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“I’m an all-round filmmaker (I write/direct, shoot and produce) with over 9 years of experience. Before going to film school I went to art school (mostly practising Photography and Printmaking)- though something always felt missing.Then one day, whilst I was watching a film, I had the (somewhat simple) realization that what had been missing from my photographs was movement. And text. And from then on it was like a light turned on and I started my real work.
I moved to London in 2012 and founded my production company Darling Pictures in 2014.I created Darling Pictures with the objective that it be a production home for unique content that pushes the boundaries of genre and method to create original, engaging entertainment. Our company motto is : Everything’s interesting if your bold enough to engage. We create online content as well as short and long films (fictional & documentary). Amongst our clients are HTC, The British Library and Ministry of Stories. We are currently embarking on our first feature-length hybrid documentary about the classroom experience from the point of view of primary school children across the UK.”
MA: I created Darling Pictures with the objective that it be a production home for unique content that pushes the boundaries of genre and method to create original, engaging entertainment. Our company motto is : Everything’s interesting if your bold enough to engage. And I really believe in that – whether I’m working with an great established brand or “dry” statistics that need to be formed into a relatable message, I’m always inspired by the opportunity to shed new light on a topic through filmmaking. I think that in this heavily video-trafficked world it’s very important to understand how to stand out through a creative use of the skills and tools that you have at your disposal to create a memorable video, rather than just following the flock, and that’s what Darling Pictures is all about, being truly original and engaging through creating high-end unique films.
MA: I think my main challenge was simply getting the Darling Pictures name out there. Having a non existent PR budget meant I had to be very active in promoting the company and getting potential clients. I made a point of going to lots of networking events, for both my industry as well as industries I wanted to work with, and talking with people . Making sure I gave them my business card and wrote a follow up email to stay in touch and (if appropriate) suggesting a meeting. It’s so very important to strike while the iron is hot – as one meets so many people at these events you want to make sure they still remember your face when they receive your letter.
RB: Who has been the greatest influence on you since starting your venture and why?
MA: I think my greatest influence has been a dear friend of mine who’s a young film producer who founded her production company 3 years ago. Just witnessing her motivation, drive, creative business savvy and sheer passion for what she does as she builds her company and goes from strength to strength, her influence as a positive role model and peer has really helped me along.
RB: What is the vision for your business and where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
MA: The vision for Darling Pictures is to continue growing both our commercial and artistic divisions. We are continuing to expand the limits of commercial films by creating new, unique online content for our clients – specifically developing new partnerships within the education, arts, charity and technology sectors. Alongside developing our production slate – developing and producing short and feature length documentaries and fictional films. We currently have a 40 minute documentary about the work of choreographer Tim Casson in post production (release 2016). As well as a feature-length hybrid documentary about the classroom experience from the point of view of primary school children across the UK, which we are currently in pre-production for (release 2017) – please keep a look out for our trailer in spring 2016! In 5 years I hope to have finished my first feature film, with another another one in production , and to have developed Darling Pictures into a well known production house that offers clients both commercial and creative full production services with a very unique and distinct approach.