As we are on the topic of female directors I thought I would speak briefly about one particular film that inspired some character traits within KYLE.

FISHTANK by Andrea Arnold is a typical ‘Amy film’. I say that because any film that is gritty, grey, bleak, bricky, slightly depressing and character driven tends to be thrown in my direction as it is guaranteed to receive a ‘Like’. 

I’m a realist and Andrea Arnold floats my boat when it comes to filmmaking.

“I grew up in a working-class family, so I guess you could say I write from what I know.” Andrea Arnold is an Academy award winning director from the UK.

It was a common phrase amongst the ‘UK Team’ to ‘Shoot what yer know’ and I still think this is the best piece of advice floating around for filmmakers…

Relating to experiences close to home allows you to naturally integrate your ideas, themes and emotions with filmmaking – That way, you tap into your audiences psyche and scar them with your trademark!

FISHTANK’s main character, Mia, is such an identifiable character that I found her persona spilling over into the character traits of Stacey (KYLE, 2010) Both volatile, angry and lonely teenage girls looking for a way out.

There are common themes running through both FISHTANK and KYLE - dysfunctional families, escapism, coming-of-age, relationships and yes….even horses. < It never even struck me..

I think this just goes to show that 'shooting what yer know' is a powerful tool in targeting and reaching audiences. Rather than keeping them at a safe distance, you're grabbing them by the scruff and saying 'What dya reckon??'...to me, that's what being a filmmaker is all about. 

Keep it real folks. It’s amazing how much external influence you gain from the world, it’s never been more important to embrace it, whether you’re male or female!

We all got the power!