Image by Bob Jordan.
After months of preparation, Huddersfield based filmmaker - Greg Spencer is set to release his debut film Jenna. I spoke to him about his influences, experiences and obstacles he had during the time of production.
How did you get into filmmaking?
I got into it when I did a BTEC media course during my GCSE years at high school. I fell in love with the idea of creating something from nothing. To have an idea in your head and transforming that into something on screen is a really amazing concept. Doing that BTEC for two years allowed me to make a number of short films and collaborate with people. However, more importantly it allowed me to get my hands on camera equipment and editing software.
Having access to these things was a blessing, as it allowed me to be able to create whatever I wanted. In hindsight, I actually wish I made more because I felt like I was one of the only people on that course that didn't ever want to stop making anything.
Who and what are your influences?
My main influence is David Lynch. I remember being about sixteen years old and going to the library in Halifax. They had a massive DVD selection and it was there I discovered something called Twin Peaks. I must have watched the entire two seasons in a week. I thought it was absolutely magical and groundbreaking for something that came out in the early nineties. To me, it was something much more than television and in terms of a career aspirations, this opened up a whole new outlook. At university, I wrote my dissertation on Lynch because of my love for his other works such as Blue Velvet, Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive.
Other directors who influence me are Michael Haneke - who directed films such as Funny Games and Hidden. These films were tense and visceral. I wanted to make films like this myself, ones that make the audience feel uncomfortable.
Another director who influences me is Pedro Almodovar. His film Todo Sobre Mi Madre had a massive effect on me growing up. I also think Christopher Nolan is yet to make a bad film.
For those who don't know, can you explain the synopsis of your upcoming film Jenna?
I won't say too much as it's a short and I want it's audience to go into it with hardly any expectations as to what it is. Basically, it is about a woman who hears what she believes is domestic violence in the flat below and decides to intervene.
I got the idea from being in someone's flat. The walls were so thin you could hear every word of the couple arguing. I thought the idea of becoming embroiled in something unexpected was interesting, exciting and chilling.
Image by Bob Jordan.
It really was. It was so much fun but also pretty stressful and something that really requires all your attention. Luckily it was only a two day shoot, so this made it easier. Plus, I had a great group of people to work with - especially the cast, my assistant director Jon Addison and DOP Bob Jordan. I felt like the days flowed really well and it was a great creative working environment to be in.
What obstacles did you have?
A lot of people who worked with me on this project were part of a filmmakers collective called Leeds Indie Filmmakers. Getting to know some of these people in such a short space of time might have been an obstacle but if anything, it made it easier. The main obstacle was getting across the visions I had in my mind. It's one thing having an idea in your head and writing the screen play, but it's another thing entirely getting your idea across to a number of people in a coherent way.
Image by Bob Jordan.
Do you have any plans for future projects, if so what?
I am currently writing a new screenplay called The Search. It's really different to Jenna in every aspect, so once I've finished writing I'll be looking to make it.
When can we expect a release date?
The last bits are being edited and it will be released very soon.
Where will it be available to watch?
It will be available on Youtube and Vimeo.
