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Wilderness, a film written by Falmouth associate professor Neil Fox and crewed almost entirely by students studying both BA and MA Film and Television courses, is now available to stream across major digital platforms.
The film, which follows the fresh romance of jazz fan Alice and touring jazz musician John during an impulsive coastal getaway, was funded by Falmouth’s School of Film & Television using an innovative micro-budget filmmaking model that creates opportunities for students to work on professional projects. Neil said, “People had an idea of what we might make for that amount of money and that amount of time. When they saw it, they were impressed and realised that it can be something more ambitious than two people sitting in a room.” Behind director Justin John Doherty’s camera, it was Falmouth students who were pulling many of the strings. Students worked as camera assistants, production assistants, sound recordists, boom operators and location coordinators amongst other roles.
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Neil said, “Ultimately, the experience for the students was what funded the project. There were more than 30 students involved on the film at various times. Showing the students how independent films are made, by actually making one, and bringing them on set, is incredibly valuable… there are so many things you can do in a classroom, but there are limitations. “It’s why we make so many films in the school and why we try to involve students with as many productions as possible. It’s peer learning in a way that is so meaningful.” As well as involving students heavily in the project, Neil also collaborated with colleagues at Falmouth with specialist skills, including sound technician Jem Mackay and senior lecturer Rosa Mulvaney.
