Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Brocklehurst.
Hi Philip, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an indie filmmaker based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. From a young age, I have always had a fascination with film and storytelling.In general. Two of my favourite films growing up were RoboCop (1987) and The Terminator (1984). I must have worn those VHS tapes out when I was a kid. Already showing signs of my age here (laughs).
I didn’t have many friends at school. Or in the local neighbourhood. Having a skin condition and autism didn’t do my social life any favours. I often spent my time on the playground, or at home, alone with my thoughts. Imagining all kinds of scenarios and adventures. Original ideas, or featuring characters I was fond of like Sonic the Hedgehog. I was a SEGA lad in the 90s.
My love of watching films and overactive imagination seemed like the ideal union and helped fuel my passion of making my own films.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main challenge is that I don’t have a lot of money, or a lot of equipment on hand.
It began when I first purchased a camera on eBay for £50 back in 2015, and shot my first attempt at an art short with a form of narrative, Free. I didn’t have a tripod or a crew at hand. It had to be shot by myself, keeping my arms out of frame so it didn’t look obvious, combined with POV shots for movement. To say it was rough around the edges would be a gross understatement. It looks and feels like a first time project, but back then it was an indescribable feeling to have created something. In any way, shape, or form. Of course looking back at it. I can’t help but notice the huge flaws and wince. But we have to start somewhere, and the only way to learn is with experience. And from the one, came the many. And each one has faced similar obstacles with the lack of resources. I’m basically a one man band who has occasionally had help from friends and family. It doesn’t produce the most professional results, but I feel the raw quality gives the shorts a diamond in the rough vibe.
Each short became a rite of passage, a learning step. A bringer of much joy, and pain, as I studied every video made and realised what worked and what didn’t. Mistakes made that I tried to avoid on next projects. It’s been rough, and I have been rough on myself throughout the years. I don’t let myself off lightly with shorts like Vengeance Runs Red, which didn’t go the way I planned it and ended up being a far cry for my original vision due to not being more disciplined at the time. Living and learning, that’s what it’s all about.
And while I don’t feel like I’m a master, I feel like I have a stronger grasp now than I did over a decade ago. But it’s still a long journey, and the real test will come if I ever get the opportunity to make a real film, with a budget, and a cast, and a crew. Until that day, should it ever come, my one man band shorts are a way for me to continue refining my craft, experiment, and express myself. It may sound crazy but they have helped a lot with my ongoing struggle with depression. Art often is a therapeutic means. And while the outcome may never be perfect, don’t give up. Keep trying and enjoy what you do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think my short films have a unique quality, because I really am just a guy trying to express myself for the best of my abilities with what I have, which most of the time isn’t a lot. I’d love to make bigger and grander things, I really would. But I definitely would need to surround myself with people who know more than me to guide me. I have the visions, I just need the means to make the ambitious ones a reality. For now, all I can really make are the small and personal films. And while I don’t mind making those, I do yearn to grow and prove myself with something like a feature film.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Actors or actresses, producers, cinematographers, editors, anybody who is a part of the creative process of making a film. I would love to collaborate with them. Or if they want to collaborate with me. I’m sure we could work something out.
As for supporting me, checking out my short films and offering feedback is always appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philip.brocklehurst.9
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@philbrocklehurst
