Film-maker Nathan Morris explores the awkwardness of romance with a unique perspective with the new short MY EYES OF UP HERE.
Film And TV Now spoke with the film-maker about the short.
Although the film focuses on a serious issue facing disabled people, the tone is very much a conventional love story. What was the start-off point for the short?
It was very intentional to make a story that was a conventional yet modern love story, not to focus on some of the more obvious attributes or to fall into tropes that disabled people have been depicted in the past.
It’s a comic love story plain and simple. The film really comes from a real lived experience through one of the writers, Aminder Virdee, who had a performance at Edinburgh, which is where the other writer, Arthur Meek met her.
He loved the story so much and Aminder’s attitude, and approach to the subject that they got together and wrote a script. So it’s very much based on real experiences, which I feel, in this case, is really important. And Mindi was on board as Attached Director, and a consultant throughout the process as well to make sure we have the gaze and tone correct.
This is based on Aminder’s real-life experiences. Did it affect you creatively? Did you learn anything during the production process?
The entire process huge learning curve for me not just as a filmmaker, but as a person.
I learned so much and saw so much of a world that I haven’t been in much because you do start to look at the world differently. Which is good. While I was attracted to the script because it was so much I could relate to there was so much I couldn’t relate to – so that meant a lot of learning, talking watching, observing and trying to empower other people’s voices.
I think that’s where my experience working in documentaries really paid off being able to dial into someone’s experiences and portray them on screen in an authentic way.
Tell us about your cast.
I was lucky with the two main characters, who were both brilliant to work with. I was lucky that I got to have a few days of rehearsals, which is a real luxury, and I think it shows.
Jillian is incredible. I absolutely adore her her attitude, her talents, and her tenacity. She was an absolute delight to work with. It wasn’t an easy shoot, some of the scenes were very difficult but she just got on with the job and never complained, and I think gave a stunning performance.
Ben was an absolute delight to work with as well always suggesting things, and problem-solving, he was a real Ally on set!
His character is incredibly important, and his performance is extremely nuanced. If you come across too weak, it actually weakens her, as she deserves someone strong and great, someone desirable so it was a real push and pull to get his performance just right, and Ben was perfect for it. I’d be honoured to work with either of them again.
Colin and Pooky were also incredible to work with. I loved hearing Colin’s stories of working with Alan Partridge, aka Steve Coogan.
Tell us about your production team.
This was a really tough shoot. Things went wrong and we had to rally to get across the finish line, but some people on the crew were just incredible at getting on with it, with some of them going above and beyond when things went wrong.
I’m used to working on shoots in quite remote and rugged locations, and this, to be honest, felt a bit like that at times! It was a really hard process but it was a testament to some of the crew. They were l up to the challenge and helped us produce this awesome short film.
Where did you shoot and for how long?
We shot it in London. It was meant to be a four-day shoot which turned into a five-day shot!
There are some moments of intimacy in the film. How much did you rehearse with the actors before shooting and what was their experience like?
One of my favourite things to do as a Director is working with actors, learning how to best communicate with them in the best possible way, and learning how to pull out the best in the performances.
I was also lucky enough to work with Miranda Harcourt, an amazing acting coach. She come up with the excellent idea of when Ben and Jillian first meet to do it on a bus, have them hang out get to know each other ask each other questions- so I did that! The first time they met was on a crowded bus in central London.
It was a great experience and they bonded well. Then we managed to have four more days of rehearsals. I had to be careful not to over-rehearse, but it was a really fun process. By the time we shot they both truly understood their characters so during filming, it was a delight.
Who and what are your key cinematic influences?
Wow, so many influences! I tend to draw from different people depending on the subject of the film I’m making.
For instance, I love Christopher Guest but I’m not sure he’s particularly relevant in this – but he does have an awesome tone and knack for showing people being vulnerable. love awkwardness, so I’m a big fan of Larry David. Also perhaps not entirely relevant to this film but Armando Iannucci is a huge inspiration to me.
I also love Ruben Ostend and Roy Andersson, and I adore the work of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. I’m not sure any of these people are relevant to this film, but often these filmmakers are amazing at exploring someone’s vulnerability, and that awkwardness of life, which is something I love exploring.
What issues and themes are you keen to explore in future work?
When I approach a story, it’s really important that I have a theme that I’m trying to convey and the theme that seems to pop up a lot in my work is that of the ‘outsider’ people feeling isolated and not fitting in, people who are misunderstood at first glance.
Nathan, you have written for artists like Rhianna and Lady Gaga. What did you learn from working with those people and how influential have they been on your career and creative evolution?
It was an amazing experience to see both these artists’ work, the way they interact with people and how they could just switch on their amazing talents in an instant.
I’m inspired by many people I work with from (literal) miners to editors, whoever! It’s all about attitude, experience and taste. I think being opening-minded and curious are also vital to growth – also I like people who don’t think like me, I don’t want to be around people who think like me.
Being open to new experiences and not being afraid to make mistakes. I’m really good at them.
Are there plans to show the film to Disability charities and the Government to highlight the challenges explored in this film?
Once the film is finished on the festival circuit, I’m sure there will be some viewings for charities and the Government. I think it’s a really great tool to create empathy and a really non-condescending way…and hopefully change.
Your film is playing at Tribeca. How important is a festival like this in showcasing your work?
We make films to be seen, right? So I can’t really overstate just how important festivals like this are to me! I’m often working alone, writing a script, producing something, trying to raise money – getting stuff made.
It’s often a very isolated experience (not great for one’s mental health!) for me to get something off the ground. It’s a real battle to be seen and heard. There are so many good filmmakers out there! Which is great! So it does really feel like you’re going to the Olympics when you get to a film festival of this calibre,
You get to show the film with your peers and importantly in front of people who might be able to help your future endeavours. I just hope what I make will resonate with someone and perhaps I’ll be able to form relationships with them to create something together in the future. So for me, a festival like Tribeca is vital
Finally, what are you most proud of about this film?
Wow, that’s a tough question! It was such an ordeal getting this to the screen. It’s a real collaboration of talents, which I am grateful for. I think ultimately I’m most proud of the two leads’ performances.
The performances seem real and believable, which to me is everything in cinema making something that seems authentic and I’m loving the reactions the film is getting from people.
