The Next Chapter.

Hi.

Its been a while since my last post, but now we are into 2013 its time to start ramping things up.

Making a feature film like The Man Inside takes it out of you and has all sorts of impacts, some good some bad, especially when its a biographical film.

It was a roller-coaster experience to have a film of your life and the life of your best friend released to the world, and reviewed by the press.  A bit like bearing your soul for all to see and have people comment on it!  Its probably difficult to understand exactly what this means and the impact it has upon you personally and professionally, unless you've been through it yourself.
But... I'm immensely proud of the achievement and humbled to have told such a personal story on such a wide scale.

Having made a film like The Man Inside I now feel like that particular chapter is closed, with the future now mapped out with more entertainment-based films on the horizon.  I think its important to tell personal stories and its a very cathartic exercise, but as a filmmaker I also want to tell bigger and broader stories, explore lots of different themes and move around all the genres that excite me.

I'm constantly inspired by filmmakers like Danny Boyle who effortlessly moves from harrowing films to uplifting films and even science fiction.  Its too easy to put writers or directors into genre boxes, so I am in awe of his ability to defy those expectations and hope I get the opportunity to do the same.

In many ways it would be easier to pitch projects that adhered to genres I've already covered, because I have a track record in them, so it will be a bit like starting over with some of the new genres I am about to embark upon, but thats never stopped me before!

Meantime, I've started up an official Facebook page where I can share news and make available exclusives like film commentaries and podcasts and behind-the-scenes photos.  Official Dan Turner Facebook

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone for their support in 2012.
It means a great deal to me.

Thank you

This blog is slightly different to the norm for me.
I wanted to take a moment to thank all my friends who have supported/encouraged/protected and generally been lovely over the last few weeks.

It's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride with some very scary bits and I feel very lucky and blessed to have some truly brilliant people, both close and across the Internet.

I've been skeptical in the past of things like social networking sites like Twitter but through those places I've met some extraordinary people who are both very cool and very kind too.

I'd love to do a roll call of those people both near and far, but fear I may forget someone. Suffice to say... Thank you to everyone who helped. I hope I can do the same for you whenever you need me.

Dan. Xx


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"Countdown to July 27" Diary: The Final Day

Friday July 27:

Todays the day.
In 25 screens across the UK The Man Inside is released.

There's nothing more to be done except to hope an audience find the film and take something away from it.

I'm under no illusion of what to expect. You'll not see the film on buses, or billboards or television adverts, it's not got that kind of support. So its down to those who want to seek the film out, or people who might take a chance on a little British film over one of the $$$$$$m blockbusters thats on at the moment.

I hope for those that get a chance to see it that it touches them and makes them think a little about the choices we are presented with in life.  thats what the film is about really.

I think this review in The Guardian probably sums it up.

I want to reiterate that its a privilege to get The Man Inside made and onto cinema screens.  I am a simple lad from Colchester in Essex who just wants to tell stories. I never dreamed I'd be able to do this.
I've had to work hard for almost twenty years now to get to this point and I'm proud of what I've achieved.

I'm grateful to everyone who has helped me and encouraged me over the years, especially my parents.

If you cant see the film at the cinema over the next week, then it will be hitting the shops in time for Christmas on December 17.  You can pre-order it on DVD and Blu-Ray.
I've been personally involved with some of the extras on the disk, so I look forward to talking about that nearer the time.

Thank you for your support.

"Countdown to July 27" Diary: Day Five

Thursday 26 July:

So nearly there now!

I've organised a few trips to different cinemas over the weekend to see how the film is being projected.  Well... I might as well, its not every day you get a film on the cinema is it?

I started this week worried about reviews, and friends much wiser than me, said to not pay too much attention as it was a subjective thing.  I still agonised though.

In fact, the first one I read, was unfortunately negative, and I fell pray to a nasty bout of insecurity.

The following day that movie magazine's main's competitor published a review that completely contradicted all of the things its rival said and praised the film highly.

Yesterday the same thing happened.  More rival magazines publishing reviews that contradicted specific elements.  

It was at that point that I shrugged my shoulders and thought "this REALLY is just opinions"  Why should I allow about 20-30 critics define what I, or anyone else think of the film?

