Handlung

A look at the inherent difficulties which exist for independent filmmakers and actors struggling for their vocations and how the British Filmmakers Alliance aims to create changes that will benefit us all.

Without muckraking or apportioning blame, 'Fires We're Starting...' aims to explore the reasons why career paths into filmmaking and acting have become more challenging than ever in recent times. The documentary endeavours to analyse the inherent difficulties which exist and explore the various ways filmmakers themselves can take advantage of the progression in technology to bring worthwhile projects into fruition with low but realistic budgets - budgets which do not compromise safety, forsake cast and crew salaries and can, through their restrictions and limitations, enhance creativity and produce bold and unique results. Fires we're Starting... showcases the work and talent of up and coming actors, as well as filmmakers who have already taken the first step by producing their own shorts and, in some cases, features - demonstrating that there is a multitude of fresh and exciting undiscovered talent subsisting just below the surface of the 'British Film Industry' as most cinemagoers know it. We speak at length to members of the British Film Industry as well as aspiring filmmakers and actors (who can share their concerns for their future) along with sales agents, distributers, production houses, technology developers, film financiers, film executives and film critics and enthusiasts. We explore filmmakers' career paths to gain a better understanding of the obstacles they overcame as they fought for their vocations. In addition we will the question 'what now can we do?' to both ourselves, and some of our other business orientated contributors, in order to formulate a clearer picture of the possibilities that exist to us, if we can let go our resistance to change and adopt an alternative approach. 'Fires We're Starting...' unearths empowering viewpoints and, with obstacles examined and potential solutions discussed, presents a picture which is more positive than scathing or destructive and encourages us, as independent filmmakers and actors, to be pioneers for transformation at our level of the sector.—Katharine Collins