Poison Tree launch do - An evening of films, music and cake
The Lofthouse, Nottingham, 13th May 2015
www.turrellbrothers.co.uk
www.crybabystudio.co.uk
www.twitter.com/turrellbros
Locating The Lofthouse, on Warser Gate in Nottingham, I clamber up the stairs slowly feeling the anticipation swelling. Finding the floor for tonight's event, I'm welcomed with a touch of nostalgia laid before me in the form of portable TVs, draped with VHS cassettes, and displaying home videos.
Not just of any old videos, mind you, but of the entertaining products of the early days of John and Tom Turrell a.k.a. The Turrell Brothers. Flaunting some of their earlier shorts, from as far back as 11 years ago, this filmic installation of retro CRTs acts as a joyous porthole into their past, casually revealing their training as padawan film makers and exposing the creative spirit they have always endured. It's a jovial step readying us for their next big step forward.
And, a perfect introduction to this new venue too - a nice, hidden corner of Nottingham's "cool" in the heart of the city's hot, cultural quarter. I love the stripped down feel, direct and unabashed, and as one of Nottingham's coolest live nightspots it's a burgeoning embodiment of film and live music.
Not just of any old videos, mind you, but of the entertaining products of the early days of John and Tom Turrell a.k.a. The Turrell Brothers. Flaunting some of their earlier shorts, from as far back as 11 years ago, this filmic installation of retro CRTs acts as a joyous porthole into their past, casually revealing their training as padawan film makers and exposing the creative spirit they have always endured. It's a jovial step readying us for their next big step forward.And, a perfect introduction to this new venue too - a nice, hidden corner of Nottingham's "cool" in the heart of the city's hot, cultural quarter. I love the stripped down feel, direct and unabashed, and as one of Nottingham's coolest live nightspots it's a burgeoning embodiment of film and live music.
Stepping into the main room, with Tom Turrell kindly passing me some fermented tea, one of the first things I couldn't ignore was a man patiently sketching by the bar. An evolving scene of two young ladies holding hands, perhaps looking to the future ahead...a possible reflection on the nearing success that I hope the Turrell brothers can attain soon. This was the brother's colleague and concept artist Michael Cowell, crafting a piece on site.
In fact, The Turrell's and their other colleagues (producers Anna Griffin and Rachel Dargavel, of Cry Baby Studios), have put so much effort into making an intriguing, friendly event to illustrate their talent and passion. And the reason for this needed awareness is due to Creative England...
Linked with BFI, this is the second year for Creative England's 'iShorts', a huge event where around 350 film makers have put across their cases to become the next big name in UK direction and production. It's wonderful platform for new film makers to make a mark, the programme acting as a great opportunity to garner more support for independent creatives.
Out of the 300 plus entrants, only 19 contestants remain - one of these groups consisting of John, Tom, Anna and Rachel. Their aim...to promote awareness for their entry to iShorts, Poison Tree.
Click on this link and watch the pitch video to learn more, hearing of a tale of a young woman going through a bereavement, and pitting for revenge. Please donate to the Crowdfunder as well. Not only are there some great gifts on offer, including t-shirts, badges, jewellery and artwork (from on-site sketcher, Michael Cowell no less!). But also, you'll be helping these great film makers onto a springboard to the next level in their career.
Getting back to the event, and after a good amount of welcoming and chatting amongst the guests, the gathering bustle to their seats, drinks in hand, preparing for the onslaught of homegrown cinema kindly prepared for us.
Introduced by the team themselves, we were to be treated to some snippets from previous projects. Ranging from 2010 to 2015, the collection of self-produced delights comprised of a full short in its entirety followed by cuts from their other pieces, including a sneak preview of up-and-coming piece, Eliphasito.
I'm really looking forward to Eliphasito too. With fantastic dialogue, natural humour and strong characters, it looks a blast. They'll be filming the remainder of it this summer, so to find out more, look for the third article on their news page here.
With such wonderful variety, it was a great showcase. A great set up and vibe, swimming in a lovely balance of warmth and ardour, with music playing into the night. It was a wonderful social film party for friends, family and enthusiasts. I hope their next party will be for celebrating their success!
Please go to the Crowdfunder site and pledge if you can. The deadline is the 8th June 2015 so please invest asap. Also, share this post with your social network. You can find out more Poison Tree Facebook group here.
And, as always, please feel free to comment below, or contact me @filmbore
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/poisontree
Click on this link and watch the pitch video to learn more, hearing of a tale of a young woman going through a bereavement, and pitting for revenge. Please donate to the Crowdfunder as well. Not only are there some great gifts on offer, including t-shirts, badges, jewellery and artwork (from on-site sketcher, Michael Cowell no less!). But also, you'll be helping these great film makers onto a springboard to the next level in their career.
Getting back to the event, and after a good amount of welcoming and chatting amongst the guests, the gathering bustle to their seats, drinks in hand, preparing for the onslaught of homegrown cinema kindly prepared for us.
Introduced by the team themselves, we were to be treated to some snippets from previous projects. Ranging from 2010 to 2015, the collection of self-produced delights comprised of a full short in its entirety followed by cuts from their other pieces, including a sneak preview of up-and-coming piece, Eliphasito.
Commencing with the aptly named Found Tape (2010), we experience the japes of two lads with a stolen camera, up to no good, filming their capers. Finishing with their attempt at ransacking an abandoned house, this found-footage gem feels genuine throughout, with good tension build. There's some lovely, natural handheld work, paired with snappy editing for that "real home video" style. And, from startling friends in alleyways, to pigs heads in bushes, it feels so raw and confident in its sense of horror. The flagship shot near the end of the piece, a locked shot on a fellow locked door as events unfold, is sensational!
As were the ingredients of the movie cocktail that followed it. Were it through the combination of the perfectly handled angles of 2010's Toyah, or the crispness of the art-house micro-vignettes in the Malickesque Shank's Pony (2014), the shots on screen were a great intro into the Turrell's back catalogue, highlighting their approach, effort and nature as film makers. It's a great example of what they are aiming to achieve.
As were the ingredients of the movie cocktail that followed it. Were it through the combination of the perfectly handled angles of 2010's Toyah, or the crispness of the art-house micro-vignettes in the Malickesque Shank's Pony (2014), the shots on screen were a great intro into the Turrell's back catalogue, highlighting their approach, effort and nature as film makers. It's a great example of what they are aiming to achieve.
I'm really looking forward to Eliphasito too. With fantastic dialogue, natural humour and strong characters, it looks a blast. They'll be filming the remainder of it this summer, so to find out more, look for the third article on their news page here.
With such wonderful variety, it was a great showcase. A great set up and vibe, swimming in a lovely balance of warmth and ardour, with music playing into the night. It was a wonderful social film party for friends, family and enthusiasts. I hope their next party will be for celebrating their success!
Please go to the Crowdfunder site and pledge if you can. The deadline is the 8th June 2015 so please invest asap. Also, share this post with your social network. You can find out more Poison Tree Facebook group here.
And, as always, please feel free to comment below, or contact me @filmbore
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/poisontree
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poison-Tree/1447777202186953
Thanks for sharing us.
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