All you need a great idea, a camera… and a teddy bear!
I just discovered that there is a brand spanking new Misery Bear webisode, starring KATE MOSS (!) released today for Comic Relief. You can watch above. Any film maker will immediately see the references to other movies, but for me, the uber-low tech way the Misery Bear films are made
How to rent and stream your film from Facebook… SELL YOUR FILM DIRECTLY ON FACEBOOK
Above is a great animation that really sets out the scale and value that Facebook offers ANY business, not just film. And on that note, I finally got Gone Fishing up and on Facebook! Users can now rent and watch ‘Gone Fishing’ directly on Facebook (click here to see it
Why Does Anyone NEED To Watch Your Film? DynamoPlayer After One Week… Thoughts, opinions and feedback…
So Gone Fishing has been available for one week on DynamoPlayer (click on stats image to the right for a bigger view). I thought I would share some of the comments that I have received via blog, email and other sites. On my blog and after the first post on
My First Visit To The Biggest Short Film Festival and Market In The World, Clermont Ferrand with Mazin Power
Did you know that the biggest short film market in the world takes place in the heart of France? Just six hours from London, with hotels that cost under 50 Euros a night? Should you go to sell you film? Film Maker Mazin Power decided to throw himself in at
Selling Your Film From Your Webpage With DynamoPlayer… How Did We Do In Our First Week?
So how have things played out after my first week with DynamoPlayer? As far as ‘Gone Fishing’, my Oscars shortlisted film goes, I have some actual statistics now. Yes these are skewed because of my blog entry last Monday, but nonetheless, they are real figures. Since Feb 19th when I
Are you ‘selling’ your film or ‘offering’ it? DynamoPlayer, real world case study…
Over the last few days my blog has gone into overdrive with traffic about my post on DynamoPlayer, the new tool that allows film makers to stream and charge for their work. But how does it perform over time? I asked film maker Audrey Ewell to share her experiences. She
More Important than YouTube, Canon 5D MkII and Vimeo..? Get Ready For A Film Makers GAMECHANGER in 2011…
Go on, Click the Play Button above… isn’t that a Game Changer? The last two years have seen more change in Indie film than ever before. There have been THREE major developments, First, the DSLR revolution and the Canon 5D MkII. This put high quality, low cost cameras into the
Podcast with PMD Sally Hodgson on her multiple IndieGoGo crowd funding success stories
Following last weeks successful podcast with IndieGoGo’s Danae Ringelmann (listen here), I promised I would follow up with a series on crowd funding. This is the second in that series, the final one coming next week in the form of a specific ‘how to’ article, but for now, here is
Why you should always leave feedback and blog comments
It’s a regular occurrence on the internet, ‘can we have your feedback / comments please?’ If you are like me, the temptation is to skip this and leave nothing. I ask ‘what’s in it for me?’ In reality, leaving feedback has a number of agendas / payoffs. Here’s the obvious
And another email from Hollywood! This time from Gen… and a guest blog about making it to tinsel town.
Gen asked me to post this on the blog, about her LA workshop… I knew for a long time that I wanted to make movies in Hollywood. That was my dream since, like many, I was blown away by Star Wars all those years ago. It was an incredibly powerful
I just have to share this extraordinary feedback about one film makers decision to go for it…
Note – this is the introduction video to the workshop (clip from the actual course below) REDUCED FROM £69.99 to £37.99 – SIGN UP HERE! The ‘Gone Fishing’ online Workshop is still on sale, reduced from £69.99 to just £37.99. Loads of film makers signed up after Christmas, to grab
Success is more perspiration than inspiration, but sometimes it’s the inspiration that fuels the perspiration… A masterclass in being a writer (and creative person).
This fantastic interview with author Anne Rice with her son Christopher, is peppered with insights, nuggets of wisdom and good old fashioned inspiration. And it is Laugh-Out-Loud funny. I recommend you clear your desk, make a cuppa, switch off your phone and listen, learn and be inspired. Onwards and upwards!
‘How To Film The Impossible…’ The Moment EVERYTHING Changed For Me
When I was a kid, I loved movies. But it never really occurred to me that film making was a viable career… that was until I saw this documentary. For me it changed everything. Of course this is the days before the internet, before DVD extras, before even the most
Interview with the writer of last years winner of the Reed Short Film Competition – Read The Script, Watch The Film, Meet The Film Makers
(NOTE – PLEASE SWITCH TO 720P TO WATCH IN HD) Writing a short script is much harder than it sounds. Those of us who have done it can attest to this. And so I thought I would share a podcast interview with writer and producer Stephen Follows, about his script
LinkedIn. Less ‘Social’, More ‘Media’… If you are frustrated with Facebook and Twitter, could it be the tool you are looking for?
