Interview with Joann Randles

My interest in art, drama and photography has been engrained in me for as long as I can remember. However, I have been involved in the film and TV industry from the age of 14. Initially I was offered work placement at Tinopolis Television and I have been hooked on the industry ever since. It is from that work placement that re-enforced my ambition to wanting to become a feature film director.

In 2007, in tandem to studying my BA (hons) in Film studies, I actively started working as a self-shooting freelancer on productions around the UK and directed my first professional independent documentary on the London Eye at the age of 19. Soon after I found myself shooting music videos for newly signed artists which were broadcast on music channels internationally and worked as a Production Assistant on regional television documentaries. I tried to gain as much experience as possible both on paid jobs and work placements throughout my studies. In 2011 toward the end of my MA in Film I was fortunate to obtain a placement with BBC Studios with the Lighting and Vision, Camera and Sound departments.

First day filming the documentary https://t.co/vIoHIdrR5V pic.twitter.com/oHp5sZlEW4

— Joann Randles (@JoannRandles) December 20, 2016

Aged 26 and after freelancing for a number of years as a Producer and Director for short films and music videos, I was appointed as an Executive Producer for a micro budget feature film production company, making independent films annually on a budget around £60,000. However, the following year, aged 27, it felt the right time with all my experience, confidence and knowledge gained to step up in my career and embark on my dream of making my own commercially viable feature film production.

Whilst working as an an Executive Producer I began the early stages of making ‘Adrian’. I also started to freelance as an Assistant Producer and DV Director on network television shows for Channel 4, Channel 5 and MTV. As well as making ‘Adrian’, and the documentary that is to accompany it, I am also Producing and Directing a football feature film titled ‘Martyrs ’87’.

As well as my career in Film and TV I also work as a professional photographer. I have been fortunate to win multiple awards in recognition of my work and have had my work published in professional magazines and media outlets. Furthermore, between 2007 – 2012 I performed around the UK and internationally as a freelance circus artist in hula hoop and mime artistry.

2/2 our documentary that is accompanying our feature film drama ‘Adrian’ @FilmAdrian @RealMickFoley #wrestling #movie #film #wwe pic.twitter.com/X84ETKoCfz

— Joann Randles (@JoannRandles) April 10, 2017

indieactivity: How would you describe your work as a director?
Joann: I’m not afraid to try new techniques and challenge myself. Ultimately I see film making like painting, the frame is a canvas and it is up to me as an artist how I choose to paint it. I also shoot to edit, therefore, long before a production gets to post-production and even before I even start filming, in my mind I can clearly visualise how the film is pieced and layered together and the challenges that may be faced.

indieactivity: How did you get into directing?
Joann: I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. When other girls in school were playing with dolls, I was more concerned with drawing or painting. I also used to love to dress up when I was young and would quite literally become the character I was dressed up like. Therefore, as a very visual and creative thinker, I think I naturally I fell into directing. I’m also a very strong willed individual and certainly not afraid to make decisions. Having this drive and strong ambition has been an asset in my career.

indieactivity: How do you choose a project to direct?
Joann: I have to feel passionate about a project. If I don’t feel passionate about a project I wont work on it. Making feature films, is very much a labour of love and can take many years to get off the ground. Because of the amount of commitment needed I believe it is only right to make sure I feel passionate about a project.

indieactivity: What uniqueness can  female directors bring to TV or Cinema  or Film?
Joann: I’m not really sure how best to answer this question, therefore I can only respond from a personal perspective. I don’t really think of myself as a category like ‘female director’ … I see myself as a director, an individual who is an artist, therefore as a director I have a vision and a story I want to share with the world. ‘Uniqueness’ is applicable to everyone. Ultimately we are all human, male or female, we all have our own unique interpretation of how we perceive the world and this is defined by a multitude of reasons.

For instance I am a female working on what could be deemed as two very masculine biopic feature films. To some they may say that is what makes me unique because I’m ticking boxes for equality etc. But I don’t see it like that, I just see myself as a filmmaker who is fortunate and proud to be bringing two amazing true and inspirational stories to the silver screen.

indieactivity: Do you take courses to increase your craft?
Joann: I do, life experience increases my craft. But formal courses, no I don’t. I have studies a BA (hons) in Film Studies from Kingston University and an MA in Film from The University of Wales, Newport (now known as the University of South Wales) however, the best course you can do, is to pick up a camera and film and photograph as much as you can whenever you can. I am a firm believer in learning by your mistakes, reading books and watching classic films. You learn so many skills being hands on and emerged in a job, it is those skills that has enabled me to progress in my career. The one course I did find hugely beneficial was SkillSet Production Accounting course, where I was attached to BBC Vision’s ‘Eastenders’.

indieactivity: What books do you read?
Joann: I tend to read autobiographies and film scripts. Currently I am reading Adrian Street’s autobiographies repeatedly to obtain as much detail as I can for my feature film and my favourite script is ‘Sunset Boulevard’. I also love F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work i.e. ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Beautiful and Damned’.

