Chris Blaine, one of director and writer duo the Blaine Brothers, visited St Mary’s University, Twickenham this month to speak to students on the Film and Screen Media and Media Arts programmes.
Chris discussed his career with brother Ben, directing short films and music videos, before funding, writing and directing their feature film. The presentation was full of insight into the work of financing and realising a film, as well as working with actors, crew and producers. St Mary’s students were keen to ask Chris questions about artistic choices made in the film as well as advice on working in the UK screen industries.
The Blaine Brother’s debut feature, Nina Forever, was released earlier this year to acclaim, following festival success at SXSW Festival in Austin Texas, where it premiered, as well as winning the Jury Award at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. Actress Abigail Hardingham won Most Promising Newcomer for her role in the film at the British Independent Film Awards 2015
. Dr Jon Hackett of Film and Screen Media, who organised the session, said, ‘We are very grateful to Chris for visiting St Mary’s and for giving us valuable insights into the Blaine Brothers’ career and on making it in the UK film industry. Our students had seen their film Nina Forever and were able to ask specific questions about creative choices made in production as well as the marketing and promotion involved. It was a great opportunity to gain an industry perspective into their degree subject.”