Films

The film was called The Boy With A Thorn In His Side and was the feature length debut of Wolverhampton director Mark Jeavons. It was shown at independent cinemas and was even screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Now Mark is putting all his experience – and a little more money - into making his second film Whatever Happened to Pete Blagitt? A tale of comedy, wedding photography, and alien abduction.

“I was trying to make a living as a screen writer and then joined the TV and video course,” said Mark. “I used crew and equipment off the course.”

First feature

Boy With A Thorn was made in 17 days, simply because that’s how long Mark was allowed the equipment for. This time around it’s a little different however, with Mark and lead actress Gabrielle Amies co-funding the project.

“Gabrielle wanted to put an amount of money into the film and happened to be the best actress we had seen at the auditions. It was simply a coincidence.”

“It was a weird gut-wrenching experience. To have it screened in a room with people walking in and out is a bit soul destroying. It made me appreciate how big the industry is.”

“But lots of sales agents gave it positive feedback, it just lacked important things.”

Like big stars? “Exactly.”

Mark would love to return to Cannes in May, preferably with Pete Blagitt in the can, but may have to settle with showing a trailer of his unfinished work.

Whenever it is finished, the film will be just as crazy, but more mature than his first work.

Frustration

The American dominated movie scene is something Mark talks about with resentment, but is equally frustrated by British opportunities to produce main stream films.

“I don’t have any faith in the British film industry. There’s great film talent that never gets pushed. With the UK Film Council they fund the films that they choose to fund. They like the comedies and gangster films that tick the boxes.”

People in the area can help local talent just by putting themselves in cinema seats.

“I’ve met so many filmmakers in the area who just get on with it. It’s a shame. There are lots of filmmakers in Birmingham alone churning out films year after year without any recognition.”

But that won’t stop Mark pursuing the big time, even if it does mean he has to do the work of two people.

“I love the actual process of directing and turning a script into a film. I’ve always been my own producer as well.”

How is that? “Horrendous.”