indieactivity: Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for?
Joann: When finding the right production team and crew I like to work with people who have the same work ethic and creative outlook as I do. Passion and belief in a project means far more to me than employing someone just because it’s a job. With actors I like to work with both up and coming and established talent. It really depends on the films production needs and requirements.

indieactivity: When you are offered a job, what things do you put in place to do a good job?
Joann: First of all I need to see if I like the project and then it is all about the script, planning, more script work and even more planning. I cannot emphasise how important it is to make sure the script is strong and that there is meticulous planning in place before going into a production.

indieactivity: Describe your latest work?
Joann: ‘Adrian’ is a biopic drama on the incredible life and true story of professional Welsh wrestler and British cultural icon, Adrian Street. Adrian was very much a pioneer of his craft and well ahead of his time. He paved the way for British wrestling as we know it today as well as influencing the glam rock movement. Before the likes of David Bowie and Elton John, Adrian was developing a unique ‘glam’ style. It has been noted that Marc Bolan of T Rex and Elton John were inspired by Adrian and his image/style. Adrian is an almost forgotten British icon, however, we are bringing this Welsh hero’s story to the silver screen for audiences around the world to enjoy as his story is a real life Billy Elliot or Cinderella tale.

Adrian was born and raised in coal mining community Brynmawr and was destined to be a coal miner. However, Adrian rebelled and at the age of 16 he ran away from home to pursue his childhood dreams. His story is one that, regardless of if you are a wrestling fan or not, will uplift and inspire you proving anything is possible and you can achieve your dreams.

The documentary that will be accompanying this feature film has been made to not only illustrate that Adrian Street’s life is not the work of fiction but fact, but also to highlight the importance of his story, not just in wrestling history but as a fundamental icon in British cultural history. Adrian is loved by many all over the world and his story continues to inspire many people, so what better than to interview the people closest to him and who know him best to illustrate his life in their words.

‘Martyrs ’87’ is once again a biopic film about the the true events during the 1987-88 season focusing on Merthyr FC’s magical and historic win at home, Penydarren Park, 2-1 against football giants Atalanta BC. I knew it was important for me to pursue making this film, as the story is completely unique and this may not be ever repeated by a semi-professional team again.

Merthyr Tydifil AFC, were a team made up of semi-professional players including dads, uncles, labours, with some players contracted and paid in pints rather than money, were drawn to play against professional Italian giants, Atalanta Bergamo. Clearly the odds were stacked up against Merthyr Tydfil AFC from the start, with many expecting a 7-0 win to Atalanta. However, the little club defied all expectations. Despite being offered to play in larger stadiums such as Ninian Park in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydil AFC manager, Lyn Jones, refused, and with a frantic two weeks before the game, Jones opted to expand their small stadium at Penydarren Park to facilitate the match.

The week leading up to the game, Merthyr town turned Italian. Streets full of Italian flags and cuisine, the community drunk on spaghetti, the excitement was clear throughout. But what happened on match day may never be repeated by a non-league club again. Astonishingly, Jones’ team made up of mis-fits from the valleys, won 2-1 at home to Atalanta! But many thought that it could never be repeated and Merthyr would surely loose dramatically playing away on Atalanta’s grounds. However, once again, Merthyr Tydifil AFC defied expectations, only losing 2-1 to Atalanta. The valleys club made international headlines. No one could have ever imagined, this small underdog team performing quite as remarkably as they did, completely defying the odds.

indieactivity: Explain the key challenges on you latest film?
Joann: The last personal project I made ‘Matchstick Girl’ was made on a shoe sting budget of £500. The first challenge was exactly that. How can I make a powerful and meaningful short film on a very small budget. But we did. ‘We’ being the key word here, because it truly was a team effort. I was honest and up front with everyone I worked with and because of that I gained a huge amount of support. Organisations provided me with all the research I needed to keep the film factually correct,

Creative England pulled out all the stops with the council to approve my requested locations for free. I had an amazing crew who provided their time and equipment for free and a cast that believed in the script and the importance of the films narrative. To top it off, I was fortunate to find a composer who provided us with a simple but unique and beautiful soundtrack that added the final emotive touch to the production. That short film was screened at MediaCityUK in 2015 and has since gained recognition on ITV and with media outlets in Wales and England because of the issue it raises awareness for.

indieactivity: What thing or situation helps you during a production?
Joann: Positivity and lots of it. Tea, coffee and chocolate. Plus knowing everything has been planned correctly and that my team are happy. But most importantly, having the support of my family, friends and crew is fundamental to me. Teamwork is integral to the entire production process.’

indieactivity: Explain the creative choice you took on a recent production?
Joann: With all my productions I work closely with my DoP to make creative choices as you will always be faced with challenges. However, to ensure my vision comes to life, communication with my DoP is key from the start. Currently I am making a documentary to be released alongside my feature film drama ‘Adrian’. More recently, I interviewed WWE superstar Mick Foley.

The documentary itself is very personal, therefore, in terms of creative choice, particularly for this interview, I wanted it to feel relaxed and comfortable, a bit like having a chat with a friend in a living room or similar surroundings. The day we were shooting the interview was the first time I had been to the location and seen the room we were allocated. The room Mick was being interviewed in was spacious and grand, but all that aside, the furniture was in all the wrong places, plus some of the furniture looked aesthetically displeasing on camera as some of the colours and textures provided no depth to the image.