This is a beginners guide to LinkedIn. I joined a few years ago but it’s just been sitting there until this week… It’s by no means an expert guide, just my experiences over the last week. Obviously I am on Facebook, with a number of fanpages and groups for various
Why digital visual effects simply DON’T wow audiences anymore…
NOTE – Watch the clip above FULL SCREEN I remember very clearly watching Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park and thinking, ‘blimey… did I just see what I think I just saw?’ Can that be true? When the T-Rex first attacked I was gobsmacked. It was amazing! But the honeymoon was
Amazing news from the Oscars for our team!
Last year I was Associate Producer on Stuart Hazeldines ‘EXAM’, a taught thriller set in one room. And yesterdays Oscars announcement was extraordinary news for one of our team… Stuart put it best on the Exam Facebook page… 'As EXAM blazes a trail across the worlds cinema screens it's important
The power of the question, and how to ask it so that you get EXACTLY what you need for your film
How do you get people to do what you want? What you need? Why do most people fail to get that thing they want or need? Answer? They don’t ask! It’s that simple. At least some of the time (actually I would say most of the time). How many times
Get ready for Cannes 2011… Are you going? You should be… Important DEADLINES
It’s getting to that time of year again when the Cannes Film Market and Festival looms. I thought I would share this video I made a couple years back about how YOU can get the most out of the experience. If you have been before, you will know just how
Why losing your notes MIGHT be good for your creativity
Yesterday I had a very important meeting about a commercial. I had done lots of work on the concept before Christmas and made notes for this meeting. The only problem I had is that somehow, between Christmas and the meeting, my notebook had disappeared. And so, under pressure, Judy and
Learn a little HTML for film makers and transform your web pages and blogs
Tweet The reaction to this weeks special offer with The World Class Seminar Workshop has taken me a little by surprise! I closed down the offer yesterday, but after one film maker pestered my over and over, I decided to keep the offer open. I will leave the workshop reduced
Is your film this year going to be a world class, award winning, door opening masterpiece?
Note – this is the introduction video to the workshop (clip from the actual course below) I am running a special offer to help get your film made now… and not just made, but made to world class, career launching heights. You may know that a few years back my
Short Films on the film festival circuit, a view from one film maker… Chasing Cotards
Last year I helped out in the making of a short film called Chasing Cotards. I add my help was minimal! Ed and Sam who made the film have kept in touch as they entered into the festival experience. And what they told me was heart breaking, submission after submission
A guide to film finance and funding – are you going to get funded or financed?
Have you made a ‘film’ or a ‘movie’? More importantly, are you seeking ‘funding’ or ‘financing’? Some time ago I blogged about this cartoon by Alan Parker. I love it because it captures the essence of why I believe state funding for film is not always a good thing, how
Baba Yaga And The Monster At The Edge Of Your Story
Baba Yaga And The Monster At The Edge Of Your Story The most misunderstood character in mythology might be a witch who eats children. Most people see Baba Yaga and see a monster, a crone, a cannibal in the woods, surrounded by bones. That’s one way of reading her. But
Feedback for the 2026 Online Screenwriters Festival
‘Chris, you were a fabulous host and every guest had something useful and inspirational to share. Great diversity in sessions, too.’ Melissa Baumann Siebert / Screenwriter, journalist, author ‘Real people kept it real, no Hollywood intimidation, no filler, and real information. Loved it.’ Susan Holgate / Screenwriter ‘Amazing programme of
#ShitHappyPodcast with Toni Powell
I recorded this podcast a few weeks again and its finally gone live! Show notes below too… Filmmaker Chris Jones shares the wild, gritty, and deeply meaningful journey behind his Oscar-shortlisted short Gone Fishing, his early guerrilla films, dawn raids, near-catastrophes, and the self-development quest that reshaped his life. A
Writing Without Shame: Lessons from Erotic Author Helène Noire
Helène Noire did not set out to become an erotic writer in the conventional way. There was no market research, no calculated leap into a lucrative genre, and no desire to shock for the sake of attention. Instead, her work emerged from a deeply personal place: a need to write
AI Rights For Writers: Real World Case Study
The Publishers of The Guerilla Filmmakers Handbooks series have approached us about AI licensing. Right now it feels like we need to decline their new addendum to the contract. I don’t think what they are asking, in principle, is unreasonable. I think they NEED to ask or be left behind.
Timelapse Of Ealing Studios Redevelopment
For the last, what feels like two or three years, Ealing Studios has undergone a huge transformation. As you may know, I have been based at the studios since 1997 when we made Urban Ghost Story here, and I just never left. I have seen huge staff turnover, with the
How Chris Jones’ Filmmaking Programmes helped bring my new documentary to the big screen by Nick Horrell
My first experience of Chris Jones at full speed was in a crowded training room at Ealing Studios and stunned to silence by his assertion: ‘You are all filmmakers.
Making A Micro Budget Movie as a First Time Director by Eric Garson
I’ve written this blog for a filmmaker who is embarking on making their debut micro budget feature film. My name is Eric Garson and I am a British Film Director. My debut feature film ‘Trophy Wife’, was released last summer 2024 and is available to watch on AmazonPrime, Tubi, Fawesome,
What Can Indie Film Makers Learn From A 15 Year Old Found Footage Sci Movie From South Africa?
