Hoops.....

This digital platform age has brought about a means where creative talent can extend broadly in a way that was unrealised compared to ten years ago.

My interview with Dr. Freddie Osbourne opened my eyes to a new era of film and broadcast that’s growing into our experience. An era where our audience is enthralled by the art of filmmaking that’s thriving from a new generation of filmmakers.

You might say, his title ‘Dr.’ suggests a high level of analysis engaged in film. Speaking with Freddie proved I wasn’t left wanting. His probing insight into the industry of film is such that he, among three founders, arrived upon the idea of ‘Peoples Cinema’. While having an Indian meal with the founding party, a unified vision emerged. It came to light that a bridge between industry and academia could be a fresh beginning for new talent. Cultivation - if you will, for graduate filmmakers to promote themselves via a website where the public vote for their favourite short film among a selection. The winning submissions are then propelled further by being aired on Sky TV.

A great idea - at a time ripe for new talent viewed via digital media. Freddie is keen to illustrate that while cultivation requires a foundation, the ‘watering’ in this case is very much initiated and orchestrated by the filmmakers themselves. They have a good opportunity to profile themselves to a growing audience. An audience that Freddie says he aims to open up.

Peoples Cinema is about inclusivity, connections, and raising profiles.

I can’t help but notice that this project chimes very well with an age that is much more aware of the importance and fruitfulness of inclusivity and connectivity. An emerging language being spoken by a society that belongs to today.

Fifteen years in the industry, winning awards and a teaching stint at Kingston University all make for good credentials to give birth and pass the baton to the next chapter into the British Filmmaker journey.

Freddie eluded to his love of basketball, highlighting his favourite documentary namely ‘Hoop Dreams’. Hoop Dreams is a 1994 American documentary film directed by Steve James, and produced by Frederick Marx, James, and Peter Gilbert, with Kartemquin Films. It follows the story of two AfricanAmerican high school students, William Gates and Arthur Agee, in Chicago and their dream of becoming professional basketball players.

The image of a basketball player shooting for the basket revealed to me what Peoples Cinema is in essence, a leg up, toward that basket/goal.

‘It’s good!’ exclaims the commentator. The Peoples Cinema is now live and ready to take all votes. www.peoples-cinema.com