‘History is an inspiration to me personally, because it is stories, and being a filmmaker is being a storyteller’
Luke Taylor- Make Works Derby and Derbyshire Volunteer
I had the impression that volunteering for Make Works Derby and Derbyshire would give me invaluable experience working to a real client brief, and allow me to develop my interpersonal skills in a diverse environment. This, in fact, is what I wrote in my application that I hoped I would gain, but it is only some of what I got from the experience. The experience of working with a renowned filmmaker was, at every stage, fascinating. I learnt about industry techniques, collaboration, and scheduling around other study commitments.
I have personal reasons as to why I wanted to be part of Make Works and why this opportunity was pertinent to me. Almost four decades ago, my mum first came to Derby for its Art College. She studied Textile design, going on to live here for 10 years. This doubtlessly had an unconscious impact on my choice for Derby as my place of study, since having this connection to her is important to me. Derby is where my mum met her life long friend Cic, who is still in Derby doing textile design. They made a contribution to the cities culture, which is what I wanted to do.
History is an inspiration to me personally, because it is stories, and being a filmmaker is being a storyteller.
I attended the Green Door Printmaking Studio, an ‘environmentally friendly, open access printmaking community offering print-based fine art workshops and facilities.’ This was my favorite filming visit because the subject matter was diverse and colorful.
Louise West Lace Making was the other filming visit I attended. Louise had knowledge about her area that made for interesting conversation and in turn great material for the film.
As a film production student at the University of Derby I do a lot of work making independent short films. I’m also a Videographer for a marketing company in Nottingham. I try to broaden my experience in every direction, so having this different perspective on working to a client brief was valuable. Being out in these live filming environments is fast paced, but there is always help there when you need it: Help setting up in tight spots, suggestions for angles when you're stuck for ideas, and to build trust with the interviewee.
I wasn't sure what filming would be like. I had only recently started first year when I applied to the museum and I was still inexperienced, but I was coached through every stage of filming in the months leading to the visit. We practiced building and breaking down the kit, lighting a subject, interviewing and being interviewed, so that when we went on location we knew what to do, with only minor tailoring needed. The skills I learned from filming Make Works I took into projects at University, and the skills I learned at University gave a solid foundation of understanding for Make Works. Having these run parallel gave me an outlet to practice and to learn.
I’ve also learnt that there are a lot of independent makers in derby, none of which were previously in my sphere of awareness. This has been an opportunity to expand their reach, to promote creativity in the local environment. Anything I can do to boost the creative sector which I am a part of is a great achievement, and it's something I am proud of.
For me as a filmmaker the most beneficial element of the filming visits was great variety in experience. For example, learning the processes for location shooting, sound recording, then editing to a brief. It was a holistic journey in which I was supported at every stage and which I learned much about filmmaking.
I would recommend this for any first year student in the visual arts looking to gain experience alongside their course.
Blog written by fantastic Co-production Make Works Volunteer Film-Maker - Luke Taylor
If you’d like to volunteer or find out more about more about it - visit our website https://www.derbymuseums.org/support/getinvolved