So moving the furniture as a start was an obvious decision, not just so the image was more visually pleasing but also that my vision could accommodate the camera position, angle and lighting. This all sounds pretty straight forward, but with a very limited time frame to set up and shoot trust me it’s certainly not as easy as it sounds, particularly when you want to make the image aesthetically pleasing and for the contributor feel comfortable within their interview surroundings, plus within that set up time to run test shots etc.

indieactivity: How do you advise female director to find projects?
Joann: I give the same advice to any aspiring director and that is to first and foremost believe in yourself and know what you are about. If you have a story you want to tell, don’t just talk about out, actively take steps to make it happen. All my projects started with an idea, how they have developed to where they are today is through sheer persistence and determination

Also, research, read books, newspapers etc. Find inspiration from the world around you, stories from people you may or may not know or even a situation you have been in. There are so many ways to find projects and even just talking with like minded individuals will inspire you.

indieactivity; How can filmmakers finance projects?
Joann: There are many ways filmmakers can fund a project, however, I’d advise getting a strong a strong team and package around a project first before going head first into production financing. There are many organisations that can potentially offer film funding or advise for funding projects, for example:

– Creative England
– BFI
– Ffilm Cymru
– Film London
– BBC
– Film 4

But there is also alternative options such as crowdfunding, this works for some but not for all – it can be a bit hit and miss. Some festivals offer film finance as well as independent organisations, a quick Google (or other known web browser) will bring up information of these. Furthermore, there is also the option to privately fund a project and equally Pinewood Studios work in conjunction with government media funds for commercially viable projects.

indieactivity: What do you want from an actor in production?
Joann: Passion and belief in the character they are portraying.

Page 3 of @southwalesargus https://t.co/LTiOoi90tT #featurefilm #film #movie #wrestling #wales #newport pic.twitter.com/4cOZK1Cjl0

— Joann Randles (@JoannRandles) February 26, 2016

indieactivity: How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production?
Joann: I tend to Produce and Direct so I am very aware of every element of the production process, it also means I am very self-motivated and pretty much eat, sleep and breathe my projects from concept to completion. However, I work very closely with my Executive Producer to make sure every element of the production process is meticulously planned. No stone is left unturned as it were. I am fortunate to have a very supportive Executive Producer who understands my projects and my vision.

indieactivity: What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry?
Joann: Work hard and dedicate your life to your craft. I know I have. Every minute of my life is committed to my work and any downtime I have is spent with my family. I have friends who don’t work in film but are self employed with new businesses and it is a very similar notion for them too. Making a film is like running any new business, work hard and you will make it. Also make sure you get yourself out there, what makes you different, similarly that goes for anyone trying to break into any industry or starting a new business. Stand out from the flock and don’t be afraid to be different.

indieactivity: Who is your favorite director?
Joann: Oh gosh, so many for different reasons. My favourites as I can’t pin point one are Charlie Chaplin, Fritz Lang, Billy Wilder, Steven Spielberg.

indieactivity: Why?
Joann: Personally I feel that all these directors are more than directors, they are artists. The detail and creativity of their work grips me and I feel inspired knowing these directors have mastered their craft and that they have pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, technically, stylistically and within the film narrative.

indieactivity: What advice would you give to directors around the world?
Joann: Same advice I give to anyone, anything is achievable in life if you put your mind to it. Work hard and believe in yourself and your decisions.

@PinewoodStudios #Wales yesterday to check out studio space. Things are starting to become real! #featurefilm #film pic.twitter.com/MXUSDd5Aoc

— Joann Randles (@JoannRandles) April 16, 2016

indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Joann: My career is varied and colourful. It has had twists, turns, ups and many downs. However, throughout I have maintained that no matter what, I will achieve my dreams.

As mentioned before, I started working as a freelancer during my BA (Hons) in Film Studies and continued to throughout my MA studies. When other students were out partying on their downtime, I was more concerned on getting my next job and planning my next film. I believe it is because of this commitment and determination from the very start of my career is the reason I am where I am today.

Over the duration of my career, I have been fortunate to work in Lighting and Vision for ongoing TV drama. Camera operator for an online broadcaster. Assistant Producer and DV Director for network television including shows for Ch5, Ch4 and MTV as well as an Executive Producer for micro budget feature films working specifically with and nurturing new talent both in front and behind the camera. Equally I have independently worked on everything from music videos with newly signed artists to documentaries and films.

I am now working as a director and producer on two commercially viable feature films and documentary to accompany one of the films. In tandem to this I continue to freelance for broadcasters and collaborate with other likeminded creatives around the UK.

On reflection, my varied background has provided me with a strong appreciation across all departments needs on a production and has enabled me as a producer and director to visualise a how to piece together a production from a technical view point, artistically and working with actors. It is great to be able to talk to departments an understand exactly what they need to do their job and challenges they may be faced with. Ultimately I love my job and can’t wait for what the future holds.

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