Our Trip to the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Some of the ChalkStar team recently spent a few days in Scotland visiting the fast-growing Edinburgh International Film Festival. Whilst the best part of our networking was spent at some rather splendid and enjoyable cocktail parties, we still took the time to watch some of the films and to go to a couple of Empire Magazine’s Hero Worship Q&As.

I found Noel Clarke’s talk inspiring, and knowing how hard he’s had to fight to get where he is now is hugely motivational. I knew relatively little about him prior to his interview, and am now going to work my way through his films to see if they can inspire me a little more. Interestingly the scripts that he read to learn to write are all films that have inspired me: Pulp Fiction, Clerks and Chasing Amy to name just a few. It was also fascinating hearing why he cast himself and other people based on financial and worldwide audience demands.

The other Q&A we went to was with a real hero of mine, Sonny Crockett. Okay, okay: Don Johnson. What a thoroughly brilliant and engaging personality he is. The talk was no holds barred! He is open, funny and interesting. And man, he has some stories. It’s always a worry when you see your heroes, but trust me, if you get the chance to see Don, he won’t disappoint. Steve Hay managed to get a question in too. You can see the interview on Empire’s Website.

Chalky, Paul and Steve at the Ceilidh.

The real reason for going other than supporting friends, was to open our network a little wider, and to meet some real industry professionals that have made successful feature films. We were fortunate to catch up with quite a few, most of whom where kind enough to share their wisdom. It was a very refreshing experience for me, and one that I’d like to have had a few years ago. Even after that, I think most importantly we have met many new friends, both inside and outside the industry.

Scotland? I rather liked it, and Edinburgh is such a magnificent city. Edinburgh Intentional Film Festival? Definitely worthwhile, and I think we will go back next year. Also, we rather fancy taking part in the Glasgow 48 hour Film Challenge too – watch this space.

Chalky.

Don Johnson