and very vulnerable) is trying to buy a postcard with a £50 note and the postcard seller tells him he must be joking and laughs in his face… Whilst we were filming a local man (who seemed himself down on his luck) approached Colin mid take and gently guided Colin to a nearby bank as no-one round here would be able to break a fifty. He had no idea we were filming a scene. Everyone was walking past, ignoring Colin, but this fellow stopped to help. It was a very touching moment – just the kindness of a stranger.

The most profound thing for me came when we were filming a scene where Colin walks into the sea. Whilst we were filming I lost my breath. After we cut, I rushed up to him and asked if he was alright. The consummate actor he just turned and asked why, was it not ok? I suddenly realised where we were – that he was just acting… I talked later and some of the crew said they had been in tears… Of course it wasn’t real but for a few of us it was a brief insight into what that critical moment must feel like for someone about to end their life. It was very emotional.

https://www.thecalmzone.net/2016/01/the-laughing-king-it-felt-as-if-this-film-had-to-be-made/

TLK.colin.2

TLK Recognition

Congratulations Lindy Heymann & team. Film nominated for the Best Woman Director as sponsored by Women in Film and Television @LSFF @WFTV_UK

Directed by the award-winning Lindy Heymann, whose own story of personal loss to suicide led her to co-write the script, it was produced without financial assistance, with talent and crew dedicating their time in kind.

The Laughing King, Behind the Scenes

Thanks to mywhisperingmind for leading us to this special video.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

We wanted to capture some of the fun we had whilst making this special film. It took two very long and cold days to shoot, Colin and some crew went into the chilling sea waters.

Really like the music chosen for this, as well.