Currently...

Hi! I am Archie Brooksbank and I am a freelance film-maker, which basically means I make films from start to finish about anything and everything - except porn!

I started my own production company (Bladesman Productions) a few years ago which is going really well. To date I have made over 50 films for a wide range of clients. I've made all sorts of things ranging from promotional films to documentaries to music videos and beyond.

My goal is to become the next Danny Boyle (director of Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire) by the time I hit my 30s. Every day is different; usually I am editing or out filming, but the best thing about being a freelancer is that you choose when you work.

So if I hit the ales the night before and feel like death the next day I might just award myself with a lie in!

Before I escaped...

I was going to go into sports agency work but discovered my passion for film-making before I got into it.

Although I have always had the attitude of “make your vacation your vocation!” (AJ Brooksbank, 2002)

My moment of truth...

To be honest, I have always enjoyed either being in front or behind of the camera but never realised that that was what I should do with my life. I think the problem with most of us is that we are so institutionalised from a young age that we become blinkered to the true meaning of our existence.

“Big Brother” is always channelling us into the direction of the norm - school, uni, safe job that pays bills, house, mortgage, wife, dog, kids etc... the list bores me.

If you don’t quite get what I am going on about, watch the 1st minute of the Trainspotting intro. I am not saying that these things are not important... I am saying that this shouldn’t be the main driving force behind the wheel! You must do what you love and enjoy and that way you will live life and not just exist.

In 2005/6 I was studying Sports Coaching and Marketing at uni. I used to make little films on my phone and everyone enjoyed them, maybe because most of the crowd who viewed them were either stoned or friends of mine.

Anyway the enjoyment that these misfits expressed gave me confidence to make more films. I got better and better with every film and one day just woke up and thought F**K it, I never want to look back on life and think “WHAT IF?” so I changed my course to Film, bought a camera and some editing software, and went out and made films.

It was the best decision of my life. I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree and now run my own company.

Planning for it...

Studied Film at uni, did work experience, became a bitch for big film dudes and just got out there and made films. I've improved through every project and learnt new tricks through my vicarious experiences.

I managed a wine bar at music festivals in the summer that paid well, but in the beginning I blagged my way into jobs that I wasn’t qualified for and managed to get paid whilst I learnt my trade.

The worst and best bits...

When you love doing something so much and are passionate beyond belief, it doesn’t seem hard. I have no idea where I'll be next month and that excites me and keeps life interesting and challenging!

Best advice...

“Assumptions are the mother of all F**K ups!” (Joe Whelen, NZ, 2004).

Firstly, really start to watch films in a different light, pull them apart and ask yourself “why was the shot shown, how did they shoot it and what does it aid to the story?” Start to really think about films.

Secondly, get a decent camera (Sony Z1 or EX3) and some editing software (Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro), do a short course on how to use it creatively and get out there and make things.

Thirdly, get a script and think of how you would film it. It's more than just pointing the camera at the subject and pressing record; its about adding lays of symbolism and story telling. Learning in the film world is endless so you must be driven to be the best or you will be swallowed up and spat out by what is a cut throat industry.

Useful resources and information...

• http://www.creativecow.com" rel="nofollow">Creative Cow.com
• http://PlanetVideo.com" rel="nofollow">PlanetVideo.com
• CONTACTS, CONTACTS AND MORE CONTACTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!