What a Night!
The first Glasgow Tellyfest Industry Night smashed it!
Around half past ten last night I was on my bike, stopped at a red light on University Avenue, when I noticed the students crossing the road staring at me oddly. That’s not unusual for me. I don’t talk to myself per se, but if there is a way to stop your thoughts coming out your face when you’re not paying attention, I’m yet to discover it.
They all smiled, and one of them waved.
What a friendly lot, I thought, preparing to smile back at them. Then I realised I already was. Lost in thought about the Industry Night as I cycled home, I’d been grinning at them like a loon for several seconds.
As you’ll know if you’ve been reading this diary for a while, building community has always been a big part of Glasgow Tellyfest. Pick of the Pilots nights are about opening up watercooler buzz for great telly when it’s still in One Minute Pilot form. I love that strangers have ended up joining forces to make up a bigger team, and were still blethering as they went out the door.
One thing I noticed last year as I met hunners of industry folk to pitch them my idea to launch a festival, was that almost everyone was singing from the same hymn book. So many of us have had similar experiences, the same frustrations and realisations that the industry isn’t working building amongst us all. But because of the nature of filmmaking, we tend to be having these thoughts alone in our flats — so I knew that creating events where folk could chat and mingle, be inspired, form collaborations and brainstorm ideas, would be crucial.
And that is just what we kicked off last night!
We arranged a fantastic panel discussion with Morag Fullerton and Ashley Storrie, hosted by Paul English. They chatted about their experiences in the industry, shared insights and war stories and generally turned out to be an excellent double act. I’d sum up their advice with: just go out and do stuff. Don’t wait for permission. Blag your way in. Don’t take no for an answer.
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
One of my favourite moments was when Morag said, “what was that thing your mum used to say?” and quick as a flash, Ashley replied: “Trump is a c*nt?” Turned out Morag meant “get ideas above your station,” but I would say the wonderful Janey was right on both counts.
We also screened the first three projects selected by the public to be commissioned for No Mean Drama, gave a sneak peek of Six Hours, and best of all, were still blethering when bar staff chucked us out!
Last night was the first of many. We’ll announce the date of the autumn Industry Night soon — stay tuned!
