Benjamin M. Falconer
23 November 2020
By Karina Caulfield
Photo provided by Benjamin M. Falconer
Benjamin M Falconer is an Edinburgh based filmmaker who is currently in his 4th year of Screen Academy Scotland. When asked why he decided to pursue film studies, Benjamin mentions that in school he was first interested in acting however, he later began to enjoy writing stories and directing them.
“Even as a young child, I used to write sequels to my favourite movies with my mum. So, a place like Screen Academy was ideal for me to develop my skills in pursuit of my passion.”
Benjamin’s favourite filmmaker is Christopher Nolan, praising his works, Memento and Inception: “I have always been amazed by the way that he creates interesting narratives and consistently looks at the concept of time and how it can be manipulated in a cinematic format.”
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Director Reel (2020) by Benjamin M. Falconer
The Florida Project, Gone Girl and Moonlight are also among his top films : “I think my favourite films often rotate…depending on the project I am working on, as the projects inspiring my writing, become my favourite.”
Benjamin also has a passion for music videos, noting directors, Jackson Tisi, Anton Tammi and Hiro Murai who have created content for some of his favourite artists.
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Throughout his second and third year at Screen Academy, Benjamin took a keen interest in his documentary and fiction modules. Some of his work included directing a documentary about a local community boxing club called It Takes Heart (2019) (https://vimeo.com/329293873): “This is one of my favourite projects that I have worked on as the community reception was really positive.”
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“Even as a young child, I used to write sequels to my favourite movies with my mum"
Another project, Benjamin highlights is, This Modern Love (2019), a ‘short visual poem’ about relationships in the modern age which captured recognition through a film competition. Both films are available to watch on Benjamin’s Vimeo account: https://vimeo.com/benjaminfalconer where you can find more of his film projects such as Carnival (2018) and WHY TECHNO? (2019).
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However, as Scotland went into full lockdown due to COVID-19, like many students, his course was greatly affected. In his last few months of 3rd year, Benjamin was scheduled to direct a short film. Instead this opportunity was cancelled due to government restrictions, forcing people to stay in their homes.
“The alternative to this, was a full creative document with explanations as to how we intended to shoot the film, along with input from everyone involved. Realistically, not the ideal situation but one that had to happen due to the state of everything.”
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This Modern Love (2019) by Benjamin M. Falconer
Lockdown proved to be difficult time to stay motivated with Benjamin revealing it “definitely slowed down” his creativity. However, after being reunited with classmates, it inspired him to “get back onto the ball” :
“Being confined to my home and local area did not do much for me creatively…I found myself doing a lot of photography throughout lockdown, but I stayed away from film projects and ideas. I think once I returned to university, I got back into the swing of things and finally had reason and motivation to start thinking again.”
After restrictions eased, Screen Academy Scotland welcomed back students this September however, Benjamin’s course is now accessed almost entirely remotely. Despite practical classes such as camera workshops for cinematographers; all lectures and tutorials are held online.
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Carnival (2018) by Benjamin M. Falconer
Other aspects which have been altered, is the process of taking out equipment which now must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised before and after using. In regard to filming a project, Benjamin notes they are now briefed on how to prepare shoots in a COVID-19 environment, and "all filmmakers are now required to gain a free certification in COVID-19 filmmaking practice awareness.”
However, Benjamin feels the biggest change for him, is the absence of classes: “I think I really took them for granted and now miss being able to have little conversations with my classmates... I think a lot of creatives benefit from having interaction…and this is something that cannot be emulated in the same manner through a video call.”
Despite this, Benjamin views this unusual university experience is, “interesting to work around and definitely changes up the process as a writer and director.”
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"..creatives benefit from having interaction... and this is something that cannot be emulated in the same manner through a video call"
As COVID-19 continues to spread and restrictions over Edinburgh tighten, Benjamin believes the university are doing a good job of supporting students when they can: “There are definitely more tutorials being offered so that anyone with a problem or question can get the assistance they need, which is definitely beneficial! Lecturers are happy to have correspondence with students in any form, which is appreciated.”
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At the same time, Benjamin has recently established his own film production company called EH7Studios (https://www.instagram.com/eh7studios/): “Through this I am developing 5 mini projects for local businesses in Edinburgh just to keep myself and my co-creators busy.”
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WHY TECHNO? (2019) by Benjamin M. Falconer
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring filmmakers wishing to study at Screen Academy, Benjamin highlights:
“It really helps to prove that you have experience beforehand in any manner. Just get a camera and shoot something, even if it is a holiday montage that you edited on your phone. People come in with different levels of experience, so do whatever you can to make yourself stand out.”
It Takes Heart (2019) by Benjamin M. Falconer