So, now my feeling is... let the film find its audience.  

Of course, being a huge advocate of always improving myself, I'l read all the reviews together when they are out, and if there any opinions that form a consensus then I'll take that on board as a way of addressing those issues in future films.

And thats what next week is all about. Future films.

This week has been exciting, but ultimately I'm a filmmaker and I am ready to make more!

Countdown to July 27: Day Four

Wednesday 25 July:

Last night the car picked us up and dropped us on the red carpet at The Vue Cinema Leicester Square.
We walked into complete madness.
I was quickly ushered in front of a wall of paparazzi who flashed and clicked away making me fully appreciate the phrase "rabbit caught in the headlights".
They shouted at me to "look up, left, right, down, straight ahead, smile" etc etc and this went on and on until I could barely see.

Then the star of the film Ashley Bashy Thomas was thrust next to me and we stood and it all happened all over again.

I did my best to look cool, but frankly, when you're standing next to someone like Ashley you may as well just accept defeat.

After this I was ushered towards cameras and people with microphones where I was asked lots of different questions about the film, many of which were thoughtful and interesting questions.

The best of them all, was with the brilliant HEYUGUYS who are one of my favourite sources of movie news.

Here's the interview I did with them...




Once all that was done I was able to quickly say hello to the cast before the screening began.
After a brief speech the film began and I was pleased how the audience got quieter and quieter as the film progressed.
Afterwards the reaction was fantastic, and I was pleased and very proud to be told by many people how moved they were by the film.

This seems to the genuine reaction of people who enjoy it.  They seem to really become affected by it and the message resonates with them.

The final leg of the night was the after party.

I'll confess, this is not my favourite part, because I'm a filmmaker and not a schmoozer, but it was good to see so many people enjoying what we had accomplished and to say a personal thank you to a few very special people who not only made this film possible, but had also helped me throughout my career.

Countdown to July 27: Day Three

Tuesday July 24

Its premiere day.

I'm a very shy person so I'm pretty terrified, but of course, excited to see it all unfold later on today in Leicester Square.  I suspect I'll need a few drinks in me to give me a bit of confidence.

I was told by someone who called to wish me luck to make sure I enjoy it all and to focus on whether I was happy with the film.

That might sound like a cliche, but I really think thats true.  There is a bigger picture at play here.

Ultimately, I'm the one who has to live with this film in my career and in my life.  The film is something I created from scratch, so if I'm unhappy with it then its all for nothing.

I can honestly say I am happy about it, for sure.

I guess my nerves lie in the fact that its not the easiest film to watch at times, its very harrowing and emotional.  It certainly doesn't fit into the profile of British films, and I guess that will present its own set of challenges!

Similarly, Ive built in a very strong moral message, one I felt I HAD to make. Which perhaps some will find a little pious or worthy, but I feel very strongly that it needs saying and saying loudly.  

I stand by that decision proudly, and if one person pauses for thought after seeing the film, and puts down that knife, or considers that there may be another way other than violence, then I will have succeeded beyond any artistic or commercial endeavour.

"Countdown to July 27" Diary: Day Two

Monday 24:

Just read that the film is to be reviewed by Mark Kermode on Thursday.
Thats going to be fun!

Meanwhile...

Went to see Batman last night.  Although that's another story...
I was looking at the amount of screens the cinema had and counted seven screens given to Batman. two for Spiderman, two for Ice Age and the remaining one to Magic Mike!

That puts getting cinema distribution into perspective a bit, especially as the next Hollywood juggernaut "The Lorax" rolls in this week as well.  Its a miracle we got on any screens!

I think I'll try and see it in a few cinemas over the weekend to get an idea of what its like to see your film in the local multi-plex.
Also, I think I'd like to try and organise some arts screenings, especially in Newcastle.
Its a shame that we couldn't get a showing in newcastle, as thats where the crew are based and where the film is shot, but it couldn't be helped.
Instead I'll look into ways of organising something myself perhaps.

I'm very lucky to have lots of friends who keep reminding me what a great week this is going to be.
naturally, my fragile mind is fixating on the scary bits, so its a welcome relief to hear other perspectives.