Filmmaker Series: Alex Bourne

Alex Bourne

Introduce yourself

My name is Alex Bourne, I am a writer/director, I also dabble in practical effects, masks, prosthetics all that good stuff and I am currently based in West Bromwich.

What initially got you into filmmaking?

I have been fascinated by film and storytelling for as long as I can remember. As a child, I remember watching films like; 'Death Becomes Her' and 'Jurassic Park', and just being entranced by the effects, I would always wonder how did they do that?

This would lead me to become curious about the whole process, I got my first video-camera at around the age of 11 which was great for experimenting with. I was constantly filming friends and family. Once dvd’s began to replace VHS, I would spend hours studying as much of the behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and directors' commentaries, as possible.

Who are your biggest influences and why?

I’ve always been a bit of a horror nut! There's something about horror, as a whole, that just evokes a broad and imaginative world. Some of my favourite horror directors are people like; George A. Romero, John Carpenter, and Peter Jackson (from his early career). They are all legendary filmmakers now and I think they stand out to me because they all started their careers making low-budget, horror films.

How important is film as a medium and art form in the world, today?

I think film as a medium is a unique form of art as it encapsulates so many professions. I’ve always thought of it as a collaborative effort and to me that’s what I love about it.

It also has a great way of bringing people together as fans. A film can be a great common ground to get people talking.

Do you have a set process when making film?

I don’t really have a process. For me, it's always been unique to every project that I’ve worked on. I draw inspiration from listening to music, looking at works of art, watching documentaries or sometimes just day dreaming and thinking of scenarios.

I look at projects that I think I can put my own spin on. I think all stories are remakes in a way so it’s more about finding a project or a story that you can show in a new or interesting way. I always start by writing lots of notes then try weaving them together, into a somewhat cohesive story.

What has been your favourite film to work on and why?

For me, I’ve had a blast working on most projects but the one that stands out to me is my slasher film, “Clownface”. It was hard work and stressful at times with some very long hours but seeing it all come together was like magic for me. Also the cast and the crew were an amazing bunch of people, it really felt like a family. It was a lot of fun!

"Clownface"

Written & Directed By Alex Bourne

Wild Eye Releasing 2020

Which genre do you enjoy working in?

For me, I always lean towards horror as a genre. It probably has the most subgenres and you can really let your imagination run wild! People seem to love to be scared and when you get to shoot a really gory scene, everybody on set seems to have a great time with it.

I also think that the horror community as a whole are full of some really amazing and diverse people who are very passionate about their favourite horror characters.

Is filmmaking your primary source of income?

No I wish! All jokes aside, I love working on sets and seeing a project come to fruition. It’s a labour of love for me at the moment rather than a source of sustainable income, but I wouldn’t be against being paid to make films, one day.

What is your definition of success?

Just doing it, actually making films! Seeing it all come together is what I love and define as a success. In regards to a film, I think as long as it gets remembered in some way, that in itself is success, too.

What advice can you give our readers, should they wish to pursue filmmaking?

Just get out and do it. Find local, like-minded people and get involved in as many projects as possible. The great thing nowadays, is that pretty much everyone has access to facebook which I find is a great tool for networking. As long as you have a passion for something and you're willing to put time and effort into it, then it will all pay off.

Do you ever suffer from creative burnout? How do you combat it?

Yes, all the time. I try not to put too much pressure on myself. It comes in waves for me so I always trust that I’ll find inspiration somewhere, it’s usually in the most unlikely places.

What projects are you currently working on?

I have a couple of things in the pipeline, two scripts I’m writing (which are taking me forever), as well as a collaborative, horror project which I’m not sure I can say anything more about, at this stage. I am also doing the makeup effects for a short, horror film next month which I’m really excited about.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to carry on making films. I have some ideas for future projects, I want to try new things and hopefully try some different genres in the future so fingers crossed I get to keep on doing what I love.

I’ve also decided to start my Masters in film and television production so always looking to learn more.

Lastly where can people find you?

Twitter: ClownfaceMovie

Instagram: Bourneeffective

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