It’s been some time since I saw ‘District 9’, it was in 2009 the cinema when it was released to be accurate, so there’s been distance. I rewatched it a few nights back and it has really stuck with me. Not just as a great film, but for many other
AI: A Writer’s Secret Editorial Department
In the evolving landscape of modern writing, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful ally for authors, particularly those navigating the challenging waters of self-publishing. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Don McVey, author of the dystopian sci-fi novel “Karakorum,” who shared his journey of discovery with AI
One Day… THREE EVENTS!
December 14th is turning into the BEST day of the year! We have three very cool things happening, and YOU should really dive in and get involved. First, our Christmas Super Meetup For Film and TV… Tickets are free, and it’s happening at the Ealing Project in the evening. You
How Good Is AI At Giving Feedback On A Short Story?
This post is a chronology of events, of an experiment more than anything. To ask the simple question, in 2024, can ChatGPT 4.0 offer useful feedback on a short story? What do you think?
Why Do We Have Such An Emotionally Violent Reaction To AI As Creatives?
I have a lot to say about AI. And maybe I will start posting here about my thoughts. Maybe I won’t. I am tired of the division and inability to have a coherent conversation without shock and hysteria on all sides. But I do have one biggie to share.
Do you suffer from Network-a-phobia? Join the club!
Do you suffer from Network-a-phobia? Join the club! Recently, the Guardian posted an article titled, There’s nothing more excruciating than trying to talk to someone who isn’t interested. And I should know … by Adrian Chiles. The article begins, ‘there are few things worse than trying to engage in conversation
Can Writing Horror Shorts Be A Career Accelerator?
Chris Jones Talks Twisted50 with Lucy V Hay of B2W There’s still time to write your horror short for Twisted50 volIII, and this podcast with Lucy V Hay explores the best way to succeed if you do. Related Posts: Can you write a Twisted Short Story to be published in
Twisted50 Podcast: Why We LOVE 1980’s Horror Movies
We all love horror literature. We are guessing we also have a passion for horror movies too. And the high watermark for cinema terror is the late 70’s and 80’s. So. Nervously shuffle down the jump scare back alley that is the 80’s cinematic and VHS memory lane, with Chris
Welcome to Twisted’s Weekly Themed Writing Challenge
Each week between now and the close of submissions, we are going to throw out a writing challenge for the community. A theme if you like. You can still write and submit any story to Twisted50, and at any time of course, but the themed weekly writing challenge will offer
Why Your Biggest Challenge In Your Career May Not Be Your Writing
The truth? People get hired by people they know. And people who like them. You need to be KNOWN. You need to be LIKED. You should also be talented too. But the truth? Talent has no value if people don’t know you, or do know you, but don’t feel that
Twisted50 vol III launches… Can YOU write a 2,000 word Twisted Tale?
What is Twisted 50? Twisted 50 is a part of the Create 50 initiative, which provides writers with the opportunity to submit their short scripts and stories for consideration. The project was born out of the desire to create a mechanism for writers to get their first credit on a
Roger Corman: The Inspiration Behind A Generation
‘Every film would be improved by removing 15 minutes and adding a helicopter explosion.’ I have yet to hear a more incisive and fundamentally true quote from any filmmaker. Roger Corman was the granddaddy of the ‘fuck it, let’s do it’ generation of filmmakers that I stand shoulder to shoulder
Dealing With Analogue Documents in a Digital World
The time has come. I have a stack of boxes of paperwork I just can’t carry around any more. They are from projects spanning the last 30 years and in truth I likely don’t need the paperwork at all. But still. Should I toss contracts? Urghhh. Hence them moving from
Join us for our LondonSWF’s4 Online Launch Weekend FREE!
A Full Weekend Of Screenwriting Sessions From The Best In The World… FREE Form LondonSWF Join us for our LondonSWF’s4 Online Launch Weekend FREE! March 2nd and 3rd, we are hosting a TWO DAY Screenwriters Online Festival and YOU can attend completely free. We have sessions delivered by Robert McKee,
The Tuesday Online, LSFReplay: Character in Storytelling with Phil and Ted
On Tuesday we continue our series of LondonSWF replays, the very best of our past events replayed live. This time it’s Phil and Ted on The Importance of Character in Storytelling. That will take place next Tuesday at 8pm UK time…. When: Tuesday Feb 27th at 8pm UK time Where:
William Nicholson on Rewriting ‘Gladiator’ and Landing an Unexpected Credit
On Friday we begin a series of LondonSWF replays, the very best of our past events replayed live. We kick off with Gladiator screenwriter William Nicholson. That will take place this Friday at 8pm UK time…. When: Friday Feb 23rd at 8pm UK time Where: https://londonswf.link/Friday Anyone can attend free.