Se7en Questions with Filmmaker
Velton J Lishke
Who are some of the artists or some of the works
that inspired you to get started in this field? Of today’s current artists, who do you draw inspiration from?
Definitely one of them has to be Shane meadows, I absolutely loved Dead Man’s Shoes. Also Christopher Nolan‘s early films like Memento. But if I’m honest, I draw inspiration from fellow indie filmmakers. There are some absolute brilliant films out there! Unfortunately though, with the industry the way it is some will never be seen, just the CGI induced blockbusters.
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
I guess the fund raising. It’s really tough when you’re at this level, even the BFI and Screen Yorkshire are only interested when you have achieved a certain amount of success. It’s also very tough to get anyone to actually watch what you have made especially in film festivals. Also, locations can be very tough with no budget.
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
The way other film makers help each other out. My community has also helped me out a lot. Also the creative side of things, where sometimes you are faced with a scene where money would normally solve it but obviously without a budget you have to get very creative. I never want to lose this, and the main thing is the friends I have made for life.
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
My favorite film I have made was one of my early ones called The Happiness of Larry, just because story-wise it is the best. I like to make films with a twist and this film shows it best. Visually, Double 7 Six was the best. Success-wise, it’s definitely Stag Do [Lishke‘s short, currently having a very successful festival run worldwide]. With my first feature film Clouds just finished shooting I have to say this was the hardest but most rewarding project I have ever done. Definitely with the cast I worked with and the crew, making it my complete favourite.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
I have just finished my first solo feature film, a mental health awareness comedy called Clouds, and it was all shot in 4k in a hardcore 13 days. It was tough and the days were long and there was some extremely difficult obstacles to overcome, but I think we have something special. Now it’s over to post production and while that goes through post I am currently writing a three-part comedy called Tribute Act and finishing a boxing feature called Touch Gloves, both planned for future productions.
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
In a few years’ time I have no idea. It’s impossible to tell what will take off and what won’t in this industry, but I will keep doing what I am doing no matter what. Ideally, I would like to be able to make films full-time.
As far as success, I already consider myself a success. Success is not always defined by financial gain, I have a wealth of amazing people I have met through this industry, I have an amazing team (Dave Thorp, Eddie Loveday, David J. Keogh), great friends, my fantastic partner Samie, my amazing son Brandon, and my dog Steve. Seriously, what more could anyone ask for?
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
I always wanted to be a stand-up comedian but was scared in case I wasn’t actually funny, so I guess it would be something simple like a butcher or undertaker, maybe.
