My First Raindance Course - Was It Worth It?
Having written my first feature and with my eldest son halfway through his film production degree I thought it time to get a bit of education in myself and so signed-up for a five-part Film Producing course at Raindance.
Not knowing what expect I entered an inconspicuous doorway and walked down the stairway that led to the Craven Rehearsal Rooms, an old Cold War Bunker buried beneath Craven St a minutes walk from Charing Cross.
On arrival I was greeted with a friendly face, signed in before entering the room where the course was going to take place and by the time Mr Raindance himself, Elliot Grove kicked things off the room was full of eager Oscar winning wannabes.
Once Elliot got talking any sound of the Jam’s ‘Going Underground’ soon vanished from my head as I was totally sucked in with the knowledge and advise he so enthusiastically threw at me, leaving me more in the know but also more impatient to make my first feature.
Over the weeks different Industry professionals talked on their chosen fields with each in their own right educationally rewarding, but I feel a special mention must go to Charles Brescia an assistant director from the States. Charles advise and the way he put it over was first rate and worth the course fee alone and if he could have talked all night he would have done, he was a real credit to his profession.
So in summary if you are thinking of trying to get into the film industry then I can recommend this course as good starting point, with real industry professionals giving real and relevant advise. The only downside was the uncomfortable chairs.
I'm more enthusiastic than ever now so am now planning to attend the filmmakers Foundation Certificate in the New Year and I’m pleased to say this is at the very comfortable Apollo.
John Baker