James Owen focuses on a dark tale of mental illness in his short BARNSTORM.
Film And TV Now spoke with the film-maker about the short film.
What was the start-off point for the short?
The initial thoughts here was to make a film that highlights teenage mental health but at the same time is a gritty horror. The farm location is quite special and we knew this is where we wanted to develop the story and drew a lot of inspiration from that.
The short deals with mental illness. Do you think stories like this can act as a healing tool for families affected by similar experiences?
I don’t think this particular short is a healing tool – more a way of creating awareness in general but without trying to send an obvious message.
Tell us about your cast.
Toby John, the lead has acted in several of my short films over the last   10 years, he has not had any formal training but understands the importance of a natural performance and has always delivered. Pippa, who plays the mother/monster is also the writer. This was the first time I have directed her and it was straightforward as we shared the same vision for the concept. She gave it 150%!
Tell us about your production team.
Most of the team were members of BAFTA crew and it was an absolute pleasure working with them all. Notably, our DOP Suzanne Gough and her team created some fabulous images and we achieved such a lot in such a short time, especially considering we had rain and Trish Pender did an amazing job on Make-up and Special Effects, I have worked with her on several previous films and she really is at the top level. Honestly I feel very lucky to have been supported by such talented and lovely creatives.
Where did you shoot and for how long?
Barnstorm was shot on location on a farm in North Oxfordshire. The writer and I scouted the location for a day to gain inspiration for the script and scene layout and I then worked on the production design to create the important details over 2 days. There was a rehearsal day with Toby and then we filmed over two days.
You founded Factory Film Studios in the Midlands. What are your immediate and long term plans for this facility?
You also founded On Set Solutions, which has provided COVID screening for film and TV sets during the pandemic. Now that we appear to be back to a reasonable normality, how do you see this being used in the immediate future?
The Covid company supported many big projects over the last 2 years but it has done its job now and has been laid to rest to allow us to focus back on our own creative projects.
You are also a knee surgeon. Does that help fund your film-making endeavours?
Early on it certainly helped, but I only do this part time now so I can concentrate on writing, directing and producing.
Your film played alongside HUNTSMAN at the London Independent Film Festival. How was the experience and how do festivals help film-makers like yourself in your view?
LIFF is a fantastic festival. It is always exciting to see your projects on the big screen and see the audiences reactions, but more importantly it is a great opportunity to see the work of other filmmakers and speak to them about their projects and future opportunities.
Finally, what are you most proud of about this short film?
I always it difficult to give a single answer to this type of question, I am very proud of Toby’s performance and his character development, from the early readings, to the rehearsal and then final performance. I think this was his most challenging role to date and between us I believe we have created a compelling story. I am also very proud of the film’s quality in all departments, thanks to everyone involved.
