Page 35 - Headingtonian Magazine 2017

THE HEADINGTONIAN 2017
Stephanie and Ben, David’s other assistant, getting ready for the New York premiere (David took the photo).
through, I play a witch called Ruby - a very small part, but a part all the same, and on screen long enough that friends have noticed. David thought it would be fun to have me in it, and I had to go to wand classes with Eddie to get into my role properly! When filming started, David kept adding extra shots of me but I also had to do my ‘real’ job at the same time. So I spent about four days dressed as a 1920s witch, dashing about with a phone and a radio and going to meetings, before being called to set! One minute it was ‘Steph, we need to schedule this meeting’ or ‘Steph, can you make notes on the script’ and the next
it was me on set, 200 people watching and David running over, ‘Steph, we’re going to have the camera coming slowly towards you, can you try to look really cheeky?’ Then back to meetings again! I think David probably found it quite funny having a 1920s witch running about after him!
Has working in films changed how you watch them now?
Before this, the different filmmaking disciplines all merged into one and I’d be aware of watching a good film or perhaps not such a good film! Now I find it easier to deconstruct
a film into its different skill sets – especially the script writing. The other big difference is staying for the credits! All of them! Actors get a lot of the acclaim but behind them are the hundreds of incredibly gifted, hard-working people who also create the movie, but rarely get recognized outside the business.
What’s next for you?
I’ve been a director’s assistant for nearly two years and it’s been an amazing experience. I now want to put some of that experience to work in my own production company, Erebus Pictures. I’ve written a script for a film called Chosen about designer babies and we’re
just in the process of finding a co-producer and director. It’s very early days but David Yates likes the script and has agreed to be an executive producer. Having a big name giving you the thumbs up is a real door-opener. The next step is persuading another 500 people to buy into your project! It took the producer of La La Land seven years to make the film
a reality. It’s not an easy process and kind of amazing when it works!
I’m also involved with DOTT, a forum I helped set up in October 2016. It’s really for
people like me who hate networking! It’s a more informal way to help up-and-coming filmmakers in the UK, especially female filmmakers, to discuss ideas and collaborate with like-minded people. We organise talks and Q&As with top directors, producers, actors and agents, as well as more intimate workshops with writers and production teams - from hair & makeup to locations and VFX. The aim is to cover pretty much all facets of filmmaking. Soho House, the well-known members club for people in the performing arts, has agreed to host our events. It’s a great place to meet!
Finally, what’s your advice for people who want to get into the industry?
Whatever your dream, there’s always a slice of luck involved. Getting your foot in the door usually involves some experience to show what you’re capable of, and plenty
of persistence. If you’re into film making, shoot short films on your iPhone. Look for internships. Write scripts. Try and meet people in the business. Be prepared to work crazy hours. And mainly, just keep going! If you believe in yourself, you can persuade other people to believe in you too.
Stephanie in costume.
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