Excalibur had an exclusive interview with Keith Lock where we discussed York, jury duty, and words of wisdom.
Q: As a York Film alumni, how does it feel to be apart of this jury? What did you learn at York?
As an alumni, it was very interesting to see the work of the current students. I think that being exposed to a large variety of types of films and filmmaking practices at York was very important to me. Film is changing and evolving all the time, due to new technologies and fresh ideas. The study of film in the company of your fellow film students creates a kind of group energy and results in an understanding of the media that is unique to each generation. The understanding of today’s film students will change the face of the future industry.
Q: What is the importance of showcases like these in your experience in the industry?
The potential boost these kinds of awards have is pretty clear, not just to the filmmakers personally but also to their future careers. York graduates are quite well regarded in the film industry and the winning of a York University award brings additional credibility.
Yes, this has happened to me. A film I made as a high school student won a UNESCO award in Amsterdam. After that the International Red Cross commissioned myself and co-filmmaker Jim Anderson to make a documentary for them. Winning any award will raise a filmmaker’s profile.
Q: As someone who is established in the industry, what is the best advice you can give to aspiring makers of film to get into the industry?
I would say to try to work with people whose work you respect. You will learn from them many things that you can’t learn in a classroom. I would also say to take interest in everything you work on. Definitely avoid becoming the jaded film crew type of person. Be focused and interested in doing your specific job. In my experience, playing the jaded cynical personality on set may be fun or relieve your boredom, but it is a career dead end.
As the red carpet unrolls, the projector rumbles, and the audience take their seats, its time for these York University students to begin their careers.
Nirris Nagendrarajah, Contributor
Featured image courtesy of Keith Lock
