I took a course with Elliot years ago. His knowledge of film, and film-making is vast and impressive. Every actor, writer and director should take a course or go to the awards. Here is the excellent article.
Frost Mag: When did you start Raindance and what was the premise behind it?
Elliot Grove: I started Raindance in 1992 as way to make contacts in the film industry. I started bringing over well known tutors from America. the response was astounding, and within a few months, British filmmakers started making films again. So I thought I’d start a film festival in the heart of London in the week before the now-defunct MIFED market, because I noticed a lot of acquisition execs hanging out at the Meridian Hotel on their way to MIFED in Milan.
I then learned a very painful lesson about British culture. Britains, unlike my native Canadians are very snobbish – and as they couldn’t see a government logo or brand on my poster assumed I was just another tourist. I was pretty much wished bad luck by everyone in the industry.
Fortunately the filmmakers in other countries saw Raindance as a way to launch into Europe and into London. The Festival has grown to the point were we outgrew various venues and are now housed in the largest independent cinema in the West End – the Apollo to be precise.
In 1998 I started the British Independent film Awards for a similar reason: to promote British films and filmmakers. This event has grown to become a keynote in the UK’s film industry calendar.
Of course, none of this wouldn’t have been possible without a few generous benefactors and team of colleagues and collaborators unequaled in passion or ability in London.
Raindance still proudly independent, and without any government support.
Frost Mag: Is this the worst time for Filmmaker’s?
Elliot Grove: This is far from the worst time for filmmakers. In fact, I think it is the very best time for filmmakers. IPTV and online distribution have kicked the old boys distribution model to pieces enabling anyone with good visual storytelling ability and simple and inexpensive camera gear to make a movie and get many many people to see it.
Frost Mag: It seems that every filmmaker comes into Raindance at some point. How does it feel to be the founder of such a creative hub?
Elliot Grove: I can’t take any credit for the hundreds of successful filmmakers I have been fortunate enough to meet at Raindance. Except to say that I, and my hard working colleagues are rewarded daily by meeting or speaking to the most talented people one could ever hope to meet. And that is reward enough for us!
Frost Mag: How important is the internet and how can filmmaker’s make the most of it?
Elliot Grove: There are two types of filmmakers: Those who lo the and fear the internet and social media, and those who embrace it. Any filmmaker or film festival without an online strategy is doomed in my opinion.
Frost Mag: Advice for filmmakers?
Elliot Grove: To make it as a filmmaker, you need to be:
– a great story teller
– be able to get your hands on a bit of money
– develop excellent interpersonal and communication skills
– be firm and be strong enough to draw the line when someone makes unrealistic demands of you
– understand and develop a strong social media presence
– have boundless energy and be able to work 100 hour weeks
– talent helps too, but is the least essential of anything on this list
Frost Mag: Who should we watch out for?
Elliot Grove: I am always asked who to watch out for. I really don’t single out individual filmmakers. we do, however, premiere about 75 features and 150 shorts each year by the most talented filmmakers we have found during the past 12 months.
I returned from Brussels at the end of June and I met some extremely interesting “Roger Corman” type producers there and this was most unusual and most welcome.
Several Belgian films will be playing at the Festival this year.